The Importance of a Digital Footprint

Have you heard of a digital footprint? Do you know the difference between a positive and a negative footprint? A digital footprint is created with the things you post and do online or on social media. Having a positive digital footprint can help put you in a better position for the future.

A positive digital footprint can be very beneficial for your future. There are many big steps you may have to take and making a positive footprint will only help. In the article “The Power of a Positive Digital Footprint for Students” by Jalger shares the importance of having a good digital footprint. Jalger states that “A person’s online footprint is becoming an increasingly important part of their online brand. It makes sense that people should be promoting their brand (name) in a positive light. If someone is working hard, being creative, helping others or receiving awards, then surely promoting these skills and achievements online is a good thing” (Jalger) It’s imporant to be sure what you are sharing online is showing the best version of you. When going to college or applying to a job the administration may look at how you show yourself to everyone else. Creating a positive look will set you apart from the rest of the candidates.

You need to know how to create a positive digital footprint that will positively affect your future. There are many different ways to do so. A certified social media strategist, shares a few ways you can make your footprint positive. One of the “easiest thing you can do is write a blog write about your internship or your senior research write about the things you love about the job you’d like to have” (Ratzlaf) She also shares some more advanced options like to write a press release or publish an e-book. Overall sharing your accomplishments and passions online will help show what you are capable of.

Now that you know what a positive footprint is and why it’s important you need to know how to bring it life and what you need to include. Like stated before, blogging is a great way to build your digital footprint. Angela, someone who has started her blog in elementary school, is a good example of what and how to blog. One of her blogs she talks about how “Although I’ve been quiet here, I’ve continued to do service work ever since I started this project. I’ve also helped other kids do the same by visiting classrooms and helping them start their own projects. This week, I began running workshops for kids who want to start their own Twenty Five Days to Make a Difference sorts of blogs, and I am starting a new challenge too for 2014.” Angela talks about some of her accomplishments and some things she is organizing that she is passionate about, these are the things you must include in your blogs to aim for a positive footprint. She also mentions how she is interested in design and social entrepreneurship and likes working with kids. By posting about her interests, events she has planned, and just her accomplishments is taking a big step in the right direction.

In conclusion, creating a positive digital footprint will help you with future occupations and shinning light on your best qualities. Using technology to shine a positive light on yourself will surely help you with important life changing events in the future. Put yourself out there and start creating your positive digital footprint.

“Footprints” by cjsimmons is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0