Hold up. Before we dive into building your personal brand and get into the nitty gritty of personal branding, let’s get real for a second.
If you’re here, it’s likely because you’ve seen the light. You recognize that in today’s digital world, having your own personal brand is no longer optional – it’s essential. Maybe you’re in a traditional career but feel the call to build something more – something that truly aligns with your values and lets you connect deeply with people.
I get it.
The siren song of social media fame is loud. Many think just racking up followers is personal branding. Let’s recalibrate that idea right now. Your personal brand is not defined by vanity metrics. It’s so much more than viral posts or blue checkmarks.
At its core, your personal brand is your unique business identity and reputation. It’s a carefully crafted ecosystem that encompasses your website, content, and audience relationships. Why does this distinction matter? Simple. We live in an age of constant digital distraction. One moment your audience is scrolling Instagram, the next watching YouTube, then reading a blog.
Their attention is fragmented across channels.
To break through all that noise, you need a cohesive personal brand that builds real trust and connection. One that provides lasting value beyond any single like or click. The future isn’t about chasing fleeting internet fame. It’s about establishing a presence that truly matters in people’s lives.
In this post, we’ll explore:
- Why your personal brand matters now more than ever.
- How to build one that’s compelling yet resilient.
Whether you’re an aspiring brand builder or looking to level up, stick around. The good stuff is coming.
What is a Personal Brand Really About?
Let’s get something straight about personal branding. The term gets tossed around a lot these days, and often misunderstood. Personal branding isn’t just the latest buzzword or self-promotion tactic. It’s a timeless concept – showcasing your essence and value – made even more crucial in today’s online world.
It’s about defining who you are at your core and what unique imprint you want to leave. It’s about forging a name people can trust, that resonates deeply with your audience.
In our crowded digital landscape of endless noise and distraction, your personal brand is what will make you stand out. It’s your ticket to connecting with your tribe and building a legacy that matters.
More than just an online persona, your brand represents your impact. It fosters a community that rallies around your vision and purpose. In a sea of content and clicks begging for attention, your brand brings meaning that cuts through. It sparks an emotional bond with those you’re meant to serve.
So don’t just treat your personal brand as a digital footprint or vanity metric. See it as your calling card to creating change and leaving your mark on the world.
What a Personal Brand is Not
Let’s bust some myths about what a personal brand really is. And isn’t.
Having a strong personal brand doesn’t mean you have to be an Instagram influencer with millions of followers. It doesn’t require blue checkmarks or going viral. While fame and a big social media presence can sometimes result from effective personal branding, they are by no means requirements.
At its core, your personal brand is about identity and reputation – not vanity metrics. It’s defined by the value you provide and the connections you build in your niche, rather than likes and comments.
Your personal brand is that hard-to-pin-down essence that makes you, well, you. It’s your vision, passion, and impact. The unique way you communicate and solve problems for your audience.
You might have only 100 email subscribers or 1,000 downloads of your podcast. But if you are focused on serving your community with authenticity and intention, you are well on your way to a compelling personal brand.
Don’t get distracted by chasing arbitrary growth goals or comparing yourself to influencers. Define success on your own terms. Stay true to your message and keep nurturing relationships with those you want to reach.
The most memorable and influential personal brands are built on empathy, generosity, and a commitment to elevating others.
They inspire trust and goodwill over the long haul.
So tune out the hype and pressure to “make it big” overnight. Trust that by consistently providing value as only you can, your personal brand will flourish. And your impact may just change the world.
What a Personal Brand Really Is
So what exactly is a personal brand, anyway?
In simple terms, your personal brand is how you present yourself to the world. It’s the unique mix of your skills, experiences, passions, and personality that makes you, well, you.
More formally, it includes your reputation, messaging, online presence, and the value you provide. It’s what sets you apart from others in your field.
Your personal brand is that hard-to-pin-down essence that represents the impact you want to make.
