Tech Corner
Your online presence is often the first impression you make before a phone call or in-person meeting. Protecting your digital footprint isn’t just about privacy; it’s about professionalism, trust, and consumer confidence. Here are a few key strategies to help you manage your online reputation while maintaining compliance and credibility.
1. Vet Your Social Media
Take time to review all your social media profiles, including posts from years ago. Tastes, humor, and personal opinions change over time, and something you shared years back could now send the wrong message to potential clients.
Ask yourself:
- Does this post reflect the professional I am today?
- Could this be misinterpreted by clients or the public?
If the answer is no, or if you’re unsure, consider deleting, archiving, or adjusting your privacy settings.
2. Keep Business and Personal Separate
Using a business account for personal use (or vice versa) can blur the lines between your personal life and professional responsibilities. This crossover can lead to compliance challenges and unwanted visibility into your private activities.
Best practice:
- Maintain separate accounts for business and personal use.
- Use your business account strictly for real estate content and client communications.
- Limit who can post tagged content, photos, or comments that appear on your business page.
3. Search Yourself, What Do Others See?
Here’s a simple but powerful habit: Google your name regularly.
When you type your name into a search engine:
- What appears on the first page?
- Are your profiles professional and consistent?
- Do the images and public posts represent the agent you want clients to see?
If these search results don’t align with the reputation you want to build, take action. Update your profiles, remove outdated content, and use titles, photos, and bios that reflect your current professional brand.
4. Think Before You Post
Every comment, photo, or share contributes to your digital footprint. Before posting anything online:
- ask whether the content supports your professional image,
- consider how it might be interpreted by clients, prospects, or colleagues, and
- remember, even deleted content can sometimes be archived or screenshotted.
Importantly, Rule 58A .0120(d) prohibits a broker from conducting brokerage activities or promoting their status as a real estate broker in any manner that discriminates based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability. Seemingly casual posts, memes, or comments, especially when tied to your professional identity, can unintentionally raise fair housing concerns.