If you’re an entrepreneur, you know the importance of building brand awareness. But what are the best ways to get the word out about your business? Charlene Walters, Vice Provost and Dean of the Strayer University Digital Entrepreneurship MBA, recommends these three strategies: 

1. WHEN BUILDING YOUR NETWORK, PAY IT FORWARD.

   On social media and professional networking sites, it’s easy to get caught up in collecting as many connections, followers, and likes as possible. But when you’re busy playing the numbers game, you might overlook the importance of making quality connections.

   “Build solid relationships by offering your help and support to people,” advises Walters. “The more you help those in your network, the more they will want to help and recommend you when an opportunity arises.”

   Here are a few examples of how you can show your support:

   • Like, share, and comment on others’ posts
   • If someone sends you a pitch that’s not the right fit for you, point them towards people who are likely to be interested
   • If someone’s launching a book or project, be a beta reader or promoter and recommend it to others

   Be as generous as you can with your time and attention. When you shift your focus from what you can get from your network to what you can give, you may be surprised at how the benefits boomerang back to you. You’ll become known for providing value to those in your network and build both positive brand associations and a dedicated following.

2. CREATE THOUGHT LEADERSHIP CONTENT.
   

   To get the word out about you and your venture, Walters recommends establishing yourself as an expert in three to four topic areas. Create thought leadership content in these areas and share it regularly. Choose the formats that work best for your communication style and chosen topics—these could be blog posts, link sharing on social media, video content, or a podcast. Walters advises to rotate the content you create between your areas of expertise. Perhaps you release a video on topic #1 this week, a blog post about topic #2 next week, and share links on topic #3 the week after that.

   This isn’t an overnight strategy—it’s about gradually building your professional presence and brand reputation over time. “If you consistently put out great content,” Walters says, “people will start thinking of you when a need or opportunity arises in one of your topic areas.”

   As you brainstorm articles, videos, and other content pieces, do keyword research. Find out the popular search terms for your topics, and craft your content to mirror these terms. This will make it easier for people to find you and may help you build a following faster.

3. VOLUNTEER
   

   When you’re busy running a startup or a new business (while trying to balance home life, postgrad classes, and getting to the gym once in a while), taking on a volunteer gig might sound crazy. But Walters encourages entrepreneurs to make the time. She believes it’s important to contribute to a cause that has a positive impact on the world, plus there are side benefits to your business.

   “You meet a lot of great people when you volunteer,” says Walters. “It’s a wonderful way to network. What’s more, clients and colleagues like to see that you’re involved with a charity. You may find that people gravitate toward you because they also have an affiliation or connection with your volunteer work.” Your volunteer role can be big and highly visible—like serving on a board or heading up a committee, or you can contribute in smaller ways, too.

   It makes sense to volunteer for organizations that align with your business or philosophy, as you’re more likely to find professional synergies this way. However, if you’re passionate about a cause outside of your professional field, don’t hesitate to take it on, advises Walters. “You never know what the connection will be,” she says.

   Use all three of these strategies together to build your brand presence. As you do so, lead with a spirit of generosity. Look for ways to genuinely support and help others. “Over time, that support and help will likely come back to you and your business tenfold,” Walters predicts.

Use all three of these strategies together to build your brand presence. As you do so, lead with a spirit of generosity. Look for ways to genuinely support and help others. “Over time, that support and help will likely come back to you and your business tenfold,” Walters predicts.

Want more help getting your startup off the ground? Learn about the Strayer Digital Entrepreneurship MBA .