How to Spring Clean Your Web Presence

The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one. (Mark Twain)

I have 6 bags of clothing and goodies ready for donation. When I was growing up, my family moved around every few years. This was a major inconvenience for me as a child, but it's probably why I'm so good at parting with non-essentials these days. I'm by no means a minimalist. I just don't like having things around that aren't working - from clothing to kitchen utensils.

The change of seasons is a welcome opportunity to update and refresh. When you only have 720 square feet and a VW Beetle to your name, it doesn't take long to overhaul your physical belongings. For someone like me (and most likely you) spring cleaning an online presence can be a much more laborious task, but I think it's worth it to start off the season with a fresh perspective.

Here are 5 steps I am following to spring clean my web presence. Please let me know if you plan to play along, or if you have additional ideas you'd like to share!

1. Evaluate the terrain. What online profiles do you have today? Are there any you want to drop? Are there any that you want to pick up? Do your profile photos need updating?

2. Know your priorities. What are you trying to accomplish? How do you know when it's time to power down? Have you set goals or intentions for your time online?

3. Be a little flexible. It's ok to break a few rules. Go ahead and tweet about that delicious glass of wine, or share a picture without any makeup. Be yourself, be genuine.

4. Find an app for that. How are you leveraging your web savvy talents? Do you listen to podcasts on your drive into work? Do you download apps that will save you time or help you stay connected?

5. Sprinkle some sparkle. Take stock of your mood and tone online. Next time you're feeling down, use your social media powers for good. Tweet something sweet. Send a message to your bestie on Facebook. Text your favorite aunt. Write your little brother a nice email.

Image Credit: You almost miss it via Travis Isaacs