Saving Our Students from Themselves: An Introduction to Web Presence Management

Abstract

Social networking screen names, email addresses, and URLs are commodities. Where businesses and celebrities are able to secure protection through trademark law, the common user has been left to fight for his/her name. An early adopter for a common name, such as John Smith, can capture the notoriety of being the John Smith, from whom everyone thereinafter must distinguish himself. Large companies can legally affect the purchase of certain screenames or URLs that correctly identify a product or company. For the average user or professional, a corporation’s vast resources are unavailable. On the other hand, a single user has the ability to, and not necessarily maliciously, command an audience with the proper choice of a combination of online tools. Because of the principle that screenames and URLs are determined on a first-come-first-served basis, naming rights have become a commodity, which is important for a strong online presence. A professional online identity can be as important as your tangible real world network. By controlling one’s online presence, one can avoid cases of mistaken identity and further command their professional reputation online. Securing an online presence through social media products can safeguard and bolster business opportunities for professionals, especially during a time of economic crisis and massive unemployment. Without utilizing social media’s limitless potential, professionals risk losing a dedicated 24-hour publicist, resume broadcaster, and personal SEO. This paper seeks to explain nuances in mainstream social media products, which facilitate better professional relationships by keeping one’s online reputation and digital professional identity secure. Key words: SEO; Internet; Social media; Web presence