There's a terrific article in today's National Post on how to raise your profile on Google. But first, let's consider why you might want (or not want) to do this.
In her article on page 13 in the weekend section, writer Brianna Goldberg writes about how some people use search-engine optimization (SEO) companies to help them either bury negative Internet information (those photos taken at the college frat party) or to enhance their professional Internet profile. In this case, Goldberg wanted to enhance her profile and so might anyone seeking new employment as many employers will Google a potential candidate's name to see what pops up on the Internet.
The top suggestion to enhance your profile is to get on as many social-networking sites as possible such as likedin.com, facebook.com, flickr.com, myspace.com and even youtube.com). Other ways to increase your web presence included blogging by setting up a blog just like this (It's easy and free on WordPress and it only takes about 15 minutes to do.) and then writing short, smart opinion pieces about your area of expertise.
You will need to wait at least four weeks before you will see tangible results from all your work. The good news is after a month or so of work when you do Google your own name it will show up on the first page and maybe even in first place on any Google search by any potential employer.
