Sometimes you do want that mention so you can stand out!
I recently came across this post on the blog for the web-developers site MoPro.com and thought they did a nice job with simplifying some key steps to getting your site and presence on the web stronger. For the full article click here. Essentially they key points includes the following with some editorialization by me. It must have been looking at this image I took this summer while typing this that inspired my reflective thinking today about standing out in a crowd.
1. Create a sitemap and submit it.
Google actually has a great link for this here . Since its where you want to integrate too ,Its always good to start with them then expand your search. Several online tools exist for creating sitemaps as well and found this blog post on SEMrush helpful as a starting place read.
2. Submit your URL.
Yes this means you actually submit it to Google. Here are a few places to review on the hows and whys;
But the actual submission is done here (you will need to login in) URL Submission page.
3. Set up your Google Analytics.
When I was first starting out – I understood this in concept – but found it somewhat confusing until I realized that if you don’t know the place to add the code, it won’t make sense. If you aren’t super tech savvy – this is a place you want to talk to those that are on the best place to add your code. First steps of this if set up a Google Analytics account. A good link on setting up the tracking can be found here
4. Link to your site on social media.
Duh, no brainer right – well you would be surprised how many people forget this step. Some of that is because different people use different accounts and if you are ant image focused for instance – you might not ever use the instagram account, etc.
Before you start, this is a good time to establish your Social Media Landscape Portfolio. Start a file that lists each account, the objective, those who have log-ins and any parameters you use them for (i.e. one way out, promotions, etc).
5. Create and share content.
OK -I have a real bias on this – I am not a fan of so-called social media experts who essentially “push” other people’s content out on lists without ever developing original or at least “almost homemade” content themselves. In fact I have several folks, I stopped following as all they ever do it push other peoples posts out, without so much as a context or opinion. Not only do I find that less useful, I reminds me of teachers who use textbook provided lectures without ever really knowing the material or the “real-time contextual opportunities”.
So I say, establish yourself as someone who has something to say and have a viewpoint. It may not always be right or even timely – but it will be yours. Now this doesn’t mean you can’t “ever” push – but I tend to recommend for every 5 times you push others content out, you post 1-2 of your own original or “almost-homemade” ones out. This generally means 1-2 times per week or 3 times per month. BUT remember these can be visual as in photos that resonate with your work or themes, words, “moments in time” or as I like to call them “Learning Nuggets”.
Find your own voice, practice at keeping it consistent and create as much as your promote. Don’t forget include the suitable partners or memberships that add to your post.
If you are going to talk about this post for instance, instead of a post like “MentorSF echoes MoPro blog on was to develop yourself online” refocus the content (for twitter or Facebook etc) to use active links such as “Reading @FVStrona latest on expanding your reach with mentions from @MoPro, @goggle and more http://wp.me/p7MC7b-as ” with each area underlines as an active link.
About Frank Strona
As a nationally known writer, educator, advisor, technology, coach, strategic engagement and content specialist, I have been active in the pursuit to improve, educate and promote opportunities that support the engaged learner and business while also preparing the workforce with the tools and skills necessary to stay competitive in a rapidly expanding technology-based world.