LookupPage Blog | Professional Web Presence and Visibility

Online Visibility: So you think you really know what it is? Let’s hear it.

On a daily basis, it is hard to shy away from the intense media spotlight that is placed on Web 2.0 in an all-encompassing way.  Web 2.0, defined as socially mediated networks, and Enterprise 2.0, professional derived networking, are synonymously founded on the sentiment of our need for connectivity and creativity in creating a collaborated world in the social or professional forum on the web.  More importantly, these social or professionally mediated networks are moulding our media perceptions, and the very culture of the World Wide Web.  At the centerfold of Web 2.0, is a bustling hub of millions of people sharing, collaborating, inventing and creating. Rightfully so, comes our responsibility to define the commonplace terms that are frequently spoken and acted upon.

The Web 2.0 lexicon is extensive and evolving on an ongoing basis.  However, there is one term that people are constantly inquiring about: Online Visibility.  Understanding the origin of this term and its evolution are essential for taking the first steps to define it (or at least, attempt to define it).  So what exactly is Online Visibility, and how does it differ from Social Media Optimisation and eMarketing activities on the Internet.  The term Online Visibility originated circa early 2007 from Dave Winslow’s Analytics and eMarketing firm in Burlington where he explained the term as:  “The intersection of where social networks, web apps, and online identities merge to form a digital representation of a person or entity in the mind of the viewer.”  (DSGN + DVLP Blog).  The problem with this definition was its similarity to the original definition of Social Media Optimisation, a term coined in 2006 by Rohit Bhargava.

After reviewing the Internet for definitions on Online Visibility, our team came up with scarce or in the very least, definable results.  Only one blog has come close to producing a feasible definition for starters:  “The calculated, visual branding of a person or entity across multiple websites that forms a unified representation of that brand in the mind of the viewer.”

There are of course limitations to this definition, such as, where do search engines play a role? Can we manipulate Online Visibility with intentional and direct results?  Does this definition affect individuals and businesses on the same level? Can we say that Online Visibility is a tool? Does this defintion fit the criteria as a universal definition?  What exactly is "visual branding" (does this need a seperate definition?)

We would love to hear your take on Online Visibility and how you think that we should define it.  Constructing a universal definition depends on our collaboration to create and define Online Visibility as it affects me, you, and millions of others.  Please feel free to drop us a line, and share your thoughts!

Think Relationships

We are pleased to publish Jason Thorne's article on communicative branding on the LookupPage blog.  Jason Thorne is the owner of Thorne Creative, and is one of our valued LookupPage partners.

LookupPage: Great idea isn’t it?

As advertising our online presence becomes increasingly vital, LookupPage provides immediate results and fast-track up the search rankings. I’m impressed and hope you are too.

But if LookupPage provides the ideal gateway to your profile, how do you fulfill on that presence and establish your brand to find a new contact or win business? After all, that’s what it’s all about.

It’s good see most of us already have a logo. Good start. But how many of you decided that was that, once it had been designed? “Branding done and dusted. I can forget that now”. If this sounds like you I’m afraid you’re taking the short-term view which is already damaging your prospects.

Let’s put it in perspective. Think relationships. Imagine your brand as a partner or best friend. A new logo announces your bond to the world and impresses with the ‘wow factor’. But what happens when the honeymoon period is over and you’re tired of its ageing looks?

The knee-jerk reaction is to dump it for a newer model. But you could be throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

This is when the equity in your relationship comes into its own. If you understand your fundamental values, perhaps something else is to blame for your frustration. And when you feel comfortable about who you really are, a facelift may be all you need. It’s the same with your brand.

As with all relationships, sometimes we need impartial advice to keep things clear. Happily, building solid relationships is my business. As a brand communication company, Thorne Creative is always working with people to strengthen their core brand values and raise their profile through carefully targeted, creative communication. I invest my interest so you enjoy the return.

Like to know more? For further information feel free to get in touch. I’ll be pleased to arrange a no-obligation meeting where we can discuss your own requirements.

Jason Thorne

If you would like to contribute to the LookupPage Blog each week, then please contact us and we'll be happy to hear what you have to say.  - The LookupPage Team