We all have at least one friend who’s really taken to Zoom chatting since the Coronavirus started. Instead of feeling gloomy about social distancing, they’ve been organizing Zoom chats with all their friends, staying social and connected.

We may be sheltering-in-place physically, but it’s never been easier to be “out and about” online. Or, more important.

This is especially crucial for business owners, or anyone interested in building a web presence online.

Here’s why:

So much of our lives is taking place online at the moment, through video conferencing, online shopping, and live streaming events just to name a few. And since so many people are hanging out on the web these days, the chances of them finding you and your business are greater than everrrr.

Are you giving them enough information to learn about you?

Hopefully, the answer is a resounding yes, but if not here are five things you can do to start growing a personal brand—and a web presence—fast.

1. Grab your vanity URL – Your vanity URL is a web address that uses your name, such as susanjohnson.com. A vanity URL is a great way to start building name recognition for yourself as well as linking your name to what you do. Don’t worry if your vanity URL is already taken—tweaking your name slightly will still have the same effect. You might include your middle initial or middle name, add “the” in front of your name (such as “thesusanjohnson.com”) or include your title or industry.
2. If you don’t already have a website, set up a one-page site – It’s hard to build a brand and a web presence without having a place to send people to on the internet (think of it like your online home). Now that you have your vanity URL, it’s time to create one! Even a simple one-page site can be a great start to getting yourself out there. You can use a user-friendly and free tool like the Coming Soon Express plugin for WordPress to create a professional-looking landing page, then use it to highlight all the skills, talents, and passions you have that set you apart. Here’s a really simple version of a web page that’s truly enough to get the ball rolling.
3. Update your LinkedIn bio and social media profiles – Take a look at any web-facing channels you have and make sure the information you’ve included about yourself is current, accurate and reflects the key messages for the customers, clients, and connections you’re hoping to reach.
4. Gain more visibility by being vocal – A great way to amplify your presence and grow a personal brand is to start sharing your expertise in public. You can do this by commenting on other people’s blog posts on channels such as LinkedIn or Medium, or offering your insights or solutions in industry-related Facebook groups. The point isn’t to sell anything (at least not right now) — it’s to be a part of the conversation that’s going on in your space, and to position yourself as a thought leader and authority in your field.
5. Present at a virtual summit or host your own online event – There’s no better way to build a presence and a brand than to speak or lead in front of others. There are a plethora of online events these days on every topic, specialty, and industry you can imagine. Join in, either by pitching yourself as a speaker or host an event of your own. Not only does it offer your audience tons of great information and value, but it shines a light on your unique insights and points of view, too.

The best way to build connections right now is online. By using any or all of these five simple tips, you’ll be taking advantage of an audience that’s more captive than usual, while building a personal brand for yourself at the same time. Find out more: Share on X

With everyone staying in and distancing themselves from others, the best way to build connections right now is online. By using any or all of these five simple tips, you’ll be taking advantage of an audience that’s more captive than usual, while building a personal brand for yourself at the same time.