I joined the Search & Social Media Marketing course to gain a greater understanding of why it is so important to have an online digital presence. Throughout the duration of the course, I have learnt about many aspects of digital marketing from the basics of social media to advanced Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) strategies.

digital presence (CC) by Jason Howie

Coming from a video production background, the course has given me a great insight into the world of search and social media marketing and why I need a digital presence. I would highly recommend the course and I hope this blog helps you decide whether this professional development course is for you.

1. Your online digital presence

Whether you’re a freelancer, employed or own your own business, people will search for you on Google to find out more information about you. Setting up a digital presence is really easy and straight forward. Start by thinking and planning who your audiences, listen to them on the different social media platforms. Having identified the relevant topics, think how you might want to engage in conversations with them and then sign up for the most relevant social media platforms. Some of the most likely social media platforms in the UK are: Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

It’s worth having consistent branding (for example your avatar image, description and naming) throughout your social media platforms so people can be sure it’s you.

If you don’t take control of your online digital presence, Google and other people will.

2. What appears when someone searches for you on Google?

What would your first thoughts be if you searched someone online and didn’t find a result? Suspicion? Doubt? Having a professional digital presence is the new first impression. As opposed to the traditional method of meeting someone in person, you may be searched online before a business meeting or job interview.

Keep your personal and professional profiles separate if you’re the kind of person to post embarrassing pictures or statuses. There is a reason for the privacy settings on your Facebook profile – use them to protect yourself.

3. Are you hiding something?

Having no digital presence may make a potential employer or customer doubt who you say you are or think you may be hiding something.

For example in the UK, creating a LinkedIn profile would be a great start. This is a professional social media platform where you can showcase your education, experience and what you have to offer. If you are thinking about developing business in Germany the most useful social network might be  XING or in France Viadeo.

4. Become an authority

Creating and sharing (useful) content online will help you become an authority within your industry. This will also help you to keep up with your industry news and engage with others who are passionate about your subject area.

Through social media such as blogs, you can share your views and position yourself as an expert. It’s a great tool to expand your networks, “sell” yourself and your ideas to potential employers or grow your business dependent on your needs.

5. 24/7 marketing

Traditional marketing methods such a print advertising, leafleting or TV commercials only last for a period of time. A digital presence is free in most cases – the cost is mostly your time. It’s always online, 24 hours a day, no matter where you live. Anyone, anywhere in the world can search your name or business and find out all about you and engage with your content.

How the Search & Social Media Marketing course at the University of Salford helped me

If you have an interest in developing an online digital presence, this course will provide you with the necessary skills to get started.

The course is 10 weeks long and consists of a 4-week beginner course delivered by Salford Business School lecturer Alex Fenton (@AlexFenton) followed by a 6-week professional course delivered by his colleague, Dr Aleksej Heinze (@AleksejHeinze).

Each week has a specific topic delivered by the above mentioned lecturers followed by a talk and Q&A session from industry professionals. The talks included:

1. Search & Social Media by Phil Morgan (@PhilipMorgan) from Delineo
2. Onsite SEO by Nikki Stasyszyn (@Nikstas86) from Mobedia
3. Social Media Marketing by Greg Ashton (@grgashton) from Reason Digital
4. How not to do SEO & Social Media by Richard George (@richgeorge) from MEC Global
5. Advanced Keyword Research by Sean Bell from Fast Web Media
6. Advanced Search and Social Media Tools, Techniques and Analysis by Paul Delaney (@DelaneyPaul) from Vizeum
7. Advanced Link Building by Dave Nicoll (@DTNicoll) from Monocore
8. Social Media and the impact of Web 2.0 by Tom Mason (@totmac) from Delineo
9. Analytics by Phil Wright by (@transparenceweb) from MediaCom and a live brief from Ian Mills from Dough Boy Pizza Van (@DB_Pizza_Van)

Would you like to develop your online digital presence? If your answer is yes, this course will definitely provide you the tools and techniques to get started. If you would like more information, please get in-touch with me or share your comments below.

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