How to Improve Your Online Presence (and Be Found for the Right Reasons)

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When was the last time you Googled yourself? Go ahead, open an incognito window and try it.

What did you find? Were you proud of it? Did it represent who you are today - or a version of you from years ago?

Whether you like it or not, your online presence tells your story before you ever get the chance to. And in 2025, that story matters more than ever - especially if you’re a creative professional, architect, designer, or freelancer building your reputation and career. Let’s make sure the internet is working for you, not against you.

Easy Ways To Get Online & Be Found For The Right Reasons

Why Your Online Presence Matters More Than Ever

Your digital footprint is your new first impression.

Before someone meets you, hires you, or buys from you, they’ll Google you.

A strong online presence can:

  • Build trust and credibility

  • Showcase your skills and achievements

  • Help clients or employers find you

  • Protect your reputation

You don’t need to be everywhere, just intentional about where and how you show up.

Start with a Simple Online Audit

Search your name on Google (and image search) to see what comes up. Then check the main places where people might find you:

  • LinkedIn | update your photo, headline, and “About” section with keywords related to your field

  • Instagram / Pinterest / TikTok | if you use them professionally, make sure your bio links and posts align with how you want to be seen

  • Personal Website or Portfolio | your professional home base (bonus: Google loves fresh content)

  • University / Company Mentions | check that your details are current

  • Images & Videos | remove anything that no longer fits your personal brand or professionalism

If your name brings up little to nothing, don’t worry, this is your chance to start building.

Update What’s Already Out There

Here’s how to quickly elevate what already exists online:

  1. Refresh your bios, make sure every profile clearly states what you do and who you help.

  2. Update your profile photos - professional, clear, and consistent across platforms.

  3. Add links to your portfolio, website, or key projects.

  4. Optimise your content, include your full name in image alt text, filenames, and descriptions to help search engines connect your work with you.

  5. Clean up old accounts, delete anything outdated, unprofessional, or no longer relevant.

Building Your Presence Intentionally

You don’t need to go viral, but you need to be visible for the right reasons.

Here are easy, low-stress ways to build your digital footprint:

  • Start a simple website – showcase your work, testimonials, and contact details.

  • Create thought-leadership posts on LinkedIn about your industry or process.

  • Use Pinterest or Instagram as a visual portfolio.

  • Write blog posts that demonstrate your expertise or experience.

  • Collaborate online, join communities, podcasts, or creative challenges.

Every piece of content builds a trail that tells your story.

Be Mindful About Personal Data and Privacy

Online safety matters. Protect your personal details just as carefully as your professional reputation.

  • Avoid sharing your home address publicly.

  • Use a PO Box for business or shop returns.

  • Keep private accounts truly private.

  • Review location tags before posting.

  • Check your email visibility - sometimes “contact” buttons reveal it.

If you’re self-employed, make sure clients and collaborators can reach you, but safely.

The Future of Being Found

Search is changing fast, from Google’s AI overviews to LinkedIn SEO and even ChatGPT-powered search. Your name, your niche, and your expertise are now data points in a massive online ecosystem. That’s why it’s worth taking a few hours to audit your digital presence and align it with where you want your career or creative business to go.

Quick Wins to Start Today

  • Search your name and review what appears.

  • Clean up old social media content.

  • Update your bio with your current role and focus.

  • Create or refresh your website (even a one-page version helps).

  • Upload a few strong, recent images of your work with your name in the file name and alt text.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be an influencer to have influence.

In 2025, your online presence is part of your professional portfolio, an evolving space where people can find, connect with, and trust you. Make it authentic, current, and intentional.

Because the truth is, people will look you up. So let’s make sure they find something you’re proud of.