Whether you are running a business, trying to build your reputation as a freelancer or trying to get the word out about a cause, there are 5 fairly easy ways to market yourself online.

1. Your Website

Traditional websites were fairly static, one-way conversations where the website’s purpose was to inform/education, promote or sell to a specific audience. Today’s consumers want more than that – they want to know who they are doing business with; they want to know the voice behind the product and they want to be able to have a conversation with that voice.

If you have a traditional website, add a blog component to it and open up the conversation between yourself and your potential customers (and existing ones, too). Not only does it give a voice to your brand, it allows you to educate your customers, build a relationship with them and market yourself.

WordPress the perfect platform for adding that blog component. It is open-source, free, and very easy to learn. You can add it on to any existing website or you can start from scratch and let your blog be the face of your online presence.

2. Your Email

This is a real easy one!! Use a signature block in your emails that you send out. Include your name, website address, tagline (if you have one) or one-liner highlighting your area of expertise, and any other contact information you want in front of your potential customers.

3. Get Social

There are social networks for everyone and everything! Facebook, Twitter, and Ning are just the tip of the iceberg. Social networks allow you to expand your own network and tap into the connections of others with similar interests. Be professional, consistent and genuine in all of your social networking endeavors and you never know what doors will open!

Discussion forums are another form of social networking. Find forums that are in your area of expertise or your potential customers area of interest and get involved. Ask questions and answer questions, be genuine and willing to give before you expect to receive anything!

4. Be Part of a Two Way Conversation

Develop a list of other sites that encourage two way conversation and get involved. Leave meaningful comments on posts that interest you. Always use your first name or recognized nickname when leaving a comment. Do not insult the site owner by leaving “keywords” in place of your name – I usually delete those comments here. Do leave the URL of your website in the URL field (when available) and use an email address that works in the event that the site owner would like to continue the conversation directly with you.

5. Be a Guest Author

Most blog owners I know will gladly post an article written by someone else along with a byline, if that article is well written and pertinent to the site. This is a great way for you to share your expertise with a different audience and expand your reach at the same time.

Your Turn…

This is by no means a complete list! What are some other ways you have used to market yourself online?

Thanks to Ryan at College Crunch for inspiring this post.