In today’s digital world, your personal brand is your reputation.
Whether you’re working your way up in a corporate, an entrepreneur or currently looking to change career paths, your personal brand is crucial in shaping how you’re perceived, both online and offline. It is no longer enough to have the right skills and qualifications; in 2024, it's all about showcasing who you are, what you stand for and how you add value.
Why building a personal brand is important
The rise in popularity of social media, blogs and personal websites has made it easier than ever to craft and control your own image. Your personal brand reflects your unique qualities and can help set you apart in an increasingly competitive market.
In fact, 85% of employers report that they make hiring decisions based on personal brand information they find online, including social media presence and personal websites.
The 3 main reasons for you to work on your personal brand are:
Authenticity: Building a personal brand allows you to define how others perceive you, rather than leaving it to chance. You can highlight your strengths, values and interests in a way that is authentic to who you are, making it easier to attract like-minded individuals and opportunities that align with your goals
Credibility and trust: A well-curated personal brand fosters trust and credibility. If people know what you care about and consistently see you working on things that matter to you, they’re more likely to trust and engage with you
Opportunities: Whether it’s career advancement, speaking engagements or networking opportunities, a strong personal brand opens doors. When you present yourself in a clear and memorable way, opportunities naturally align with who you are
"Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room" - Jeff Bezos
People really are forming impressions of you based on the content you create, share and engage with online. So now we truly understand the importance of taking control of your brand, let's talk about how to do it most effectively.
5 top tips for building your personal brand
1. Define your values and think about your purpose
Having a clear sense of your values and purpose allows you to build a personal brand that’s rooted in authenticity. This might seem daunting but it doesn't have to be.
Some useful questions to ask yourself are:
What do I care deeply about?
What do I want people to think when they hear my name?
What are the key messages I want to convey to potential employers and collaborators?
"Being authentic in your personal brand is key. Your audience can sense when you’re not being genuine, and that’s a fast track to losing their trust" - Gary Vaynerchuk
Authenticity ensures that your brand aligns with your true self, making it easier to maintain and more relatable to others.
2. Choose your platform(s) wisely
Okay, it’s time to decide where you will showcase your personal brand. Are you a visual creator? Platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok will work well for you, if so. Do you enjoy writing? A website or blog is another powerful tool for showcasing your expertise. Do you want to publish short-form content and engage in conversation with your network? LinkedIn or Twitter might be the best choice.
"Focus on where your audience is. It’s not about being everywhere at once, but about being in the right place consistently" - Chris Ducker
This will help you avoid spreading yourself too thin while ensuring your brand reaches the right audience.
3. Be consistent and create value
Your personal brand should be consistent across all platforms. This doesn’t mean every post needs to say the same thing, but the overall tone, look and messaging should be aligned. If your LinkedIn profile presents you as a serious professional, but your public Instagram shows a wildly different side, it can create confusion. There is no harm in creating a private Instagram for your private life if you want to share content that you don't want seen by those in your professional network.
Remember, building a personal brand isn’t just about talking about yourself. It’s about offering something valuable to your audience. Whether it’s advice, inspiration or entertainment, always ask: How can I help or add value to others? When you focus on helping others, you become a trusted voice in your industry, which ultimately strengthens your brand.
5. Network
Your personal brand doesn’t exist in isolation. Networking is a powerful tool in building and expanding your brand. Attend industry events, collaborate with others and engage with your audience online. Comment on posts, participate in discussions and share insights from other thought leaders.
"Your network is your net worth. The more people you connect with and collaborate with, the more opportunities you’ll have to grow your brand" - Lewis Howes
Collaborating with others not only expands your reach but also builds credibility within your niche.
The digital landscape is always changing and your personal brand should evolve with it. Stay up to date with trends in your field, keep learning and adapt your brand as needed. Being stagnant can cause your brand to become irrelevant over time.
Don't be afraid to revisit your brand strategy and refine it based on your growth and shifting goals. Take inspiration from experts, continuously refine your approach and watch your personal brand thrive.
What are you doing to build your personal brand today? Share your thoughts with us over on Instagram!