How to Create a Social Media Personal Profile Outline

Your social media personal profile outline is like a first impression. Make it a good one. When you join a new social media network fill in all relevant boxes and use words that grab other users' attention. Use your profile to draw them to the content you share. After all, isn't that why you joined the site in the first place? Create a distinct title, an engaging description of yourself, and include relevant links to your other content.

As with the articles you read or write online, you want your social media personal profile to have a killer headline. By killer, I mean that it is unique yet informative for other users of the platform.

While it is fine to use a title shared by other people in your field (Freelance Writer is one example), you want to stand ahead of the pack. When you are in the front, you are more likely to get the attention of prospective employers and to make new connections.

In the case of the title Freelance Writer, try to use words that are more creative instead. Examples:

• Top Blogger for Groundbreaking Technology Website, or
• Independent Writer for Leading Websites

Not employed yet? Advertise your strengths. Here is an example:

• · Freelance Writer with A Strong Drive and Strong Technical Skill Set

Stand out and be noticed. Not everyone reads the free form text you write within the body of your personal profile but many people do read titles.

Some Websites, such as Facebook, do not give you the option to create a title. Instead, sites may simply require your name for your personal page. If you intend to use the network to advance your business or to reach work-related goals, you likely want to use your real name. By doing so, potential employers can find you more easily. You will also be working toward strengthening your online presence.

The next part of your personal profile outline is the description section. While I prefer third-person text rather than first-person, as it is more objective than "I", you can use either. On my Google+ profile, for example, I use first-person language. There is a personal touch with the use of "I" and "you". If you are more comfortable talking about yourself as "she" or "he" then that is fine too.

Be concise rather than wordy, in order to keep the attention of readers. As with the title, be unique. Do not be afraid to brag about your accomplishments. Do you have specific interests that you are looking to connect on with people? If so, clearly list them in your profile. Try key words in bold or italics to make them stand out. Users tend to skim profiles rather than read word for word so the different fonts help the key words stand out from the rest of the text.

Also, be honest in your description of yourself. If not, chances are that people who find out you gave list false information will lose trust in you. You lose these connections. As social media is all about networking, losing connections goes against why you are creating the profile in the first place.

If you have a Website, your personal profile outline is a great place to insert a link. Given how interesting the text of your profile is, people will want to check out your work. They click the link to learn more about you and hopefully to sign on for your products and services.

Some social media networks let you add multiple links. Aside from your own Websites, also add other networks you belong to so that can increase the number of connections on those platforms too. This is especially important if you share different content on different networks; that way people have the opportunity to receive a variety of your posts and they stay interested in your content.

Now that your personal social media profile outline is set up, you are ready to socialize. Find a network (or two or three) and start reaching out to people. Make new connections. See you online... and I will stop to admire your profile!