| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | phrase being monitored. Ego Feeds work in a similar |
| Google is sometimes thought to be the bane of the | | | | fashion, except the alerts appear in a custom created |
| Internet, and it certainly can be a thorn in the side of | | | | RSS feed that updates whenever new mentions |
| search engine marketers. Many fail to look beyond the | | | | occur. For more information about Ego Feeds, see a |
| search of today, toward what the implications of | | | | related article at |
| indexing and storing information will have on future | | | | Control Your Brand |
| generations. Forget the slogan "diamonds are forever" | | | | The second step in protecting your brand is to take a |
| -- "Google is forever" is more accurate in regard to the | | | | pro-active approach to appearing in the top search |
| Internet. And if not Google, then some other search | | | | results when your name is entered into a search |
| giant will be able to retrieve information from previous | | | | engine. You can do this by offering interviews, reviews, |
| years within a few seconds. If something is online, it | | | | SEO, and writing articles or posting blog entries. At the |
| does not just "go away". Like it or not, the entire world | | | | very least, make an effort to control the top search |
| is being indexed and categorized, and will be | | | | results for your name. This will ensure that when your |
| searchable for years to come. | | | | personal brand is searched, those items will be listed in |
| Individuals today have a personal brand. Employers | | | | the top 10 search results. |
| and colleagues will search on your name, so it is | | | | Damage Control |
| imperative that you keep this in mind when posting | | | | If you find something that is damaging or harmful, do |
| online. You must control your online reputation. | | | | damage control. Control your responses, and behave |
| The web is not always a friendly place, so what do | | | | in a professional manner so it is clear that you took the |
| you do if you are not using an alias and someone is | | | | high road when the exchange is viewed by others at |
| posting derogatory information about you, your | | | | a later time. |
| company, your products, or your brand? | | | | Social |
| Monitor Your Brand | | | | The final bit of advice is to simply keep personal things |
| The first step in monitoring your brand is to setup | | | | personal. While the social sites are great for |
| automated notifications within the various search | | | | maintaining friendships, they are not helpful for people |
| engines, either via email or an RSS feed. This way, | | | | who have an occasional lapse in judgment. Refrain |
| you will know when you are being discussed, either in | | | | from posting pictures that show anything that you |
| favorable or unfavorable terms. For example, the | | | | would not want your mother or future grandchildren to |
| "Google Alerts" feature is a free service that will send | | | | see, or saying anything when you are mad or upset |
| email notifications to you when specific words or | | | | since we often say things "in the heat of battle" that |
| phrases appear in new search results. Simply use your | | | | we regret later. |
| name, company name, product name, or brand as the | | | | |