Am I Too Small to Build an Online Reputation? No—And Here’s Why.

Ok so “anyone can build their online reputation”, but how do they do it? Here are the basics that you should start doing if you want to show up better.

Optimize Your Online Profiles

Before you start posting content, make sure your base is strong. Your online profiles should be clean, professional, and up-to-date. You should have a bio that lets people know who you are and what you do, with the right keywords to help you get found in the first place. Ensure your contact information is accurate and easily accessible so potential clients can reach you without hassle.

Your visuals also play a crucial role. High-quality profiles and cover images make a strong first impression. Your profile picture should help people understand your business. Whether it’s your logo or a professional headshot, it should be high-quality. Take note of your branding and if it’s consistent across your social accounts. Branding across LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms helps create a cohesive digital presence. Think of your online profile as your digital storefront—it should be polished, professional, and engaging.

Create a Content Plan You Can Stick To

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is posting inconsistently. To fix this, create a content plan that you can stick to. A content calendar helps you stay on track and consistent. Figure out how often you can realistically post. Ideally, you should aim for at least three times per week, if not more. If you want to see significant traction, increasing your posting frequency can make a big difference. See how you do with three times a week and gradually increase as you can handle it.

Planning your content in advance can also help reduce the stress of coming up with ideas on the spot. Use a simple content calendar to keep yourself accountable and to make sure you’re hitting all your content topics. For most businesses, this should be a mix of thought leadership, education, and entertaining posts. The key is consistency. Showing up regularly builds trust and keeps you top of mind for potential clients and for growing your reputation.

Prioritize Video Content

If you want to build trust quickly, video is the fastest way to do it. People connect with people, and video allows your audience to see you, hear you, and get to know you better. It’s one of the most effective ways to establish a personal connection online.

Not sure what to say on video? Start by answering the most common questions people have asked you about your business, services, and experience. Then, create short videos where you answer each one in a clear and concise way. These don’t need to be high-production, just you speaking directly to your audience. This type of content establishes you as a thought leader and gives your audience immediate value. Talking to the camera and answering questions is such a simple and effective way to grow your status as a thought leader.

Share Insights and Industry Content

Not every piece of content you post needs to be original. Sharing insights from other industry experts and giving your own thoughts can be just as valuable. When you come across an interesting article, don’t just repost the link, instead add a few sentences about why it’s relevant to your audience. Add your own opinions on other industry content. This helps keep your audience informed and gives you another way to share your expertise.

When possible, highlight success stories or lessons you’ve learned from your own experiences. People love real-world examples, and sharing personal insights helps humanize your brand and make you more relatable.

Engage With Others to Expand Your Reach

Building an online reputation isn’t just about what you post—it’s also about how you engage. Comment on other people’s posts, answer questions in industry groups, and respond to DMs to keep up a friendly and approachable vibe. The more active you are in relevant conversations, the more visibility you gain.

Tagging people in your content can also increase your exposure. Just make sure that you have a good reason for tagging them. For example, referencing a conversation you had, tagging an author in a post about their book, or someone who inspires you are all valid reasons. Tagging people gives you more visibility and encourages more discussions on your page. Engagement fuels visibility, and the more conversations you participate in, the more people will recognize your name and expertise (AKA giving you a reputation).