We had an interesting conversation this morning in the WORD-right copywriting office after David McCarthy spent some time trying to find someone online.  This person is an accountant with her own practice.  He found her website, but no mention of her name anywhere online.

A staggering number of people who provide professional services don’t actually use their name on their websites.  Instead, they hide behind an anonymous company name.  In my opinion, this is a big mistake, because people search online for people.

You are much more memorable than your company.  That’s because you are a real person!  If for example, you’ve met someone at a networking meeting, they are much more likely to remember your name is John Smith and you’re a marketing consultant, than trying to remember something like JMS Associates.

If someone recommends your services, the chances are they’ll say something like, “Speak to John Smith – he’s really good. I don’t remember his company name, but you’ll find him online”  Now if John Smith can’t be found online, he might be losing valuable opportunities.

We regularly see traffic on our website or our blog from people searching for others – perhaps their name is at the bottom of a testimonial or they have been mentioned in our blog.  Yet they don’t have a presence on their own website – they are invisible!

So if you run a small service business and you want referrals, make sure people can find you.  Get your name on your website,and on sites like LinkedIn and make it easy for people to contact you.

Google your name now and again and if you’re not there do something about it – make sure you’re not the Invisible Man (or woman).

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