Creating a good online presence



In today’s digital landscape, creating a strong online presence is crucial, especially if you’re in a field that relies on showcasing your skills, such as web development, design, or other creative industries. Your online presence acts as your digital portfolio, representing you to potential employers or clients before they even meet you. Here are the essential steps to build and maintain a powerful online presence that sets you apart from the competition.


How to Establish an Online Presence

Establishing an online presence begins with understanding who you are as a professional and what unique value you bring to the table. Here’s how to start:

  1. Build Your Personal Brand

    Your personal brand is a reflection of your skills, values, and the kind of work you do. Start by creating a clear, consistent brand across all your online platforms. Decide how you want to be perceived—whether that’s as a specialist in a niche field or a versatile creative. Once you define your brand, let it guide everything you put online, from your profile photos to the tone of your posts.

    Similar to a CV, your personal website should be clear in layout and straight to the point, with a clear 'window' into your other projects that fully showcase your aptitudes.

    Below are two links to incredible portfolios that have completely different philosophies in terms of design. Admittedly, everything is different, from design, to languages used, to skills portrayed, to even what exactly they advertise. Ansubkhan's website advertises his skills as a UI designer, while Bruno advertises his Three.JS course.



  2. Create a Central Hub (Website or Portfolio)

    Having a personal website or portfolio is essential, as it acts as your professional home online. Use it to showcase your best work, write about your process, and provide an easy way for people to contact you. Whether you're a web developer, graphic designer, or filmmaker, make sure your site is simple to navigate, aesthetically pleasing, and highlights the most impressive pieces of your work.


Choosing the Right Platforms

When deciding on platforms, think about where potential employers and clients spend time online. The platforms you choose should be relevant to your industry. Here are some common options:


  1. As the leading professional network, LinkedIn is essential for almost every industry. For web developers or digital creators, it's a great place to showcase your experience, connect with employers, and participate in industry discussions.


  2. GitHub (for developers)

    Any developer worth their salt will have a GitHub account with an upload history that's brimming with green little squares. This alone will help you stand out as it shows consistency and work ethic, or just a passion for development. Sure, some days bugs in personal projects will best us and there will be nothing worth updating GitHub with, or personal life takes precedence; This is not like a Duolingo streak, you miss one day, you lose; but really, consistency in practicing your skills is key in being noticed and more importantly, considered, by potential employers.



    Ideally, your commit history would split the difference between those two grids. The latter is not a savant committing his entire life to coding, but a Github Activity Generator script at work. 

  3. Behance or Dribbble (for designers)
    Designers, illustrators, and creative professionals often use platforms like Behance and Dribbble to display their portfolios. These platforms allow you to reach a community of like-minded creatives and potential clients. The emphasis on visual portfolios makes them ideal for creative industries.

Steps to Promote Your Work Online

Once you've established your presence, the next step is promotion. Here’s how to do it effectively:

  1. Optimize Your Profiles
    Ensure your profiles across platforms are complete and consistent. Use keywords that reflect your industry and expertise, so potential employers can easily find you. A professional headshot, a clear bio, and links to your portfolio are must-haves.

  2. Engage with the Community
    Regularly interact with your professional community. Join groups, comment on posts, and participate in discussions relevant to your field. This not only expands your network but also positions you as an active, engaged professional.

  3. Share Your Work
    Regularly post updates on projects you’re working on or have completed. Share case studies, write blog posts explaining your process, or post screenshots and snippets of your latest work. This shows potential employers that you’re consistently creating and improving your craft.

  4. Network with Intent
    Follow industry leaders, participate in webinars or online conferences, and collaborate on projects. Networking is crucial to getting noticed in any industry. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that might not be visible on job boards.

How to Get Noticed by Employers

Standing out from the competition can be challenging, but it’s doable with a strategic approach. Here’s how:

  1. Highlight Unique Projects
    Choose work that reflects your strengths and creativity. For example, if you’re a web developer, include projects where you solved unique problems or built innovative features. If you’re a designer, show a diverse range of work to demonstrate your versatility.

  2. Tailor Your Content for Employers
    Make it easy for employers to see why you’re a good fit. If you’re targeting a specific company or industry, tailor your portfolio to reflect the type of work they’re looking for. Customize your resume and portfolio for different job applications.

  3. Get Testimonials and Recommendations
    Include testimonials from previous clients, mentors, or colleagues. Recommendations on LinkedIn or quotes on your website provide social proof that you’re not just good at what you do, but also reliable and professional.

What Work to Include and Exclude

When it comes to showcasing your work, quality over quantity is key. Only include your best projects, and ensure they represent the kind of work you want to do. If you're evolving as a professional, don’t be afraid to remove older pieces that no longer reflect your current skills. As proud as I was of my first couple of projects, I wouldn't want to boast displaying "Hello World" with Javascript. On platforms like GitHub or Behance, you can pin or feature key projects to ensure they’re the first thing employers see.

How Often to Update Your Work

Regular updates are critical to maintaining visibility. Aim to post something new at least once a month, whether it's a new project, a blog post about your process, or even a relevant industry insight. Keeping your online presence fresh and active shows potential employers that you’re engaged and constantly improving.

Showcase Examples of Your Work

Whenever possible, showcase real examples of your work. Include links to live websites, apps, or other deliverables you've created. If you're a designer, share before-and-after images to demonstrate the impact of your work. For developers, provide case studies that explain the problem, your solution, and the outcome.

Advice for Students and Early-Career Creatives

For those starting out, the best advice is to start building your online presence early. Even if you’re a student or just entering the workforce, begin showcasing your projects and contributing to online communities. Stay consistent, be authentic, and actively seek out opportunities to learn from others in your field. Many creative professionals advise against waiting for the "perfect" portfolio—it's better to start now and improve as you grow.

Conclusion

Building an effective online presence is essential for advancing your career in the creative industries. By showcasing your skills, engaging with your community, and presenting your unique value, you can stand out from the competition and attract potential employers. Remember, your online presence is an ongoing project that reflects who you are and where you want to go—so invest in it and let it work for you.

While currently I am working on creating a personal website, below you can see projects I have worked on for college. 

https://github.com/BeKind622

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