How to Use Social Media Savvy to Build Your Professional Credibility Online

Many people find social media overwhelming. Others avoid it because they feel it’s a waste of time. The reality though is that social media is here to stay and it is how most of us connect, find inspiration, and stay informed. Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, and it has also become an essential tool for building your credibility as a professional. Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook offer professionals a powerful way to showcase their knowledge, expertise, and accomplishments to a wide audience.

Social media can be a double-edged sword. It’s a tool, and like any tool, it can be as useless or as useful as you want it to be. You can choose to post cute photos of your cat (Guilty!) or post photos of you conducting a workshop or engaging with a client. On one hand, social media can be a great way to connect with people and build relationships. On the other hand, it can be a black hole of time-wasting, cat videos, and trolls. So how can you use social media to build your professional credibility without getting sucked into the abyss? Fear not, dear reader, for I have some tips for you.

First and foremost, be intentional about your online presence. What do you want to be known for? What kind of image do you want to project? Your social media profiles should reflect your professional goals and values. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun or show some personality, but make sure it aligns with your brand.

Next, be consistent. Use the same profile picture, handle, and bio across all platforms. This makes it easier for people to find you and recognize you as the same person. It also helps with SEO (search engine optimization), so your profiles are more likely to show up when someone Googles your name.

Speaking of SEO, be mindful of your keywords. What terms or phrases are relevant to your industry or expertise? Use them in your profiles, posts, and hashtags. This will help you show up in search results and position yourself as an authority in your field.

But don’t just talk about yourself. Share interesting articles, insights, and resources that would be valuable to your network. Engage in conversations with others in your industry or related fields. Remember, social media is a two-way street. You can’t just broadcast your own message and expect people to listen. You have to listen and engage with others too.

In addition, social media can also help you stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and trends, connect with potential clients and collaborators, and build a network of supportive peers and mentors.

Of course, there are some pitfalls to avoid. Don’t overshare personal information or opinions that could be controversial or offensive. Don’t engage in arguments or flame wars with trolls. Don’t post anything you wouldn’t want your boss or grandma to see.

By regularly sharing your insights and ideas through social media, you can demonstrate your expertise and build a strong reputation as a knowledgeable and trustworthy professional.

By actively engaging on social media, sharing valuable content, and cultivating relationships with other professionals in your industry, you can establish yourself as a thought leader and trusted authority in your field. This can help you build your personal brand and increase your visibility, which can in turn open up new career opportunities and help you advance in your industry.

As mentioned in my previous article, Socialize Your Expertise: A Guide to Mastering Every Social Media Channel for Professional Success, “When people are looking for service providers and searching for solutions to their problems, you want to make sure that you are at the top of the pack. Social media is a great tool for making sure that happens. It gives people the opportunity to not only find you but validate you.”

To help you decide where to spend your time, figure out what features are must-haves, nice-to-haves, or irrelevant for showcasing your skills and building a strong presence.

Strengthen Your Professional Presence on Social Media

by Michelle Gibbings

Finally, don’t forget to measure your impact. How many followers do you have? How many likes or shares does your content get? How many people are clicking on your links? Use analytics and insights to track your progress and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Overall, social media is a powerful tool for building your credibility as a professional. By using these platforms strategically and consistently, you can establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry and build a strong personal brand that can help you achieve your career goals.

So there you have it, folks. With a little effort and savvy, you can use social media to build your professional credibility and network. Just remember to be intentional, consistent, relevant, engaging, and mindful. And if all else fails, just post pictures of cute animals. Who doesn’t love that?