Netalot

Remember the saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’? Regrettably that is exactly how it happens. This is a universal truth. Looks count. How you present yourself and your persona will make a huge difference as to whether you are taken seriously or not.

How does this translate into the online world? Whatever part of you that is visible to people has to look good. Of course if you want to run a little blog just to tell friends and family what is going on in your life, then that basic design you threw together will do just fine.

However, if you wish to be a presence online, an authority even, you will need to have your presence honed to look the part. If that means spending some money to employ a good graphic designer then that’s what needs to be done.

There is no difference between the online and offline world. Appearances matter and your presentation of yourself will determine how seriously you are taken.

What would be part of this presentation? This includes the ID you have chosen. What name are you using to interact with your public? Are you branding your name or are you using some arbitrary nickname you’ve always had?

Have you developed a logo for yourself or are you using a good photograph of yourself? How do you present your opinions and your information when working in social media? Every bit that you put out online counts towards your image.

Are you fair and neutral when discussing points or issues within your niche or are you aggressively pushing your views onto everybody? What language do you normally use and how does that reflect on how you wish to be perceived? It all contributes to how you are perceived.

If you want to be taken seriously then you need to work towards that goal. Your content of your blog is important but it is just one part of your entire online existence. You will need to be in the company of relevant people, have the right visual appearance and voice the correct opinions.

If that all sounds somewhat staged to you, it could be considered to be just that. But that’s no different to what the big brands do. If you have ever worked in the design field then you will know about “corporate manuals” that determine what the visual images of a brand have to look like.

All colours and fonts of logos and company stationery are set down and may not be deviated from. Every bit of public relations that leaves the company is vetted and sanitised to ensure it falls in line with company policy. Spokespeople are appointed to handle the public face and unrehearsed speeches are not allowed.

Sure, you might not wish to have that much paranoia. However, being cautious about how you show yourself and the image you present, the knowledge you associate yourself with are important and will ultimately decide whether you are perceived to be an authority or not.