Paul Colligan (someone you may want to follow if you’re serious about getting your blog/website found online) talks about the ISYOT (“I’ve Seen You Out There”) effect. The ISYOT effect is a lot like the marketing term top-of-mind-awareness but it applies to being seen online – to the point that you’re being recognized on the Internet. Somewhat the same way you would be recognized if you were networking face to face in the brick-and-mortar world. So how do you do that? How do you build confidence, trust and name/face-recognition online? Paul recommends being seen everywhere using social networking sites, podcasting and media channels like YouTube. Participating on Facebook and LinkedIn, Tweeting, posting videos on YouTube…. all things that we know we need to be doing but if you’re a one-person-shop (or even 1 and ½ or 2)…. How do you get started? How do you make the ISYOT effect work for you?
I first heard about the ISYOT (“I’ve Seen You Out There”) effect when I was reading David Risley’s (free when you sign up) report “Six Figure Blogger Blueprint”. The term ISYOT stuck in my mind and I think about it a lot. Every time I see someone commenting on a blog without really adding to the conversation, I think about it. Every time I see a commenter with that generic grey avatar, I think about it. David’s report is at a much higher level strategically than I’ve achieved. I’m still relatively new to the world of blogging but I do understand building your brand whether it’s online or face-to-face. In the end, that is a key part of being seen out there. If you read enough blogs on making money online and making money blogging, you’ll soon learn that being seen as an “authority” site is an effective approach to building a strong and loyal readership. A big part of being seen as an authority comes from building your online presence.
Here are my top 3 tips on how to get started being “seen out there” and why it’s important to your business.
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Build Your Brand.
Don’t be a chameleon. Name recognition is not enough. Your brand encompasses your image, your logo, your colors, the URL of your website and your user-ID (whether it be your Twitter name, your ID on Facebook or YouTube or your user name on forums). Wherever you contribute or are seen online, be recognizable. Use Gravatar for your globally recognized avatar. Use an email address that advertises your domain name and be sure to include a signature line in your emails (and online groups when you can) that contains the URL of your website. If you tweet, include your Twitter name.
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Participate. Be where I am.
Just like with any business, if I don’t know you’re out there, if you don’t have that top-of-mind awareness, you may as well not exist. So, answer questions, participate and help either me or others. Comment on blogs and message boards. Contribute to the conversation. It counts. Seeing your name/user-ID and your avatar helps me to recognize you, the same way networking and showing up at those Chamber of Commerce or association meetings in the face-to-face world gives me a sense that I know you.
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Be recognized as an authority.
Whether your blog motivates, informs, inspires or makes me laugh, it doesn’t matter. If I trust you and your blog meets my needs (I get the answer. I get a laugh. I get motivated.) – I’ll follow you. I’ll comment on your posts. I’ll Tweet about you. I’ll Digg you, Stumbleupon you and I’ll promote you. If your blog helps me, I’ll be loyal.
How do you stand out in the crowd? Do people online recognize you? Do they know what you do? Have you been seen-out-there?
{ 56 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Sherryl, excellent post, thanks for the tips. As you suggested, the next step is putting the tips into practice.
Twitter: keepupweb
August 13, 2010 at 10:39 am
Glad you liked the article Kathryn. It comes down to building your brand. Check out Gravatar when you get a chance. If you already have a pic, you can crop it, upload it, add the url to your site and you’ll be in business. It shouldn’t take you long. I think that would be a good place for you to start.
Twitter: MyBusinessstart
August 12, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Love the term ISYOT (“I’ve Seen You Out There”). Still building my reputation so that people go ISYOT (“I’ve Seen You Out There”) with my profile. I know lots of people but now I need them to know me. Have joined for the recommended paper too.
I note that some not so good brands because of the constant exposure have a great presence in the market.
Roberta Budvietas, recently posted..Get out of stuck
Twitter: keepupweb
August 13, 2010 at 10:48 am
Roberta, I hope you get as much out of David Risley’s report as I do. I took notes from it on my first read and I find myself going back to it every once in a while. David’s report goes way beyond ISYOT and talks about treating your blog like a business not a hobby. The reason I mentioned his report in this article is that was the first place I ever heard about Paul and the ISYOT effect.
