We hear a lot of talk about carbon footprint nowadays as we all scramble to get to grips with how our individual actions impact on the world around us.

There's another footprint that we all need to consider in this day and age, and that is our 'digital footprint'. As you may have worked out, your digital footprint is the mark that you leave on the web as you post content, comments, images, video etc on various social networks.

Your digital footprint isn't like the one you leave on a sandy beach though. There's no tidal water lapping on the shore to remove it, which means you need to pay particular attention to where you leave this footprints and how you want it to look.

In reality, this is no different to the impression that you leave with other people whenever you talk to them, stand next to them in a bar or even pass them in a street. Our human actions leave an impression on other people, whether we know them or not.

Your digital footprint is just the same, except that it lasts for much, much longer (almost indefinitely) and it's reach is much wider than your immediate vicinity.

But, don't let that scare you. Just be conscious of what you are doing and consider the following:

1. Don't blog/write/post anything that you wouldn't say in public.
2. Be prepared to back up your contributions if comments start to roll in
3. Engage with those who interact with you (acknowledge comments etc)
4. Remember your audience: Consider that people who look at your Facebook profile may not just be your social circle - work colleagues may look at it as well...do you want them seeing your holiday photos?
5. Keep it fresh...this is an ongoing conversation so if you start to use social tools, try and keep them updated and interesting!
6. Don't be afraid. Once you get into the flow of social networks, status updates and managing your online life, you'll wonder how you survived without it!

So, just a few tips for you. What have I missed? How do you manage your digital footprint?

-pc.

Coming Next - Why local authorities need to manage their digital shadow.