Reflecting your identity through digital communication

In today’s increasingly digital world, professionals conduct much of their communications and collaboration with customers and co-workers online.

Emails, instant messages, video conferences, and other digital channels make up a significant portion of business interactions nowadays. This provides ample opportunities for individuals to convey professionalism, build credibility and trust, and strengthen their personal brand through intentional digital communication strategies.

Throughout this article, we will be exploring the importance of building a robust digital identity when communicating through online mediums and how can professionals enhance their credibility and project a trustworthy image by using the most impactful tools available in the marketplace.

The components of a professional digital identity

The impression one makes in the digital space starts with seemingly minor details that build a cohesive professional identity when combined.

Email signatures

An email signature acts as a quick advertisement for your brand – whether personal or for an organization. It’s included at the bottom of every email, making it a repeated touchpoint to convey competence. A professional email signature usually includes:

• Full name and title/position/profession.
• Company name.
• Contact information (phone and email at least).
• Company logo and/or brand colors.
• Social media accounts.

Additionally, optimized signatures feature brief taglines highlighting the services provided or areas of expertise. This further builds authority and trust. For example, “John Smith – Business Consultant Specializing Digital Communication Strategy”.

Multiple software companies offer email signature generators that allow professionals to easily create sophisticated and stylish signatures that include many different elements that convey value and trustworthiness to the people they communicate with. These are tools that can be seamlessly integrated with the most popular email platforms and services like Gmail and Outlook.

Instant messaging status

While instant messaging often feels more casual than email, status indicators still present professionalism opportunities. Status messages can be used to share the professional’s expertise in certain areas, availability times, and even inspiring quotes related to their work. Proactively setting statuses when online or away is also considered beneficial as it shows how much the professional values other’s people time and schedules.

Video call backgrounds

Video callers should carefully consider backdrop environments and camera framing just as they mind the apparel they wear during a conference. Bookshelves, diplomas, and sophisticated home offices can be used to reinforce their qualifications. Meanwhile, messy rooms or loud ambient noise are considered negative elements that can affect customers’ perception during video interactions. Experts recommend that cameras should be set at eye level and proper lighting should be ensured to further enhance the professional video setup.

Consistency matters across channels

No matter the communication channel, both the branding and tone must be aligned to strengthen a professional’s credibility. This can be achieved through consistent imagery, colors, and logos.

For example, coordinate email signature colors with instant messaging profile images. Maintain similar professional yet conversational language over messages as you would through speech. With so many different tools available to communicate with customers and co-workers, a cohesive identity is key.

Benefits of an intentional digital identity strategy

Professionals who optimize digital spaces to intentionally convey positive traits and expertise may see increased conversion rates and growth opportunities as a result.

Builds authority and trust

A polished online presence establishes credibility and competence. Business partners, clients, and colleagues instinctively perceive a professional’s aligned digital ID components as authoritative. First impressions matter.

Attracting new opportunities

A well-crafted digital identity signals professionalism and personal branding beyond the surface. As such, professionals who polish their digital IDs may be more easily appraised as expert sources or leaders in their respective fields, naturally attracting positive opportunities based on their availability and matching skills.

Increases conversion rates

Email signatures, online profiles, and consistent messaging help funnel prospects further through the conversion process. Warm leads perceive messaging alignment and the presence of intentional branding elements as indicators of product/service quality as well. When deciding between potential vendors, a professional digital identity may prove to be an edge.

Implementing your digital communications strategy

Now that we’ve covered the key components to reflect identity across digital channels, here is a step-by-step overview to begin implementing your strategy:

Audit online assets

Conduct an audit of any existing digital assets like email signatures, social media profiles, and video call environments. Take notes on current branding, themes, language use, and professionalism. This helps create a starting point and identify potential gaps between the ideal image and the current one.

Set goals

Define 1 to 3 primary goals that you want to achieve through refined digital communication presence. Do you want to establish authority in a specific area of expertise? Attract new opportunities in your field of work? Or increase client conversions? These goals will inform the strategic direction of your digital ID tune-up efforts.

Craft core messaging

Identify 3 to 5 main ideas, strengths, or offerings that you aim to convey with your digital identity. These will be conveyed through taglines, status messages, video backdrops, and all copy. For example, “Copywriter with Expertise in Creating SEO Content for the Financial Industry”.

Align digital channels

With the core messaging now defined, it is time to update all digital components with aligned colors, fonts, themes, language, and professional designs. Polish email signatures, social media bios, and video call environments to match your personal branding accordingly.

Continue optimizing

Periodically evaluate all digital channels and how you have progressed toward the goals that were initially set. Look for opportunities to improve alignment, build authority, and attract additional opportunities through a purposeful and consistent identity across all types of digital communications.

Conclusion

In an increasingly online-centered business environment, professionals hold the power to intentionally design their digital identities to amplify their odds of success. By coordinating core branding and messaging across digital communications channels ranging from email signatures to video backdrops, individuals can establish credibility, trustworthiness, and personal appeal, which can be translated directly to more conversions and growth.

Featured image credit: Marvin Meyer/Unsplash