That video you referenced makes me feel soooo good. Like I am on the fast track. Many people say to me, “You are everywhere,” Or “I see you everywhere,” and “You keep showing up on my radar screen.” I guess I just shrugged that off and laughed. But NOW woohoo! Can I say I am ISYOT?
I modified my brand to a degree about 4 years ago. Then I’ve noticed in the last 18 months more and more focus on introverts. I’ve claimed and kept, America’s #1 Business Coach for Introverts but it may be time to rebrand because of all the newcomers on the scene. Your thoughts on rebranding?
Patricia Weber recently posted..Hello world!
Twitter: keepupweb
August 13, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Pat, That’s wonderful that people already know you. You probably don’t want to do any rebranding that would make those followers not recognize you. Who else are you noticing that is now focusing on introverts? Could you guest post for any of them? I’ve read a lot lately about how effective guest-blogging can be in driving traffic to your site.
I’ve been to your website before but I checked it out with fresh eyes today (since you asked about rebranding). It did get me thinking. Your domain name is prostrategies.com but from looking at your site, I don’t really recognize that as a brand. I don’t see the words “pro” or “strategies’ in your banner graphic and the pic of the car with the “Accelerate” license plate doesn’t really tell me about your brand. Do you have a logo that you use on your business cards? Maybe you could add a logo/graphic promoting “Pro-Strategies” to your site and keep the “Business Sales Coach for Introverts” as your tagline. – Just a thought.
Twitter: BestParentCoach
August 13, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Sherryl,
What I love about this post is the value you give the reader. It’s always nice to walk away with more knowledge or more endorphins circulating through the brain! Thank you for the practical tips and Paul’s link.
Twitter: keepupweb
August 13, 2010 at 3:36 pm
You’re welcome Keyuri! I try to add value when I can. David’s report is great if you want to grab that too.
Thanks for taking that time and then sharing all that insight Sherryl. I’ll talk things over with my webmaster and go from there.
Twitter: keepupweb
August 13, 2010 at 7:12 pm
Good luck Pat!
Twitter: m4bmarketing
August 13, 2010 at 5:16 pm
Hi Sherryl,
Good post and the points are important. The only thing I would perhaps disagree with is his point about being seen everywhere. You need to have a presence where current or potential customers are and have a consistent presence as this is what builds awareness. I think you expressed it better with your point 2.
Susan Oakes recently posted..Taking The Hassle Out of Reviewing Small Business Products
Twitter: keepupweb
August 13, 2010 at 7:19 pm
To me “everywhere” means those places that I’ve decided to concentrate on. For example, I don’t spend any time on MySpace because I don’t feel it’s really my niche customer or people who know or target my niche customer. (You can bet I have my username reserved there though.) Maybe I should have put point #2 before point #1.
Twitter: m4bmarketing
August 13, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Hi Sherryl,
Not sure if my comment was a little confusing. I thought you expressed the point about presence better than Paul. Also really good point about reserving your username.
Susan Oakes recently posted..Taking The Hassle Out of Reviewing Small Business Products
Twitter: keepupweb
August 13, 2010 at 8:19 pm
I expressed it beter than Paul? Thanks! As for reserving usernames, I read somewhere that if you don’t reserve your username, a competitor could reserve it and prevent you from getting it. Can’t say that I ever expect to be that well known but I can dream.
Twitter: m4bmarketing
August 13, 2010 at 8:59 pm
I believe that is correct Sherryl, about your username and there is a site called KnowEm that you can use to see on which sites your usermane is available.
http://knowem.com/
Susan Oakes recently posted..Taking The Hassle Out of Reviewing Small Business Products
Twitter: keepupweb
August 13, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Thanks for the link Susan! I’ve never heard of that site before. Hope you don’t mind if I pass that info on. This could be a real time saver.
Twitter: m4bmarketing
August 13, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Of course not, definitely pass the link on.
Susan Oakes recently posted..Taking The Hassle Out of Reviewing Small Business Products
Twitter: laurasherman
August 13, 2010 at 6:48 pm
You bring up some good points! I think the concept of becoming an authority is key. I am working on writing a book that will help me a lot in this direction. I have a special niche and there are few experts in that area. I think the key is finding your niche and then sharing your knowledge with others. Thanks for your article!