I remember starting out and getting on calls with influential people, even though I had no social media following or much of an online presence at all.
But I’d often hear “Oh yes, I’ve heard so much about you from [mutual connection].” My reputation and relationships were already sparking interest in who I was and what I could offer.
You don’t need a huge following or viral content to have a strong personal brand. It’s built through genuine connections, delivering value, and standing for something meaningful.
When the people who matter most know you and what you’re about, you’ve succeeded at personal branding.
So don’t worry about chasing vanity metrics. Focus on nurturing relationships in your niche. Be known for your unique perspective and for who you are as a human being.
If you stay true to your message and values, your personal brand will flourish. And you’ll make the impact that’s important to you.
The Common Misconception That Equates Personal Brand to Fame
A blue checkmark or viral tweet is not a personal brand.
Many assume that if they just rack up followers or get that one big hit on social media, it equals personal branding success. But your online presence is just one small part of your brand story.
True personal branding isn’t built in 15 seconds or 280 characters. It’s cultivated day by day, interaction by interaction. It’s defined by how consistently you show up and the value you provide.
Just look at Coca-Cola – over 100 million Facebook followers, yet their average post gets only a tiny fraction of engagement.
A big fanbase alone means nothing without connection.
Your community isn’t just a vanity metric – it’s a living, breathing organism. Are you really nurturing those relationships? Making an impact on their lives?
Or are you just chasing numbers, throwing content into the void, and hoping something sticks? That’s not effective branding – that’s gambling.
Play the long game instead. Focus on serving your people, not algorithms. Share your unique perspective. Start genuine dialogues.
Your personal brand lives in every piece of content you create, but also in how you treat your audience and community. Do that with care and consistency, and you’ll build a loyal following who really knows, trusts, and values you.
That’s true personal branding success. So don’t get distracted by the hype, the pundits, and the influencers. Keep cultivating your corner of the internet by being your authentic self. The real ones will follow.
I know, I know… That’s a business brand and not a personal brand. That still proves my point. A large following isn’t a major factor and that’s the reason why the “micro-influencer” marketing strategy is actually a really good one.
A micro-influencer strategy is when you get a bunch of “influencers” with 10,000 followers or less and sometimes even ones with around 1,000 followers to promote you on their social media accounts. The reach and engagement are often a lot better than when a major influencer publishes for you (and often cheaper too).
Your Personal Brand is Your Business
If you’re serious about your personal brand, then you should treat it like a business. Why? Because it essentially is…
Why Your Personal Brand Should Operate Like a Business
Your personal brand shouldn’t be a vanity project – it should run like a lean, mean, impact machine.
Think of your brand as a business. It needs a clear vision, measurable objectives, and a strategy to make it all happen.
This isn’t about posting random content that simply looks appealing. To succeed, your content and messaging must align with and advance your brand’s overall mission.
Imagine your personal brand as a product. What core need does it address? Who is your target audience? How will you consistently deliver value to them?
Approach your content with purpose. Let each piece play a specific role – educating, inspiring, entertaining – that ladders up to your brand goals.
Measure what resonates and double down on that. Cut what doesn’t perform or align. Stay nimble but focused.
Make sure your activities across platforms all tell one cohesive story. Let your brand voice and aesthetic create a unified experience at every touchpoint.
The most compelling personal brands run like well-oiled machines, with all parts working together to propel the brand forward.
So don’t just post and pray. Operate your brand with strategy and intention. Define your role in your audience’s world. Execute relentlessly on that vision each and every day.
Treat your brand as a thriving business, and you’ll reap the rewards for years to come. This game goes to those who work smarter, as well as harder.
How to Run Your Personal Brand Like a Business (Hint: Strategy)
Want to take your personal brand from hobby to empire? Run it like a strategic business.
Here’s an expanded version with more details for each point:
1. Strategic Planning
- Set specific short-term and long-term goals for your personal brand. Where do you want to be in 6 months? 1 year? 3 years?
