Switchfast Blog: The Future of IT
Building Online Reputation: Q&A Sites
Friday, September 02, 2011 by Michael Lewis
Reputation is an overlooked aspect of digital marketing. Sure,
there are companies that promise to "manage" your online reputation
and blogs like Mashable that post rehash lists about how you should
be building an online reputation. Yet, rarely do they provide
actionable advice. Building up a reputation is very important.
Branding yourself and your company can be an incredibly effective
way to grow your business. So how do you build a name for yourself
online?
One great way to build an online reputation is with question and
answer sites like Quora.com or LinkedIn
Answers.
As a small business owner you have accumulated a wealth of
knowledge specific to your field. You use this knowledge every day
to run your business. Whether you are making widgets or providing a
service, your success lives and dies by expertise. Quora and
LinkedIn provide a medium for you to demonstrate that expertise.
These two sites require users to tie their accounts to their real
names. As you answer questions people will be able to see who you
are and what you do. If you are successful, people will begin to
remember you and your business's name. Overtime, other users will
take notice and it will expand your network. It is not just
about putting your website or a service line out there, but helping
people out with simple questions. If you take the time to post
quality answers you will gain an "expert" status. Over time,
questions you answer are going to float to the top.
How do you take advantage of Question and Answer Sites?
- Subscribe to RSS feeds for specific topics. When you have some
time, scan open or unanswered questions.
- If you come across a question in your field that someone else
has answered well, leave them a comment. Taking part in a Q&A
site means you will be joining a community.
- Use the services search to find questions that may be under
other topics. Providing insight on topics connected to your field
can expand your network.
- It is okay to reuse content. If you come across a question that
relates to a blog post you have written, answer the question and
link back to your blog. Links are no-follow, but this is a good way
to help build a connection between yourself and your website.
- Take advantage of their social media integration. Do not be shy
about the fact that you are answering questions online. If a
potential client checking out your Facebook page or Twitter feed,
they will see you answering questions. Like a blog or portfolio,
your answers will demonstrate knowledge and expertise.
Once you get in a rhythm, branch out. Both sites have many other
features you will be able to use to grow your online reputations
and increase business.
Until next time -
Mike Lewis
Switchfast Technologies
Chicago IT Support &
Consulting
DC IT Support &
Consulting
Outsourced Marketing Services
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