Imagine this scenario. You have a freelance website, a separate blog, a few social networking profiles, an Etsy shop and so on. If you are an online business owner, chances are good you may own several properties around the web. Not all will appeal to everyone, but you never want to miss an opportunity to introduce yourself to someone who may be interested in your products or services.
You have two choices when you are a multi-business or multi-blog owner. Your signature could like like this:
Angie Nelson
ASN Virtual Services
The Work at Home Wife
The Best Direct Sales Companies
Facebook
Twitter
Or, this:
Angie Nelson
about.me/angienelson
about.me is a free site that allows users to create an online profile that includes a bio, photo, multiple URLs and social profiles, and more. You can then add this URL to you email, forum and other online signatures so that you never again miss an opportunity to promote one of your sites. This hub is one-stop easy shopping for visitors.
When visitors come to my “hub” they will find an introduction along with links to where they can find me around the web. I no longer need to guess which site(s) would be of most interest to strangers. Every way I can help them, they will find in one place.
This option is also perfect for business cards. You never again need to worry about ordering new cards when you start a new blog, business or ecommerce site. Simply update your online profile and keep handing out those existing cards. about.me has even partnered with MOO.com to give users free business cards. Just pay the shipping.
An even better idea is to take this a step further and invest in an exact match domain for your name, and install a portfolio theme. With about.me, you are “renting” space that someone else owns. I may use it for forum signatures, emails and business cards, but I am not dropping it everywhere around the web. If you have your own domain, you can feel confident using it more frequently. Unfortunately, if you have a common name like I do, you may find your name at a premium price. The .com for my name is currently $450 at GoDaddy. (That link will get you a $5.99 .com today. Use this one for a $7.99 .me domain.)
Do you have an online hub? Have you found it beneficial to your marketing plan?
Angie Nelson
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This is a cool idea. If I keep coming up with new projects, I am going to have to think about doing this! My signature lines are definitely beginning to get a little crowded.
I was thinking about you as I wrote this post, Anna! We have a lot of similar sites going. Some days I feel a little overwhelmed when marketing. You can’t list them all, but you don’t want to leave any of them out.
This is a great idea. I always struggle with what social media profiles to put on those tiny business cards. Now I don’t have to worry about it.
Sweet! I just started my About me site/page, but didn’t finish. With a conference coming up, I think I’ll refer to the site on my business cards. I tend to waste so much money by printing updated ones.
Also, I included you in today’s top 10! Thanks!
I always check it for the recipes. Thanks for mention (and the recipes).
If you can save a bucks on business cards, it is well worth the time investment.