- Determine the key performance indicators (KPIs) you’ll use to measure progress towards those goals. Examples could be website traffic, social media followers, engagement rate, email list growth, and revenue generated.
- Create a strategic plan detailing the strategies and tactics you’ll implement to hit your goals. Revisit this regularly and pivot as needed. Planning is crucial.
2. Branding
- Design a logo, color palette, and other visual assets that express the essence of your brand. Ensure visual consistency across your website, social channels, presentations, etc.
- Cultivate a unique brand voice and tone. This should come through in all your content and communications.
- Develop branded content formats like newsletters, videos, podcasts, etc. that provide value and engage your audience.
3. Content Strategy
- Map out content pillars, topics, and formats that align with your brand positioning and audience needs.
- Plan a 3-6 month rolling content calendar to maintain consistency.
- Promote and repurpose content across platforms.
- Analyze performance data to see what content resonates. Double down on that.
4. Community Building
- Respond to all comments and messages in a timely manner. Have conversations.
- Share user-generated content like reviews and testimonials.
- Host live talks or AMAs. Create a space for engagement.
- Send new subscribers a personal welcome message.
- Collaborate with peers to cross-promote. Find win-win partnerships.
5. Revenue Streams
- Research potential income streams like digital products, memberships, affiliate marketing, ads, consulting, speaking, etc.
- Test different monetization models before fully launching. Get feedback from your audience.
- Diversify income sources so you have multiple streams. Don’t rely on just one.
- Focus on serving first, selling second. Money will follow if you provide tremendous value.
Running your brand like a business takes work, sure. But the personal and professional payoffs can be monumental.
You’re not just building a profile – you’re building an asset. One that can open opportunities and yield income for years to come.
So get strategic. The more you put in, the more you’ll get out. Ready to become CEO of your own empire? Let’s do this.
Why Social Media Alone Won’t Cut It For Your Personal Brand
Look, I get it – social media seems like the holy grail for personal branding. And sure, platforms like Instagram and TikTok can help you reach a wide audience fast.
But building your entire brand around social comes with mad limitations. See, social media is fleeting – today’s hot platform can become tomorrow’s MySpace faster than you can say “Don’t call it a comeback!”
Relying completely on the Instagram algorithm or Twitter’s code leaves your brand’s fate in someone else’s hands. Precarious at best. And while social stats may look sexy, vanity metrics don’t equal real impact. Likes don’t necessarily mean lives changed.
True connection comes from providing value, not viral videos. And you can’t build a legacy off of Snapstreaks and Facebook Reels alone.
Look, I’m not anti-social media. Used strategically, it’s a powerful tool. But it shouldn’t be the whole toolkit. Build your foundation on authenticity and audience-focused content. Let social amplify that, not replace it.
Your website, email list, digital products – those you own. So cultivate your own corner of the internet first. Make social media the side dish, not the main course. You’ll be thankful when the trends change and the algorithms shift.
Play the long game and craft a personal brand built to last. One tweet at a time won’t cut it.
The Limitations of Relying Solely on Social Media for Your Personal Brand
Social media algos are shady. One day you’re thriving, the next you’re in a digital dustbowl wondering where your followers went. We’ve all been there. Raise your hand if you’ve felt the wrath of the Instagram algorithm gods. raises hand
One day your posts are getting crazy engagement, then BOOM – shadowbanned. Suddenly no one sees your content anymore unless you pay the Zuck tax. Brutal.
And don’t even get me started on TikTok. That algorithm is more temperamental than a celebrity chef. Your fate rests in the hands of its mysterious “FYP” gods.
Even if you win the algorithm lottery one day, your luck can change in an instant. That viral post? Buried and forgotten by tomorrow. Social media was meant to be ephemeral, sure. But when your brand depends on it, that’s a precarious way to live.
And we don’t even own the platforms we pour so much time into! If you get banned or the app shuts down, poof – your brand is gone. That’s why it’s crucial to cultivate your own digital real estate – website, email list, etc. Social should amplify your reach, not replace it.
