In 2013, Forbes asserted that 56% of hiring managers claimed personal websites were their most effective tool in the hunt for leadership talent.
Fast forward to 2016.
Recently, an UBER driver handed me a card with his website URL on it. He’ll drive anyone any distance for the right price. In a flash, I pictured myself writing haikus and snapping artful iPhone pics with someone else behind the wheel.
My imagination was captured. Fair enough, you’re no UBER driver and personal branding is anything but one size fits all.
Yet the point resonates. Whose imagination have you captured lately and can a personal website up your game?
THE ANSWER IS YES.
But only if you do it right.
Even though there are plenty of DIY website builders popping up which promise that “you too can build a stunning website in minutes”, it’s important to realise that building a decent-looking website that actually produces meaningful results takes time, commitment, vision and a plan.
Before doing anything yourself (or hiring an agency to do it for you), ask yourself these questions:
- What is your site’s point? Maybe you’re showcasing recent work, seeking a new opportunity or establishing thought leadership. Or all three. Think it through.
- Who are your people? Knowing your site’s target audience is job one. Explore all of your existing and potential networks and decide whose hearts and minds you’re after.
- How do you want to show up? Craft your voice and visual identity with care. After all, your brand is at stake. Make each word and photo you publish authentic to you. Curate and share your most relevant existing content (white papers, presentations, videos). Steer clear of stock photos and hackneyed business jargon. Be the best version of yourself.
NEXT, CHOOSE FROM YOUR 3 OPTIONS.
Most personal websites fall into one of these categories:
An Online Brochure.
The Point: communicate something we don’t already know about you – think value proposition.
The ROI: simple, easy to maintain, another brand touch point beyond your resume and LinkedIn profile.
An Online Brochure With A Blog.
The Point: have something to say and write often.
The ROI: you’re forced (in a good way) to refine your POV as a leader in your field and become the author of your own story.
A Social Media Powered Online Brochure With A Blog.
The Point: align yourself with a clearly defined, innovative idea with a clear business outcome in mind. Step outside your comfort zone of your own website.
The ROI: your passion fuels a community and your website becomes the vehicle. Your brand just might pack more punch than you ever imagined.
Whatever option you choose, I’ll offer one last piece of advice for now: Trust your gut and take charge of your brand.
Channel Oscar Wilde and “Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.”
Source: B2C
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