In the past three years I have being involved in ongoing research of cyberspace with regards to how brands can take advantage of the cyberspace to enhance visibility and credibility. My focus though had been on social media implications. With the result gotten so far, I can say with all modesty that I am becoming an expert on how social media can be used to enhance visibility and how to handle online reputation damage. I do know Google do not lie. Many brand generals have concentrated on owning the physical space but time is coming when owning the physical space will not matter again. One’s ability to own the cyberspace will count as our economy develops more. Presently out of hundreds of brand and Public relations generals we have in Nigeria, I am at the topmost list. When you search Branding and Public Relations, which are my keywords in Lagos Nigeria, Google put my name at number one. When you search the same keywords for Nigeria, Google puts me among first ten. That is a signal for future leader in the industry.
To own the cyberspace, the future business arena, you need to study and understand the rules; then identify your tactics. When this is done, integration will follow. To own the cyberspace in your niche, there are few guidelines:
1. Determine the vocabulary: The first process is to search your name and your niche on google and find out what google has for you. After this, determine the vocabulary you want to use when others google you.
2. Understand the upside, downside of not being consistent: You need to be consistent with this vocabulary otherwise you will be wasting your efforts. I suffered from this when I initially started. My effort was not focused so I constantly used olaito oluyinka and olaito yinka as my name online. This, google do not believe it’s the same person, so my initial efforts were scattered in google.
3. Listen and understand market needs: To be effective and own the cyberspace, you need to listen and understand market needs in the cyberspace. That will help in how to join the conversation and still be relevant.
4. The purpose: since the purpose of owning the cyberspace is to gain credibility and maximum visibility, the name with good grasp always lead and wins.
5. Digital communication: This put you on the lead. In fact this is where the heavy work is. Most people do not want to pay the price. Good content, good marketing is vital.
My admonition today is that you jack up your image and strategize to own the cyberspace in your niche. The person who holds the gavel in each platform will rule. It may not sound wise today, but tomorrow will tell. If you need help, we are available.
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You are correct in your assessment of the importance of cyberspace. In this day and age more people care about your online appearance more than just what you physical storefront looks like. Those who are not branding themselves through social media will be left out in the cold.
Some good information in your post. Thanks for the pleasant read!