The Importance of Internet Presence: Why You Need a Professional Instagram.

One of the popular questions I've been asked at events and panels is what I think is one of the most important tools for someone looking to pivot their career, or start a new career, go freelance, etc.My answer might seem simple, but I think it's vital.

You must have a curated online presence.

We all had 'the talk' in school about being your best self online to ensure any prospective employers don't find pictures of you drunk all over your Bebo page, but now we're grown up and not only looking for an employer (be it on a short-term, freelance, or subcontractor rate), you're also showcasing what you can do for people as a freelancer. You're advertising your services.

Whether you're on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram, I'd highly recommend being on at least one of them and, industry dependent, why not all of them? As a digital native, this comes as second nature to me, but I know there may be some members of our collective who need a little more convincing. I have two Instagram accounts, I have a lifestyle & bookstagram account @WhatLexySaid which is where you'll find an insight into my daily life and my love for thriller books, and my 'professional' account is @LexBrookman where you'll find an insight into my work-life, the tips I've picked up along the way, project insight, process insight, WFH recommendations, and more. I also use the second 'work' account as a platform for my work - I show off what I'm working on as a humble 'look what I can do (for you)' advert.

If you struggle to market yourself as a freelancer, putting your money where your mouth is and showcasing your projects (past, current, and ongoing) can be a more comfortable space to inhabit.I'm a regular chatterbox on Twitter (just the one account, here!) and I do often post to LinkedIn - my LinkedIn posts tend to be celebratory posts on projects that have come to fruition, garnered some traction, or are newly launched. I like to celebrate my achievements on LinkedIn as it feels like a scrapbook of a CV - a living CV, if you will - I think that way about my 'work' Instagram too. 

A quick scroll on my LinkedIn or my IG, and I believe a client would know whether I'm right for them or not.I didn't quite believe in LinkedIn when I stumbled across it, I felt it was too corporate for me, but with 850 million current users (the predominance of them being APAC based users, and typically the 'decision makers') I do believe it's worthwhile.

You can also get away with being a little more 'corporate' in your details - reporting on the KPI's you smashed, and the audience growth rate. Paired with Instagram, with a whopping 1bn current users, and potentially more of a creative, millennial (followed by Gen-Z) audience it's also worth being present there too - especially if you're in a more creative, or media-based industry. Your 'work' or professional Instagram audience should be like-minded creative individuals who are either DOING what you do, or NEEDING the service you're providing.I think, lastly, for me Instagram and my online presence replaces the need for a costly website.

When I first went freelance, I asked a few pals if I needed a website, and the answer was a resounding NO - they're costly, they're hard-work, and in your first foray into freelance-life, it doesn't need to be a priority.

QOTD: When you’re starting out would you rather have a website or an Instagram page?

HOWEVER - with all of that being said, it is of course, just what I think, and what I've found to work for me. I’d love to hear how you curate your online space, how you set your online boundaries, and if you’ve got thoughts on advertising your skill sets.