Have you felt the sting of social media’s fickle algorithms? Share your stories! Let’s help each other play the game smarter.
Real-world Examples Where Social Media Didn’t Translate to Long-term Success
Vine Stars: The Fall from Viral Fame to Obscurity
Remember Vine? 6 magical seconds where legends were made and dreams were born? Vine gifted us with iconic vines that still live in infamy.
These 6-second clips launched nobodies into overnight viral stardom. Vine Stars were born – their names etched into the meme hall of fame.
But Vine’s glow was fleeting. When Twitter pulled the plug in 2016, Vine stars were left grasping at fading viral fame.
Their meteoric rise turned into a crash landing back to obscurity. Turns out a platform owned your brand, not you.
In the wise words of DJ Khaled, “Congrats, you played yourself.”
So this is a cautionary tale… a reminder to diversify your platform dependency. Build your brand on authenticity and community, not fleeting virality. Create assets you own. Otherwise, you too may be a Vine Star one day – and a has-been the next. Don’t let your brand get discontinued.
The Struggles Post-Vine
Vine stars had it rough after the app died. That 6-second fame didn’t translate.
Some tried to make it big on YouTube or the ‘Gram. But different platforms call for different skills. Longer content wasn’t their forté. Turns out memes and viral moments have expiration dates. The LOLs don’t last when the trends get old.
And monetizing? Yikes. Super tough without Vine’s built-in audience and clout. In the wise words of Kris Jenner – “This is a case for the FBI.”
For real though, this is a cautionary tale for all creators. Build a brand on authentic connection, not just flash-in-the-pan virality. Substance over sizzle. Focus on serving your audience consistently, wherever they are. Don’t rely on one platform.
And diversify those revenue streams! Don’t put all your eggs in one volatile basket. The key is building a brand equipped for the long haul, through ups and downs. Take it from the Vine stars: go beyond the moment. Create lasting value and community.
Do that, and you have a shot at turning 15 seconds of fame into something more. An empire, even. But it takes strategy. So learn from Vine’s fallen stars. Plan for longevity. And maybe avoid tattoos of fleeting apps.
The big takeaway? Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, folks. Diversify your platform dependency. Building your brand solely on one app is playing a risky game. Vine stars know that pain all too well now.
When that platform pulls the plug, your brand could get discontinued too. So adapt and expand your reach. It’s not just about chasing the hot new app. Find ways to serve your community across many channels.
Own your digital real estate – website, email list, etc. That’s how you build lasting impact. Of course, you can leverage platforms to amplify your message. Just don’t depend on them fully. Value consistency and quality over chasing viral moments that fade. Build substance beyond sizzle.
Basically, lay the foundation to pivot.
Apps will come and go, but your brand legacy should remain. So take it from Vine – build your brand to outlast any platform. Stay nimble, diversify, and keep adapting.
Then even if the worst happens and your favorite app shuts down, your community and impact will live on.
Facebook Pages: Algorithm Changes and the Decline of Organic Reach
For a hot sec, Facebook too was the go-to place to build your personal brand. Pages were poppin’.
Influencers and creators invested big time in that organic reach. The good ol’ days of free Facebook fame. Even I invested a lot in growing my Facebook Page’s following…
But then Zuck and co. started tweaking their algorithm. Suddenly, the reach dropped like a fly. Your content only got shown to a fraction of your followers. Brutal blows for organic growth.
Of course, Facebook still promised reach – for a price. Their ads model was thirsty for that budget. But for many personal brands, paid promo wasn’t sustainable or worth the spend. The struggle was real.
Because when their interests don’t align with yours, your brand suffers. It’s about their bottom line first and that should also be something you do.
Build community on your terms – website, email list, etc. That’s how you thrive long-term. Use social to amplify, not replace. Be ready to pivot when algorithms pull a 180. Facebook may still work for some brands. But it’s risky to rely on it completely.
Take it from Zuck’s algorithm bait-and-switch. Diversify. Own your assets. And don’t get too attached to any one platform.
How many platforms are you active on to maintain your personal brand? Let me know in the comments!
The Importance of a Multi-Channel Approach
Do wanna grow your personal brand in 2023 and on to 2024? Here’s the key: get multi-channel with it. Diversify your reach across various platforms and formats. Don’t just stick to one thing.
Start a podcast to share your origin story. Launch a YouTube channel for tutorials. Hop on the TikTok train with short-form content.
And don’t just focus on the hot new social apps. Build your own digital HQ too – a website, email list, online courses. Own your real estate.
Having a blog is great, but add a newsletter for exclusive content. Get your message out in multiple ways. It’s not about doing everything at once. Find what resonates with your audience and create a mix.
The more quality touchpoints you have, the less impact any one algorithm shift can have. Future-proof your brand.
When Vine shut down, multi-channel creators had a parachute. One-trick ponies took the fall.
Diversify your reach this year. Don’t rely on the whims of any one platform. Own your audience and amplify your impact.
Get creative.
However, all of the social platforms can’t beat one critical platform that you can take complete control over. I’m talking about your own website.
Why Having a Website is Critical for Your Personal Brand
Your digital home base is clutch for centralizing your brand. It’s your HQ, your portfolio, your blog.
On the flip side, no website means no true home for your fans. Nowhere to direct them to learn more about you.
I get it – building a site seems intimidating. But tell me, what’s holding you back from getting one? I wanna help!
Here’s the thing: a website is how you build a REAL following. An email list, specifically.
These are people who opt-in to hear from you consistently. Not just passive scrollers.
Imagine having fans eager for your emails versus competing for attention on the ‘gram. Game changer.
My advice? Take the leap. Start building your digital home today.
It doesn’t have to be fancy right away. Just get that foundation laid. I wrote about this in my post How to Build a Minimal Viable Website.
From there you can build, optimize and direct traffic. But it all starts with staking your claim online.
So tell me – what’s your excuse for not having a website? Let’s turn that obstacle into an opportunity. No time like the present!
Why Email is Important for Your Personal Brand
Is email outdated? Nope! This dinosaur’s still got bite.
Just look at my inbox – 200+ emails daily from people wanting to collaborate. Email’s still where things get done!
Now I know what you’re thinking, fellow Gen Zers (my sister included). Email’s for olds, right? Psh, I’m 28 and crushing it. Age ain’t nothing but a number.
Here’s the thing: email allows two things social media can’t – direct communication and crazy high engagement.
Look at Coca-Cola’s 100 million+ Facebook followers. That’s like the whole population of Canada up in their feed.
Imagine if Coke had a direct line to tap into that audience. They could destabilize soda monopolies overnight!
But on social they’re playing the algorithm game like everyone else. Email though? That’s an army at your fingertips.
Engagement stats don’t lie either. Email open rates average around 21% versus 2-9% on social if you’re lucky…
Of course, you need both social and email when building a brand today. They complement each other. But don’t sleep on email marketing. It may seem old school but the data proves it delivers.
Let’s take a step back from personal branding and talk about branding in general. One of the most interesting brands I’ve personally observed their growth year after year is RankMath.
When I initially started talking to Bhanu, the co-founder of RankMath, email marketing was one core aspect of their growth strategy. As a result, they grew to 2.1M+ users in about 3 years.
So get an email list going and start building direct relationships with your audience. It’s a game-changer. No more competing for attention on the feed. Now you’ve got a captive audience excited to hear from you. And just imagine where that loyal community can take you long term.
The opportunities are endless.
Email Statistics vs. Social Media
Email and Social media serve different purposes and have unique strengths and weaknesses. Below is a detailed comparison covering various aspects that matter.
| Social Media | ||
| Reach | Pros: Potential to reach a vast audience organically or through paid promotions. Cons: Algorithms can limit your organic reach to a small percentage of your followers. | Pros: Direct reach to your entire list without the interference of algorithms. Cons: Limited to the size of your email list. |
| Engagement | Pros: Allows immediate interactions through likes, comments, and shares. Cons: Lower average engagement rates compared to email. | Pros: Higher average engagement rates, including open and click-through rates. Cons: Requires compelling content to keep the audience engaged; otherwise, it risks high unsubscribe rates. |
| Control | Pros: Easy to set up and post content. Cons: You’re at the mercy of platform rules and algorithm changes. | Pros: You own the list and have complete control over your messaging. Cons: Requires regular maintenance to keep the list clean and engaged. |
| Cost | Pros: Free to set up an account and post organically. Cons: Paid advertising can become expensive. | Pros: Cost-effective with a high ROI; most platforms offer free tiers. Cons: Potential costs for advanced features and larger subscriber lists. |
| Content Longevity | Pros: Good for timely, topical content. Cons: Content has a short lifespan and quickly gets buried in the feed. | Pros: Emails can be saved and referenced later, offering longer content longevity. Cons: Too many emails can lead to ‘inbox fatigue.’ |
| Flexibility in Content Format | Pros: Multiple formats available like text, images, videos, stories, etc. Cons: Limited by platform-specific constraints like character limits or file sizes. | Pros: Greater freedom in designing the layout and incorporating various content types. Cons: Too much variety can confuse the reader; needs to be mobile-responsive. |
| Personalization and Segmentation | Pros: Allows basic targeting based on demographics and interests. Cons: Less personalized compared to email. | Pros: Highly personalized and can be segmented based on user behavior, preferences, etc. Cons: Requires a well-maintained database for effective segmentation. |
The Sigmoid Curve in Business and How Your Personal Brand Fits In
Let’s get mathematical for a sec. clears throat
The S-curve – also called the sigmoid curve – has critical lessons for personal branding.
First, the slow start. Launching your personal brand feels like pushing a boulder uphill.
You’re unknown, still finding your voice. It’s a grind.
But persist through those early days and you’ll hit the steep growth phase. Momentum builds as you gain visibility and trust.
This middle stretch is crucial for scaling rapidly when interest and opportunity collide. Capitalize on it!
But the curve flattens out again as you and your market mature. Maintaining relevance gets tougher.
This means you gotta reinvent and diversify before decline sets in. How can you refresh your brand?
The S-curve reminds us growth isn’t linear. Strategize for each phase accordingly.
Maximize periods of ascension, but don’t take them for granted. Change is the only constant.
To extend your curve, always bring value to your audience while expanding your horizons.
So take the long view on your brand journey. Ups and downs are both inevitable. Master the curves and you’ll thrive for the long haul.
A Detailed Explanation of the Sigmoid Curve and Its Significance
The S-curve has wisdom for personal brand journeys. Let’s break it down:
Phase 1: The Slow Crawl
Just starting out, no clue what you’re doing. Experimenting to find your voice and niche. Uphill battle for traction.
Phase 2: Rapid Ascent
You’ve hit your stride. Momentum is building fast. Growth explodes as opportunities arise. Capitalize fully!
Phase 3: The Plateau
Things level out. Decline creeps in without reinvention. Time to diversify offerings and refresh your brand.
Recognizing your phase is key to strategy. Maximize growth periods, but don’t get complacent.
Change is the only constant.
The curve reminds us growth isn’t linear. Master its ebbs and flows, and you can thrive long-term.
So where are you on the S-curve? Share your phase in the comments!
How a Well-Managed Personal Brand Can Help You Break the Cycle
Understanding the Sigmoid Curve is one thing; breaking out of it is another. A stagnant phase doesn’t mean the end; it’s an opportunity for reinvention and growth. Here’s how:
Reinvention
- Adapt to Market Trends: Keep an eye on emerging trends within your industry and adapt accordingly.
