Tuesday, November 5, 2013

How to Create Your Online Brand: A Content Marketing Blueprint for Students and Job Seekers

Virtual Andy Provided Personal Branding Tips!


Many thanks to +Andy Crestodina for hanging out virtually in my social media class last week.  Through a Google+ hangout, Andy shared some tips on content marketing and personal branding, particularly how shared content can be used for students who are seeking start their careers.  One of the things Andy suggested was starting a blog and posting content maybe twice a month.  The blog should be in a field in which the student is an expert or can establish credibility.  +LaNeysha Campbell  in my class is doing a blog on how to be a college student on a budget, for example.

Content marketing, blogging, social media marketing
Andy Crestodina addresses Social Media Marketing at AU on 10/31/13

How to Create a "Readable" Blog


Andy reminded us of good blogging practices.  These practices are designed for 'readability' and include:

  • Use paragraphs of no more than three sentences
  • Use a catchy title
  • Use Headings and Subheadings to increase readability
  • Pick a topic that interests people

A Quick Blueprint for Personal Content Marketing


Andy also shared a quick blueprint for content marketing as a personal strategy.   As we have discussed in class, Andy recommended creating and posting relevant content twice a week to groups/circles meaningful to your future career.  He suggested commenting on others' posts and connecting with those in your aspirational area of employment.

Sometimes, Just Pick up the Phone


One thing that I really appreciated was that Andy told the students not to forget about offline methods of communication.  He said, and I agree, that just picking up the phone to talk to someone you have met online will have a big impact, especially if you have something to contribute to the conversation.  Reaching out with a phone call after the relationship has been established can help further the relationship and lead to valuable connections and, perhaps, a job.  Attending offline events can also boost your online networking success.


By Debra Zahay-Blatz.
You can find Debra on  and Twitter as well as LinkedIn.

1 comment: