When someone hears your name for the very first time, through a LinkedIn post, a podcast, or even an investor introduction, what’s the next thing they do?
They Google you.
And here’s the truth: what shows up in those search results says more about your brand than any pitch deck or personal introduction ever could. In fact, being “Google-able” is no longer optional. It’s the foundation of trust and credibility in today’s digital-first world.
So why is SEO, the science of showing up on search engines, quietly becoming one of the most powerful PR tools? Let’s dive deeper.
Google Is Your New Business Card
Think about the last time you met someone at a networking event. Chances are, you went online later to learn more about them. That’s exactly what others are doing with you.
Your search results are your digital business card. If someone searches your name and finds relevant articles, podcasts, thought leadership content, or media coverage, it builds instant credibility and trust. But if they find nothing or worse, irrelevant or outdated content, it raises doubts about your expertise and reliability.
This is why SEO for personal branding matters. It ensures the right narrative shows up when people are searching for you and positions you as a credible authority in your space.
Visibility Builds Instant Trust
In PR, visibility isn’t about being everywhere; it’s about being seen in the right places. When your name consistently shows up in search results tied to credible content, you automatically earn trust.
Imagine an investor Googling you and finding:
- A guest article you wrote in a respected industry publication.
- A podcast interview where you shared insights about your niche.
- A profile on your company’s website optimized with your bio and achievements.
Each of these touchpoints reinforces your authority. Visibility, when combined with relevance, is what convinces people that you’re the real deal.
Content Is PR’s Secret SEO Weapon
Every PR win can be turned into a long-term SEO asset. Press features, podcasts, and guest blogs don’t just boost visibility at the moment; they continue working for you months and even years later.
Here’s why: search engines love fresh, relevant, and authoritative content. If your name is tied to valuable insights in media outlets, it signals to Google (and your audience) that you’re credible.
This is why PR and SEO are two sides of the same coin. Media coverage creates the content; SEO ensures it gets discovered long after publication.
Control the Narrative Before Others Do
The reality is, if you’re not intentional about your online presence, Google will create one for you. And it may not always reflect the story you want told.
For example, outdated interviews, old mentions, or irrelevant links can dilute your credibility. By actively shaping your SEO-driven PR strategy, you decide which content surfaces first. This way, the first impression someone has of you online is the one you want them to see.
How to Start Making Your Brand Google-able
If you’re wondering where to begin, here are a few practical steps:
- Audit your current search results. Type your name into Google and see what shows up.
- Create high-value content. Write thought leadership articles, join podcasts, and publish on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn.
- Leverage backlinks. Every time a credible site links back to your profile or content, it strengthens your authority.
- Optimize your digital assets. Update your website bio, press mentions, and even social media profiles with relevant keywords tied to your expertise.
- Stay consistent. Building an online reputation isn’t a one-time effort; it’s a long-term game.
Final Thoughts
Your brand is Google-able, whether you like it or not. The real question is: what will people find when they search for you?
SEO may not sound like traditional PR, but in reality, it’s the most important PR strategy of the digital age. It ensures that your credibility, expertise, and achievements rise above the noise and shape the narrative around your name.
At LevelUp PR, we help founders and leaders not only gain visibility in the right places but also ensure that visibility translates into long-term authority. Because in today’s world, your Google search results are your reputation, and managing them isn’t optional; it’s essential.