- Update Branding: Sometimes, a slight tweak in your brand voice or visuals can make a big difference.
- Reevaluate Goals: As you grow, your initial goals might become obsolete. Always keep them updated to stay aligned with your brand’s current needs.
Diversification
- Multiple Platforms: Don’t rely solely on one channel for your personal brand. Utilize social media, blogs, podcasts, and even offline events.
- New Content Formats: Experiment with various types of content to see what resonates with your audience the most.
- Collaborations and Partnerships: Working with other brands or influencers can introduce your brand to a new set of audience members.
By continually reinventing and diversifying, you don’t just sustain your personal brand; you give it new life, ensuring its longevity and success.
The Steps to Start Your Personal Brand
Now that you understand the basics, let’s dive deeper into creating a powerful personal brand.
There are a few key items you need to actually build a powerful personal brand for yourself. We’ll discuss them briefly here so I don’t make this guide too long for you to read.
However, you need to remember that building a personal brand is not a one-and-done task; it’s a journey. It’s about discovering who you are, strategizing how to portray that, implementing your strategies, and refining them for better resonance.
We’ll break the process into 4 phases:
- Discovery
- Strategy
- Implementation
- Monitoring
There are a few key items you need to actually build a powerful personal brand for yourself in each phase.
We’ll discuss them briefly here so I don’t make this guide too long for you to read. However, you need to remember that building a personal brand is not a one-and-done task; it’s a journey.
It’s about discovering who you are, strategizing how to portray that, implementing your strategies, and refining them for better resonance. Let’s dive into the steps that will help you build and refine your personal brand.
Step #1 – Start with Understanding Your Brand Foundations
Let’s chat about brand foundations, shall we?
Hold up before you go slapping a logo on stuff or setting up a fancy website. More important work first!
You gotta get crystal clear on your brand DNA. I’m talking core values, mission, vision – the good stuff.
So take a sec to get centered. What principles drive you out of bed each day? What future are you building towards?
Getting your mission and vision locked down is crucial. It’s your North Star guiding all decisions.
And don’t just daydream here. Put pen to paper and capture it in writing. These are the pillars your brand will stand on.
With that foundation laid, you’ll have a framework for everything you create. Website, content, products – it’ll all align. So do the self-reflection now before diving into logos and color schemes.
Clarity first, aesthetics second.
Step #2 – Find Your Personal Brand’s Unique Value
Every brand has something unique to offer. Engage in exercises like SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) to unearth your unique value.
Ask yourself: what can you provide that others in your niche can’t When building your personal brand, it’s important to do a SWOT analysis to understand your strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats.
A SWOT analysis can provide valuable insights to help you shape your personal brand effectively. Start by identifying your core strengths and think about how you can leverage those strengths to enhance your personal brand.
Also, look for new opportunities to develop your personal brand – this might involve expanding your network, learning new skills, or taking on projects that allow you to showcase your abilities. Be honest with yourself about any weaknesses or gaps that could undermine your personal brand. Make plans to improve in those areas.
Finally, look out for threats – things like new competitors or changing industry trends that could negatively impact your personal brand. Doing a thoughtful SWOT analysis allows you to craft your personal brand in an intentional way, playing to your strengths while being aware of weaknesses and external threats.
Regularly revisiting your SWOT can help you adapt your personal brand over time as circumstances change. Investing time in understanding your SWOT is crucial for building a distinctive and resilient personal brand.
Step #3: Know Your Target Audience and Do Some Audience Research
Knowing who your audience is and what they want is crucial. Utilize tools like surveys, social media polls, or platforms like Google Analytics to understand your audience’s demographics and preferences.If you’re starting though, you won’t have access to Google Analytics, and as a result, you’ll need to follow a different tactic to better understand your audience. Some key questions you can ask yourself are:
1. Where does your audience hang out? Is it Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, or a combination of different platforms?