Laura Sheman recently posted..Did You Write Today
Twitter: keepupweb
August 13, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Thanks for the reply Laura. You’re fortunate to have identified a niche where you can establish yourself as an authority.
You make really good points Sherryl and I also agree with Susan about consistency. I know when I’m being a bit lazy and not being out there as much, I definitely see the effects. I think coming up with a schedule for yourself can help with this.
Stacey Natal recently posted..Field Trip Fridays Popbar NYC
Twitter: keepupweb
August 13, 2010 at 7:35 pm
I forget where I heard this but I was once told that if you have no work today, think back to what you were doing 6-months ago. (If anyone has heard that or a version of it, I’d love to have my memory jogged on that.)
Twitter: keepupweb
August 13, 2010 at 7:22 pm
I forget where I heard this but I was once told that if you have no work today, think back to what you were doing 6-months ago. (If anyone has heard that or a version of it, I’d love to have my memory jogged on that!)
Twitter: jepaladino
August 14, 2010 at 12:23 am
Thanks for sharing the link to ISYOT (“I’ve Seen You Out There”). I watched the entire video and he makes a valid point. You have to be out there to be seen. I have a client who wants to use a key word that no one is searching. If you’re not being searched, you don’t exist! A scary thought.
Jeannette Paladino recently posted..Response cached until Sun 15 @ 5:19 GMT (Refreshes in 23.96 Hours)
Twitter: keepupweb
August 14, 2010 at 10:17 am
That is scary. Even for pay-per-click ads, you need keywords. I’m curious. Does he have a product/service that other people are marketing or is this something brand new?
Sherryl
You are following your advice. I see you everywhere. Building relationships online is just like networking in person. If people dont see you they wont know you are there.
Do you have any suggestions on how to keep up with the conversations?
Julia M Lindsey recently posted..How Commenting on Blogs can Increase Your Web Traffic
Twitter: keepupweb
August 14, 2010 at 10:10 am
Julia, I so wish I had a way to keep up with the conversations! Maybe someone else will have some suggestions. The best I’ve come up with is using the preview pane in Outlook and click-thru or delete and many as I can without opening them. I also use Outlook’s follow-up flag if it’s something I want to go back to after the conversation has settled down a little. When it’s a thread that I think will add value down the road to either me or a reader, I make a quick entry (with the link) into a spreadsheet. Any suggestions? Anyone?
Have an established logo and plaster it everywhere.
Agree with Susan that it is much more than just being seen everywhere.
Establishing a presence is important, but what they remember you for is more important. You’ll get a lot more mileage out of solving someones problem, introducing someone to a useful contact, teaching people how to work with popular trends, than you will just showing up everywhere.
Paul Novak recently posted..You Do What
Twitter: keepupweb
August 14, 2010 at 11:13 am
Absolutely agree! All good examples of how to get recognized as an authority site.
Twitter: catarinaalexon
August 14, 2010 at 1:12 pm
Love the ISYOT abreviation. It’s true, but only on the sites that are important to your image/brand. You are so rigth, we have to be seen at the sites that are imporant to us/our brand.
Catarina Alexon recently posted..Would you- like George Clooney- trade places with Richard Branson
Your second point about participating is key. When I read a post and I think it’s great, but that’s all I have to say, I don’t comment. If I have something valuable to say, I type it. I also like to ask questions in my participation because I don’t feel like I have all the answers. In the end, participation must be meaningful.
Twitter: keepupweb
August 14, 2010 at 2:18 pm
I agree that commenting for the sake of commenting can be annoying. Occasionally, someone will drop a comment here just for the backlink. Good participation adds to the conversation. I love when someone leaves a comment and I learn something new or they get me thinking. Next thing you know, I have fodder for another post.
Twitter: jepaladino
August 15, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Sherryl — re your response to my comment. Yes, the client is introducing a new term to distinguish their offering from what is commonly searched and because they feel they have added something new. However, I believe you need to reference what people are searching as well as your new term — linking them until your new term catches on. I think FedEx Office has done a pretty good job with keeping the old Kinko brand in its signage and advertising until they finally have dropped it as people made the connection that FedEx Office offers the same services.
