Everything you post, like, share, and comment on social media creates a permanent digital record—your social media footprint. Whether you're job hunting, building a professional reputation, or simply valuing your privacy, learning how to manage your social media footprint is essential. This guide explains what it is, why it matters, and how to take control of your online presence.
For digital marketers and job seekers, your social media footprint is particularly critical. Employers routinely review candidates' online presence before making hiring decisions—making it essential to understand what they see and how to manage it effectively.
Your Social Media Footprint: Why Does it Matter?
Social media offers a different form of communication than those used by people throughout history. Never before have people been able to communicate with people with such ease.
Additionally, media is spread throughout the web, getting millions upon millions of views in the span of days. We base our sense of selves, in part, on our social media presence and the feedback we receive from social sites.
Many people use social sites effectively and responsibly, while others use them excessively and as a coping mechanism. We can use this connectivity to do a lot of good, and we can also use it to spread messages of hate and violence.
One thing that people forget, though, is that posting on social media isn't the same as having an interpersonal conversation. Normal conversations happen, then they are gone.
All engagement on social media is recorded and archived. Everything you read, view, say, buy, and search leaves a trail that can be revisited by others.
What's the Worst that Could Happen?
Cultural shifts mean content that seemed acceptable years ago can damage your reputation today. Old posts, likes, and comments can resurface unexpectedly—whether during a job search, a viral moment, or a routine background check. The key point: most of us have forgotten what we posted years ago, but the internet hasn't.
The "Digital" Footprint
The scary thing about your social media footprint is that it can seep out into your personal life. In fact, most areas of your life can be impacted by the details of your social media footprint.
Your footprint also contains the network of associations to different people, groups, and ideas that you have created for yourself. Every time you've liked, commented on, or shared something on a friend or group's page, it has been recorded and used.
Your social media footprint exists under the umbrella of your digital footprint, which constitutes the sum total of all of your behaviour online. Granted, your normal web activity isn't as well-recorded as your social media behaviour, but there's still a lot of data that builds up.
If you're someone who values their privacy, there are some things you can do to set yourself free a little bit.
How to Manage Your Social Media Footprint
The first thing to do when trying to manage your social media footprint is to take time to read user agreements. Most people don't actually ever read social media user agreements or any user agreements that they participate in.
Almost every time you create an account on a website (also, every time you have ever created an account online), you agree to a laundry list of specifications concerning your data, your conduct, and more.
These are websites that you're handing access to your most personal information, conversations, some financial information and more. At the very least, you should be aware of what data these websites are gathering on you and why.
Go Through Your Social Media History
While there is a permanent imprint of everything you do online, not all of that information is public. The data on your social media sites, however, will sit there for the public to see as long as you leave it.
We've all had an indulgent post where we disclosed too much information or said something that we wish we hadn't. It may be wise to go back into your archives and see if there's anything on your various pages that you said then and wouldn't say now.
This is for potential employers, friends, and family. The majority of employers check through prospective employees' social media pages to get a feel for the person's character. Remember, they can see everything you have ever posted and make judgements about your current character.
Some of the most common reasons a person was denied a job as a result of social media posting were inappropriate photos, drinking, drug use, racist or sexist comments, talking poorly about former coworkers, talking poorly about former bosses, and even poor grammar.
It isn't out of the question to think that an employer could just glimpse at the first few pages of your account and make a snap judgement about your character that will determine their professional decision.
Take Control of Your Social Media Footprint Today
Managing your social media footprint isn't a one-time task—it's an ongoing practice, especially for digital marketing professionals. Regular audits, privacy settings reviews, and mindful posting will protect your reputation and career opportunities.
For more guidance on building your professional presence online, explore our guides on personal branding, crafting a standout digital marketing resume, and writing effective cover letters.