This is an excerpt from an article for Poynter Online. Read the full post and the 5 points here.

As more news organizations are laying off full-time reporters, many of them are being replaced by freelancers. On top of that, with the ubiquitous tools that allow anyone to publish, journalists now have to set themselves apart and establish their credibility more than ever. Journalists have to communicate directly with the audience and in many cases become a part of it. They no longer have just a byline, but a face and a personal brand. There is an increasing shift from the organization that you represent to you as an individual.

Alfred Hermida, a professor at the Graduate School of Journalism at University of British Columbia, notes that it is a good idea to start building your personal brand as a student. However, it is just as important for a veteran journalist to build your brand as well.

A veteran reporter may be familiar in his or her local town, but unknown to the outside world. And if that hometown paper closes, the local credentials become almost irrelevant. Journalists need to have an online presence and a personal brand.

One of the key ways to start developing your brand is providing a place where all your online personalities and platforms meet –- a central Web site where potential employers and the public can learn all they need about your professional credentials, as well as learn how to contact and connect with you. Here are a few ways journalists can build their personal brands. We’d love to hear others in the comments below.

Read the full post here. The points include: showcasing your blogging skills, expertise, showing off your portfolio, build an audience, and present your new media skills.

I tweeted a couple days ago about a critique I was working on of MiamiHerald.com. Below is a breakdown of key things that stood out to me while browsing through the website. I didn’t spend a lot of time on this critique and I am sure there are plenty of other things that you folks could find. I looked at design, which includes placement, usability and features. I organized it by the header, top fold and the rest. Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.