Not only do you need a charismatic personality to sell your service or product but also a well-made profile that provides valuable information about you. There are plenty of media platforms which you can use, however, restrict yourself to only a few as it is difficult to maintain a long list of the same.
A powerful profile should have the following 3 characteristics:
Keep it simple and concise
“True beauty lies in simplicity”. Information in your profile should be easy to understand as well as short and sweet. Do not clutter it with excess information. Use simple words and avoid bombarding the reader with complicated words or words with double meanings.
Be specific
Explain exactly what you do along with some basic details. Do not run around the bush. Put your best foot forward. If your a photographer simply stick to it. Do not also add videography, editing and so on and so forth. Remember less is more. Be focused on selective jobs. “Not that the story need be long, but it will take a long while to make it short.” – Henry David Thoreau
Stay humble, work hard and be kind
Good advice, right? In the end what matters the most is the work you do. No marketing technique would benefit you more than the quality of work. These are simply add-ons. Let your work speak for yourself. Along with hard work, a pinch of humility and kindness would take you far.
Also, include the following in your profile to make it more effective:
Overview
An introduction is a foot in the door for your future clients to evaluate you and decide if you’re worth their time. Explain the type of work you do and why you do it for a living. You could also mention your knowledge of system and industry related software. Post or share industry related material that could benefit your potential customers. You could also mention your previous accomplishments and languages you are comfortable communicating with.
Profile picture
Upload a simple picture keeping in mind dimensions required for a particular network. Or else your picture may appear a complete misfit on a mobile application on the same network. The consistency of image across varied social platforms assures people that they have reached the right account. If someone looks you up on linked in and locates you on facebook, image consistency gives them a sense of validation. Just like with account names, uniform images helps develop a sense of immediate trust. It’s a very simple way to cross-validate your accounts on social media.
Use keywords
Keywords help to find you. Your future employer may be using keywords to find new employees. According to Dan Schawbel, author of Promote Yourself, your Twitter bio should position you as an expert in your field who serves a specific audience”. Any professional bio should revolve around keywords to get some extra focus. All social media profiles are reachable to some extent, so the use of specific keywords helps to find you easily for what you are good at.
Employment history
LinkedIn senior manager for corporate communications Krista Canfield says the more details, the better to add some show to your tell. “Don’t just say you’re creative. Make sure you reference specific projects you worked on that demonstrate your creativity,” she says. Share your previous work experience along with recommendations or reviews if possible. Do not get defensive on a negative remark but try to rectify it (accept and try to convince).
Use social media to your benefit. As J.K. Rowling puts it, “a good first impression can work wonders”. Create a lasting impression which leaves no doubt. Your profile is like a cover page of a book. Don’t judge a book by its cover is what they say, but don’t you?