What Does Your Online Reputation
Tell Your Readers About You?

For some, blogging is a full-time career or at least a very consuming hobby. Maybe you blog to enhance your professional life, or maybe you do it simply because you love it and can’t stop. Whatever the reason, the closer your relationship is with your readers, the better. And, believe it or not, your online reputation can have a lot to do with that relationship. Read on to find out why–and how.

If a reader looks into your online reputation, they may find all the work you’ve previously done. Maybe you used to write for a completely different publication, field, or industry and are no longer involved in that aspect of your past. Your readers could come across that and see a whole new side of you. This can act in your favor, as it shows what you can do in a different venue.

Readers can also see different factors and characteristics of your life. Maybe you just blog as a hobby, but your online reputation will most likely reveal different aspects of your professional life, which can add credibility to your blog. Remember, anything you’ve written online can show up, even something from years ago (remember that LiveJournal account you had? That, too!). You may be surprised what still lurks on the Internet!

Maybe you choose to keep your personal life out of your blog. Your online rep can possibly reveal this, so be careful. If you don’t mind your readers checking out your Facebook page (and you shouldn’t), just be careful on your postings. Remember what you already know: Whatever you say is out there for anyone to find. And this extends to all facets of social media and public forums.

Sooner or later, a reader will not agree with you or will have some sort of negative feedback for you. He may comment on your own blog, or maybe his, or even somewhere else online. As hard as it may be, you should try to respond. The way you do this will speak volumes about your character, and it will be something your readers can learn from your online rep.

Unfortunately, mud can be slung even in the virtual world. If you begin to see negative comments or postings or ugly bashing about you, or maybe you notice your readership is declining, you may need to start fixing that online reputation. Sometimes you can mend this yourself, but it could be that your reputation needs some professional help.

There are businesses that specialize in this field. You’ll know if you need to call in the big guns.