8 Tips for Managing Your Digital Footprint

Madeleine Gobidas • Sep 12, 2018

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Information about you is collected through your online actions as you browse websites, post on social media, write reviews, and purchase from online retailers. These actions leave a trail of data that make up your digital footprint and has the potential to be available online forever. It is important to be both mindful of online actions and proactive about managing your online presence, because potential employers, coworkers, and others you may want to impress are likely to turn to the internet to learn more about you.

To properly manage your digital footprint, you should implement these simple tips.

Take an inventory of your current footprint: Search for your name in Google, Yahoo, and Bing to see what sites and information come up on the results pages.
Pro Tip: Also check the image & video search tabs as well as common misspellings of your name.
Drown out negative information with positive social profiles, news articles, and websites: You may find some search results for your name are a matter of public record, e.g. marriage and criminal records, business licenses, property tax assessments, bankruptcy filings, and voter registration. This information is often shared with data brokers, is prevalent in the search results for names, and often includes personal information such as addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. There is little you can do to permanently remove this type of information from the web; it is best to focus on creating positive social profiles and webpages to drown out any negative information.
Pro Tip: Easy profiles to build that tend to rank high: Youtube, Google Plus, LinkedIn, Facebook, Alignable, Glassdoor, Pinterest,Twitter, and Instagram.
Be consistent: Upload a consistent, professional profile image across social media and email accounts. Keep usernames consistent and avoid using an alias or shying away from your legal name.
Pro Tip: Before uploading your head shot, re-name the image file to your full name.
Check your privacy settings on social media accounts: There is no long term guarantee of privacy no matter how secure your settings are on a social media platform, but adjusting your default privacy settings will go a long way in limiting who can view the content you share.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of the option to override default privacy settings on individual posts so your best moments are shown publicly.
Review and update social media accounts: Remove any of your posts, post comments, or images that may cause another person to question your character or values. Be sure to update information and images periodically to ensure your profiles paint an accurate picture of yourself.
Pro Tip: Delete any accounts you no longer use.
Create strong passwords: Aim for at least 8 characters that are a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Pro Tip: A fun (and memorable) way to incorporate symbols is with emoticons from the pre-emoji era ;-) <3
Clear web browser history regularly: Many popular websites store cookies on your device that enable advertisers to reach you across the web.
Pro Tip: Use the Incognito browsing feature in Google Chrome and Private browsing feature in Safari to automatically have your browser history and cookies deleted when you close out of the web browser.
Routinely install operating system, app and software updates on all of your devices: Not only do updates enable you to take advantage of new features, but many of them are done primarily for security purposes. Tech companies issue updates to fix any flaws that otherwise would leave them (and you) vulnerable to malicious attacks.
Pro Tip: If your PC is running Windows 10, then you automatically have a built in antivirus software, Defender, that removes over 97% of security threats.

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Why Local SEO is a Game Changer for San Diego Small Businesses

08 May, 2024

In San Diego's bustling markets, small businesses face the constant challenge of standing out in a crowded digital landscape. Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) has emerged as a critical strategy for these businesses, transforming how they attract local customers and compete effectively in their regional market. This blog post explores why local SEO is indispensable for San Diego small businesses and how it can dramatically improve their online visibility and foot traffic. The Importance of Local SEO Local SEO enhances a business's visibility in localized search results on Google and other search engines. For small businesses in San Diego, this means appearing in front of potential customers actively searching for products or services they offer in the area. Consider these compelling reasons why local SEO is essential: Targeted Geographic Campaigns: Local SEO allows businesses to target campaigns specifically in the San Diego area, ensuring marketing efforts are focused directly on the most relevant audience. This geographical targeting is more cost-effective and yields higher returns on investment. Increased Web Traffic: Small businesses can dramatically increase their web traffic by optimizing for local search terms and utilizing local business listings. This increased exposure leads to more website visits and potentially, more conversions. Enhanced Online Presence: Businesses can strengthen their online presence through tools like Google My Business, Yelp, and other local directories. Complete and optimized listings improve search rankings and give potential customers easy access to business information, such as hours, location, and services. Competitive Advantage: Many small businesses in San Diego may not yet have fully optimized for local SEO. Adopting these strategies can give your business a significant edge over less digitally savvy competitors. How Local SEO Benefits San Diego Small Businesses Implementing local SEO strategies can reap numerous benefits for a small business. Here’s how it works: Optimizing Google My Business (GMB): One of the most powerful tools for local SEO, GMB allows businesses to manage their online information across Google, including Search and Maps. You enhance your local search rankings and visibility by keeping your GMB information up-to-date and encouraging customers to leave reviews. Using Local Keywords: Incorporating local keywords such as "San Diego bakery" or "IT support in San Diego" into your website’s content helps Google understand where your business is located and what you offer, making it more likely to show your site to users in that area. Building Local Backlinks: Getting links from well-regarded local websites (like local newspapers or business associations) can boost your SEO rankings by proving to search engines that your business is relevant and respected in the local community. Creating Location-Specific Content: Tailoring content to reflect local events, news, or activities can attract local traffic to your website. For example, a blog post about participating in a San Diego community event can resonate well with local audiences. Mobile Optimization: With the increase in mobile searches, having a mobile-optimized website is crucial. Many local searches occur on mobile devices as people look for businesses while on the go in San Diego. Start Leveraging Local SEO Today For San Diego small businesses looking to grow and thrive, local SEO is not just a marketing strategy; it's a necessary investment. By improving your local SEO, you're enhancing your visibility, connecting with your community, and building a stronger local presence. Begin by assessing your current local SEO performance and identifying areas for improvement. If you need help optimizing your efforts, consider engaging a local SEO expert . With the right strategies in place, you’ll soon see an increase in local traffic—both online and offline—which can lead to greater sales and a solidified place in the San Diego market.