When was the last time you conducted an audit of your online professional brand? What about that of the organization you work for? What is your social media strategy saying about you and/or the products and services that you offer?
One of the things I teach in my Stratemy workshops is the importance of having a consistent brand name and image across your various social media platforms. For example, consider the branding strategy (or lack thereof) being employed by the fictitious company, ABC House of Branding. Notice the inconsistency:
Unfortunately, I see this type of pattern with many online professional and organizational brands. Actually, my own brand looked this way at one time. However, I am learning that having different brand names and images across my social media platforms sends subtle signals about me and what I have to offer. Despite my best intentions, my prior inconsistency suggested that I was:
- Disorganized
- Unreliable
- Unintentional
- Unpredictable
- Not thoughtful
- Not strategic
- Not forward-looking
As soon as possible, perform an audit of your organization’s or personal social media presence. If your brand and/or image is inconsistent, strongly consider making the change. You and your customers/audience will be glad you did.
- Be consistent with your brand name and image.
- Customers make inferences about your product or service based on your brand.
- Consistency makes it easier for current and potential customers to find you online.