Jeannette Paladino recently posted..If you register your site for free at
Twitter: keepupweb
August 15, 2010 at 2:02 pm
I hope they listen to you for their sake. It’s so difficult to introduce a new term or build a new brand. You’re right about FedEx and the Kinko brand. Excellent example Jeanette. Thanks for replying. I was curious what they were up to.
Twitter: newhorizons123
August 16, 2010 at 1:13 am
Sherryl, thanks for the great post and the info about ISYOT – I will be checking it out. I particularly agree with your third point. I have had a difference of opinion with some other professionals who ask me why I am sharing other peoples’ work. My answer and reason is because I want to be of value to my readers. If there is someone else – and there are plenty, including you
that offer tremendous insights and helpful information – then I have accomplished my goal of being valuable.
Case in point: http://internetmarketinghorizons.com/2010/08/online-presence-you-have-to-be-there-to-be-seen/
Julie Weishaar recently posted..If Operating Rooms Were Run Like a Small Business…
Twitter: keepupweb
August 16, 2010 at 8:15 pm
You’re so right with adding value. There’s so much to learn from each other. Why not share information and help each other? I think we can all learn something from each other.
Hi Sherryl – I think the biggest hurdle is being present. You’re right that it is about participating, helping people, being part of the conversation, etc. So many people think their presence starts and stops at just putting up a profile. Becoming active in the community is by far the best way to see any success in business online, whether it’s on a forum, or commenting on several blogs, or being a social butterfly on Twitter or Facebook. Those are just some examples; there are soooo many more!
Tia recently posted..Are you a grasshopper or an ant blogger
Twitter: keepupweb
August 17, 2010 at 7:55 pm
One of the biggest benefits to me is that by joining the conversation, I’m learning so much more than I could possibly learn on my own. Maybe I’ve been very fortunate but most of the people I’m meeting online are so eager to share their knowledge.
I love your post. It’s an opener to those who are doing online business. I like the third tip “Be recognized as an authority”. I really believe in that concept because when you post great stuffs that would really help a lot of people, inspiring them, a form of entertainment and all, they would follow you. It is really important that you are providing great stuffs to all to gain respect from others.
Defense Attorney Tampa recently posted..Tampa DUI News – DUI Checkpoint Planned For Temple Terrace On Busch Boulevard
Twitter: keepupweb
August 18, 2010 at 12:17 pm
As you say, you have to gain respect. Thanks for joining the conversation! There is so much we can all learn from each other.
I also found out about this from David Risley, but I think Jeff Johnson was the first to bring the web presence issue out there. Anyway, this is a must for each one of us owning a blog, website or any other form of online business. The easiest way to make money online is to present yourself and eventually establish yourself as an authority in the field, from there you can build up a successful business.
Twitter: keepupweb
September 12, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Thanks for telling me about Jeff Johnson. I’ll look for him. Have you read David’s “Six Figure Blogger Blueprint”? It’s one of the PDFs that I go back to occasionally.
Sherryl Perry recently posted..How Can Entrepreneurs and Sole Proprietors Help Each Other
Thanks Sherryl, very helpful. I’ve just checked out Gravitar.com – I’d never heard of it before. As someone relatively new to the blogging world, it seems the ISYOT status is a fair way off for me at the moment. Perhaps one day!
Twitter: keepupweb
September 25, 2010 at 9:22 pm
You’re already well on your way to “being-seen-out-there” Faraz. I recognize your name and blog from LinkedIn and you already have a profile pic. Just take the leap and set it up on Gravatar and keep commenting on blogs that you’re interested in. Not only will you be able to pick up some tips, you’ll be able to share your experiences and meet some great people.
I hope you come back to visit and the next time, post a link to one of your articles. I enjoyed reading your post on touring France and others will too!
Sherryl Perry recently posted..Can You Run Pay-Per-Click Ads Without Breaking the Piggy Bank
Thanks! Maybe I will next time I’ve done a write-up on a trip. Off to Gravitar.com now to set it up…
Faraz recently posted..Gobi Desert Expedition 2011
Frankly many people don’t know why they are online. With the power of blogs and social networking it’s really amazing that many bloggers waste their time posting comments that will never see the light of day. Whenever I see such comments awaiting moderation I simply send them to the trash. I think if you must make a comment do something that will add value to the post.
