How to Become an Online Expert
If you want to get your business “out there” in the mindspace of Internet users, one of the best things you can do is set yourself up as an expert. Becoming an online expert can raise your visibility, build your personal brand, and draw more attention to your business.
An expert is a trusted resource, and when people see that you are associated with your business, and that you offer helpful information and ideas, you and your company will be thought of more often. Plus, if you brand yourself properly, your company will come up more frequently when potential customers search keywords related to your area of expertise.
Sign Up With an Online Expert Platform
As an online expert, you can share your knowledge with others directly, one on one. An online expert platform can provide you an easy place to offer help to others. You can provide coaching, advice, and other services. These platforms can help you manage your schedule, and even allow you to get paid for sharing. This is a good option if you want to combine consulting with your efforts to become an online expert.
Set Up Consistent Social Media Profiles
One of the most important steps to becoming an online expert is setting up consistent social media profiles. Social media marketing is a big part of today’s landscape, including business marketing. You should have two different profiles when you are on social media: one for your company’s brand and one for you.
You can mention your company on your personal profile; this is a good idea if you are looking to use your status as an online expert to bring greater visibility to your business. When setting up your social media profiles, make sure that you:
- Include a professional headshot in each of your profiles so that you are recognizable.
- Describe yourself consistently in your profiles, and use keywords related to the expertise you are trying to convey.
- Be judicious about the things you post, whether it’s on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or any other network. You want to come across as thoughtful and smart, and you don’t want to include anything on your personal profile page that tarnishes the reputation of your business.
Remember, as you build your reputation as an online expert and you use it to help your business, you want to appear professional.
Sign Up for HARO
One of my favorite websites is HARO (Help A Reporter Out). HARO is a great way to connect with members of the mainstream media, bloggers, podcasters, and journalists. Sign up to receive email requests from media, and you can be chosen as an expert for a number of outlets.
I’ve used HARO successfully as both a journalist and as a source. Answering HARO requests have even landed me on TV. As a journalist, I love sources that answer quickly. I’ve used sources that have answered my journalist requests in major publications and on public television websites.
You can boost your visibility if you persist with HARO, and even be added to some serious Rolodexes.
Write for Major Publications
While journalists are often paid to write for major publications, it’s also for pieces to be written by online experts, and you can increase your credibility and visibility by writing for major publications. It might be a one-time op-ed piece, or you might have an agreement to write blog posts two or three times a month. You might not get paid, but if your goal is to be more visible on behalf of your business, it might be worth it.
Your business can benefit from your status as an online expert. With the right approach and some effort, you can take up more area in the mindspace of the Internet and increase the recognizability of your business.
