Yes we know, it’s a bit strange for you to be lumped together in the same branded pile as some business. But never fear, there is a method to the madness.
Unless you’re actively avoiding the internet, pretty much everyone has a digital presence. Being virtually connected is just a part of life now. You are a brand because of your digital presence, whether you like it or not.
When you apply for a job, you can be pretty well sure your potential employer is typing your name into a search box.
Websites out there even exist where people rate individuals such as their ex’s, teachers, or freelancers.
Freelancers are a sector of people where positive online reviews can make or break their careers. Sites like Fiver, feature reviews of the freelancers on their site. Naturally, the more positive reviews a freelancer has, the more likely other people will want to work with them. And that starts a positive cycle of success.
Businesses, of course, have a brand. But because of the internet, the way a business’ brand interacts with their audience shifted from unflinching authority to a respected peer or friend. Company brands engage in a two-way conversation with their audience. Life-long trusted customer relationships rule over one-off transactions.
In a community-based brand relationship like this, positive reviews are even more important. According to research, people trust what third-parties say about a company over what a company says about itself.
