Tips for Managing Your Digital FootprintBeth M. Transue, MLSBoise State EdTech, MET ProgramFall 2012

Why?• Even if you don’t have your own online accounts, YOU are still

online• Pictures posted by others• Mentioned in comments by friends

• Your personal life is now open to professional evaluation• Example:• Facebook postings, links, photos• Twitter comments• Foursquare locations• Pintrest boards and photos

1. Google Yourself• Google yourself on a routine schedule such as every six

months• Don’t forget to do an Image search!• Use other search engines such as Bing, Yahoo, FB Search

Response to Strategy 1

I will Google myself at least every six months, and I will search not just web posts but also images. I will also search for myself on Yahoo and Bing. This is critical so I can know how I am being portrayed online, whether through my own or others’ postings.

I noted in the screenshot above that the first Google posts are about my current employment, and links to my main social

media pages: Facebook, LinkedIn, and Slideshare.

It does help to have a unique name!

2. Create social media presence with personal brand

• Portray consistent personal brand across social media platforms. Family, friends, colleagues and potential employers should see a consistent portrayal, rather than a confusing and contradictory presence.

• Think about how you wish to be portrayed. Think ahead to how this will be viewed in the future.

• Don’t be afraid to be personal; that is what social media is all about. But don’t overdo it!

Response to Strategy 2

I use the same photo and professional information to brand myself on LinkedIn and Twitter. I change my

profile photo on Facebook to keep it a little more

personal and fun.

3. Choose a dominant channel• Choose one social media to be your dominant brand, and

distribute content from this central place.

• This makes keeping up with your online reputation more manageable.

Response to Strategy 3

My dominant online channel is Facebook. I post personal and professional links, photos, and connect with a wide variety of

family, friends and colleagues through Facebook.

I use Twitter to post links about the intersection of library services and technology.

I use my personal blog (TechieLibrarian) to reflect upon the intersections of library services and technology. Blog entries

post simultaneously on Facebook and Twitter.

4. Tag Content Strategically

• Wise use of tags allow others to more easily find your profile and content through online searches.

Response to Strategy 4

I tag all my blog posts with appropriate tags.I use appropriate hastags in Twitter posts

I use tags in my personal profile on LinkedIn

Blog Tag Cloud:

5. Establish credibility• Establish your authenticity and credibility by posting

reflections on professional practice and linking to professional resources.

Response to Strategy 5

I typically post 1-2 entries per day on Facebook and/or Twitter that are professional content. I often receive comments from students and colleagues about the issues. This establishes my authority and credibility on campus and within my personal

learning network.

Example: posts from Facebook on my most recent workday:• Walmart stops selling Kindle

• NYPL revises plan to move books offsite• Why we need law librarians more than ever

6. Share original content

• Post original content from professional activities in settings that can be searched, shared, and commented on

• This increases your authority and credibility and relates to Strategy 5

Response to Strategy 6

I share original conference materials from instruction sessions, posters, or conference presentations that I create on Slideshare.

7. Customize Privacy Settings• Customize privacy settings. Create lists and utilize privacy

settings within those lists.

• Monitor for changes and updates in privacy policies and continually customize in response to changes.

• Realize that privacy settings are not perfect. Continue to be wise about what is posted even when using privacy settings.

Response to Strategy 7

I put all Facebook Friends into appropriate custom lists. When appropriate, I block specific lists from personal posts.

Example: my employer requires a Community Covenant for students. Faculty are expected to abide by this Covenant when

our lives “intersect” with students. This Covenant prohibits alcohol. Therefore, when posting pictures of my annual trip with

personal friends to Fingerlake Wineries, I block my “Students” list from viewing the photos. This keeps me within the ‘spirit’ of the Community Covenant while allowing other friends to enjoy

the scenic photos.

8. Post resume online

• Post education, experience and skills sets to various social media accounts.

• Post similar information to professional networking sites, particular if looking for employment

• Include links to social network sites and immediate contact information

Response to Strategy 8

I post education, experience, skills and contact information to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Slideshare.

9. Consider blogging

• Create a blog to reflect upon professional interests.• Link to related blogs• Comment on related professional blogging and engage in

scholarly communication• Invite comments on your blog. Respond to comments in a

professional manner, even when critiqued.

Response to Strategy 9

I started a professional blog, TechieLibrarian, in January 2012.Unfortunately I have not blogged since May! I need to create a

formal blogging schedule as part of my workflow.

10. Don’t Forget to Have Fun!

• Social media was made for fun! • Of course you need to maintain a professional demeanor

online. The above strategies can help. But no one wants to be friends with just a profile. Allow online friends and professional colleagues a glimpse into your personal life. You have the control!

Response to Strategy 10

This is why I love social media. I show bits of my quirky self, and get to see the same in others! I just think before I post!

A recent Facebook post about my crazy adventures as an Auntie:

References

• McGinnis, S. (2012). Online reputation management: A how-to guide. Retrieved from http://spinsucks.com/communication/online-reputation-management-a-how-to-guide/

• Tools and tips for managing your personal digital footprint. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/fullscreen/mikekujawski/tools-and-tips-for-managing-your-personal-digital-footprint/1

• Your digital footprint in a social media world. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/fullscreen/AntonRSA/your-digital-footprint-in-a-social-media-world/1