Whether you want to promote your own services or you want to help clients with their marketing, it pays to use digital credentials. Just as paper-based credentials such as certificates and diplomas signify something about the holder’s qualifications, digital credentials showcase the holder’s knowledge and expertise. In an ever-evolving world, digital credentials can help set you apart from other sales professionals and showcase your skills in a particular area.

According to Adam Masur, vice president of marketing at Credly, digital credentials are becoming increasingly used in various industries and for various purposes, from corporate training to professional development.

In this issue of Promotional Consultant Today, we share Masur’s thoughts on four areas where incorporating digital badges can help boost your brand.

1. Social media. Considering the massive amount of people on social media—about 3.4 billion active users—social media is a marketing powerhouse. Masur says that when you incorporate digital credentials into your social media strategy, you can drive brand awareness, increase engagement and strengthen your company’s online reputation. Use keywords or hashtags to search for individuals sharing your digital credentials online and interact with them. You can also ask sales reps to share their certifications socially, which helps present them as knowledgeable experts in their field.

2. Emails. Although people get inundated with emails, Masur asserts that email marketing is still one of the best ways to connect with customers and build meaningful relationships. By including digital credentials in email signatures, you can drive brand awareness and validation. Credentials help sales professionals establish credibility from the moment the recipient opens the email.

3. Websites. Digital credentials are meant to be seen and shared. If you are developing a campaign that issues digital badges, consider creating a dedicated landing page for your digital credentials. This page allows potential earners to see the badge associated with the skill and it boosts visibility for your credentials. The more traffic you draw to the page, the more recognition you gain for the initiative.

4. Events. At live events such as trade shows and conferences, digital badges are a way to stand out and be seen among other exhibitors and attendees. Masur suggests including digital badges at your booth to encourage conversation and spark questions about your organization’s services and programs. This visual representation, he says, allows key audiences to see your expertise before they engage with their team.

Digital credentials are a useful way to showcase knowledge and stand out. Whether earned at an industry event or by completing a course, digital badges can go a long way in your marketing. Try incorporating digital badges into your email marketing and social media and be sure to feature badges on your website as well.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers

Source: Adam Masur is vice president of marketing at Credly. He is driven by a passion for optimizing the way marketing teams and technology work together to grow businesses.