Build your personal brand with a .ME domain

We all have that one friend that has a million connections. They’re always active, working simultaneously on several projects, going from one event to another, and can connect effortlessly with ten people at the party at the same time. Have you ever wondered how they make it?

The secret is in building a strong personal brand that precedes you and attract new opportunities for even bigger exposure and networking. Getting to that point isn’t easy, but it’s not rocket science either. For a detailed guide on how to start building your brand, check here, but the first step is always deciding what do you want to be known for. What are the values, skills and experiences you want to be associated with your name?

The next part is taking control of your existing brand. You do that by taking control of all information that can be found about you online. Go through you social media profiles and eliminate anything that conflicts with the personal brand you want to build.

Then create your personal website.

In 2014, .ME Registry conducted a first-ever survey about the link between personal websites and career success. Results show that 84% of respondents have received tangible benefits from having a personal website. There is no reason why that couldn’t be you!

If you don’t know how to build a website yourself, there are many .ME services that can help you create everything from a well-designed landing page to a full-blown website for free. No matter which service you choose, make sure you choose the perfect domain name! .ME domain names are considered the ultimate personal domains, with 14% of website owners using .ME domains to showcase their personal brands.

It’s a good idea to explore personal websites to get some ideas and inspiration. Your website could be a simple landing page that features your photo and a short bio like Tony Conrad’s, or you can put all that plus your detailed work experience and recommendations from people you worked with, like Nick Macario did.

You’ll notice that both of Tony and Nick used their FirstNameLastName.ME combination as the domain name for their personal website. I recommend you use it too! The reasoning is that when people Google you, this will the first thing they see. Second, the combination is great for both personal and business purposes because it is not tied to any keyword but your own name. Your website can feature both your professional achievements and things that interest you personally. If this combination is unavailable, try your first name, your last name or even a nickname you are known for – these are all great alternatives.

Finally, make sure you promote your personal website and your personal brand by making the link part of your social media bios, email signatures, and your resume. You should also try to bring your interactions offline by connecting in person with people you meet online.

Ready to start working on your personal brand and reap the benefits? Use Name.com’s special offer on .ME domains (you can register them for just $6.99 a year) and start working your personal brand with .ME!