And on using a gravatar, I did a post on how to do it something ago on my blog after observing that many of the commenters do not have a gravatar. But despite the good response in comments by these bloggers only a handful took the time to get themselves one. It’s funny!
Any way thanks for the post.
Chadrack recently posted..Making Money Blogging And The Web Income Journal- Where Are We Headed
Twitter: keepupweb
October 5, 2010 at 1:41 pm
Thanks for commenting Chadrack. I can’t imagine leaving a comment that I didn’t think added value somehow. Sure it takes longer but hopefully, I’m only commenting on posts that have brought value to me in the first place. Therefore, I owe it the author to try to contribute if I can.
I hope you check out some more of my articles. I think you can really add to the conversation. I’m on my way over to check out your blog now and I’m already following you on Twitter. – Sherryl
Sherryl Perry recently posted..Are Buyers or Window Shoppers Clicking on Your Pay-Per-Click Ads
Thanks for the tips. I agree it’s important to brand yourself. That’s why I try to use my blog’s name as a handle as much as possible. I think eventually people will recognize the name and associate it with my blog.
Richard recently posted..Romance Me with Your Content
Twitter: keepupweb
October 6, 2010 at 11:28 am
Name and brand recognition is a critical part of building awareness. People do start to recognize you after a while and we begin to feel we know each other. Since, people like to do business with people they like, it’s another way of gaining customers and clients. Thanks for dropping by Richard.
Twitter: oz2designs
October 10, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Sound advice Sherryl. Standing apart means being creative and taking risks. Many who enter the blog scene are afraid to be original, take risks, or make enemies and so they are forever a backdrop to those who are fearless.
Catherine Lockey recently posted..PR’s Kickin’ it “New School” with Social and SEO
Twitter: keepupweb
October 10, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Great point Catherine. There are so many bloggers and so little time. When bloggers leave creative comments and contribute to the conversation, I tend to follow them. It’s important to stand.
Sherryl Perry recently posted..Are People Clicking on Your Pay-Per-Click Ads and Leaving
The quantity of responses you have received from this post seems to be evident that you have certainly opened the door here, to on line communication. Congratulations!!
To be known…you must be seen….a simple enough statement, which requires much tenacity, time and passion to “be seen”.
It’ sort of like going “door to door” except today it’s more like jumping from URL to URL.
Or something like that!
Great post! Informative, well written, easy to read.
Twitter: easyPblog
September 29, 2011 at 1:39 pm
Hi Sherryl
“Participate. Be where I am.”
Looks as though I’m taking your advice.
After months of saying I’d never do it… I’ve signed up with Twitter.
Already following you.
See you over there.
Keith Davis recently posted..All your life…
Twitter: georgegijo
November 8, 2011 at 6:14 am
If you have got a unique style of presenting your ideas then that’s it. People will start recognizing you on that above anything else. ISYOT effect doesn’t come naturally. It may take years to build an online presence.
George recently posted..A Basic Introduction to Jquery
Twitter: keepupweb
November 8, 2011 at 6:34 pm
I agree that attaining the ISYOT effect doesn’t come easy. I believe it involves a strategy to build awareness while at the same time adding value. Even if people recognize us, if we’re not somehow providing value and meeting a need of some sort, they’re not going to stick with us. A good part of it is perseverance IMHO.
Sherryl Perry recently posted..Does Your Klout Score Fit Into Your Social Media Strategy?
Thanks Sherryl for the 3 tips you’ve provided us on how to get “seen out there”. Indeed a helpful post. People will not recognize you unless you make some noise. Yes, to be recognized online you must shout to the world that you really exist. Create your own strategy that you think would work!
Thanks again Sherryl!
Julie Dawn Harris recently posted..Protect Yourself From Telemarketing Fraud
Twitter: keepupweb
December 2, 2011 at 1:01 pm
You’re welcome Julie. I’m looking forward to “seeing” you! Setting up your profile at http://gravatar.com is free and easy and a great way to let us recognize you. I hope you’ve put it on your to-do list.
Sherryl Perry recently posted..Ambassador of Buzz -Social Networking Done Right