2. Where do they engage and connect with each other? Find groups, websites, or even YouTube videos about your niche that have high engagement and read the comments
3. Use AnswerThePublic.com to find the questions they’re asking. The goal of this step is to be ultra clear about who you’re talking to. For example, when I write on awah.net, I’m usually writing to a very specific person that I’ve taken the time to know. However, when I write content for Elegant Themes’ affiliate resources blog, I write for a completely different persona.
Your personal brand statement is a concise declaration of your focus and the value you bring. It should encapsulate who you are, what you do, and how you do it.
Step #4 – Write Your Personal Brand Statement
Let’s craft a killer personal brand statement, shall we? This is your mic drop moment. 🎤
In one tight sentence, you gotta encapsulate:
– Who you are
– What you do
– How you do it
This is your thesis statement, your elevator pitch, your flag in the sand. Keep it concise but make it mighty. Every word should pack a punch.
Focus on what makes you uniquely awesome. Get specific on the value you provide.
And weave in your personality too! Infuse that statement with your voice and vibe.
It takes time to find that perfect phrasing. Draft options, test them out, and get feedback.
Refine, refine, refine!
As you grow, you may need to evolve the messaging. But when you nail it? That brand statement becomes magnetic. It draws in dream clients and opportunities.
So don’t just throw a sentence together and call it a day. Craft your statement with purpose and precision. Let it become your guiding compass as you build your empire!
Resources to help you create a personal brand statement:
– How to create a personal brand statement – A Step-By-Step Guide
– Personal Brand Statement Template
Step #5 – Optimize Your Personal Brand Image
Let’s make your personal brand shine with a killer logo, website, and photos!
First up – logo design. This is your visual identity so get it right. Consider hiring a graphic designer or using Canva. Create something simple yet meaningful that captures your brand’s essence.
Next – build your online home with a personal website. My strategy is to simply use WordPress and Divi and keep everything simple with a minimal viable website for a start. Organize it neatly and fill it with value for your audience.
Now for the photos! Professional headshots and lifestyle images bring your brand to life. They convey professionalism and relatability. Worth the investment for sure.
Having photos is a good idea to give your name a face to be associated with.
Treat your logo, website, and photos as a unified set. Make sure they coordinate visually and align with your brand message.
With these three elements locked down, you’ll have a cohesive personal brand that looks as good as it sounds. You’ll stand out from the crowd and attract exciting opportunities.
So take the time to craft these carefully. They are the visual amplifiers for your brand and your business. Let me know if you need any help bringing your vision to life!
Step #6 – Develop a Visibility Strategy
A visibility strategy is simply a fancy way of saying u0022how people will get to know you.
There are many ways to go about creating a visibility strategy. First off, pick what type of channels you’re going to publish through.u003cbr
I break platforms into 2 types:u003cbr
Discovery platforms:
Discovery platforms are platforms that allow people to u0022Discoveru0022 you. Good examples of this include:u003cbr
YouTube
Search Engines
Reach Platforms
These are platforms that allow you to simply reach your audience. To make things simple for you for now, here are some examples of reach platforms:
– Facebook
– Twitter
– Instagram
I want to include TikTok somewhere but still making up my mind about it
Regardless, your visibility strategy should include:
– What social media platforms are you going to publish to?
– Why you’ve chosen these platforms?
– How do you plan to grow within each platform?
To dive deeper into this, read my guide on How to choose the perfect social media platform for your personal brand
Step #7 – Live Your Brand and Ensure Consistency in Your Messaging and Visuals Across All Platforms
Living your brand is about embodying your brand’s values in everything you do.
Whether it’s the posts you share on social media or the way you engage with your audience, ensure consistency in your messaging and visuals across all platforms.
Sign Off
By now, you should have a very clear understanding of your personal brand, and what your next actions should be. Your personal brand is all about “the brand of you.” This is something that Adam Enfroy says often that I’m fond of.
As always, you’re more than welcome to reach out to me if you need help with anything through email or through commenting below and I’ll be happy to help out!