What Is Personal Branding? Here’s Why It’s So Important

Personal branding lets you take charge of your digital footprint, ensuring that what people find when they search for you online is accurate, positive, and aligned with your professional goals.

Examples Of Personal Branding That Work

Now that you understand the advantages of developing a personal brand, let’s look at a couple of real-life examples of professionals who have nailed their branding and reaped the rewards from it.

David Perell

Known as “The Writing Guy,” David Perell has built a strong personal brand around his expertise in online writing.

He has harnessed the power of the internet to inspire and coach thousands of people to improve their writing, build an online audience, and leverage that audience to propel their careers.

Thanks to his popular course “Write of Passage,” his prolific social media output, and his frequent podcast appearances, David has successfully positioned himself as one of the world’s leading proponents of the power of online writing.

Marie Forleo

Marie Forleo is an entrepreneur, author, and the creator of MarieTV, an award-winning web show that helps viewers realize their potential in business and in their personal lives.

Her personal brand revolves around the philosophy that anyone can lead a dream life if they’re willing to put in the effort. The title of her book, “Everything Is Figureoutable,” has become a mantra for personal growth and resilience, emphasizing that all problems can be solved with enough determination.

Marie has successfully used her platform to inspire millions with her practical advice, engaging personality, and unwavering belief in the potential of her viewers.

6 Steps To Build Your Own Personal Brand

So, what should you do to develop a personal brand?

Here are the six key steps to successful personal branding.

1. Define Your Brand Identity

The first step is all about self-reflection and clarity.

Your goal here is to figure out what you stand for and how you want to be perceived.

Identify what makes you unique – this could be a combination of your distinctive talents, perspectives, values, and passions. Consider your career achievements, distinguishing personality traits, and any notable challenges you’ve overcome that shape who you are today.

Remember to stay true to your authentic self, not just what you think others want to see. Being genuine will help you connect more deeply with your audience, shaping a brand identity that is both relatable and trustworthy.

Plus, being yourself is much less work than pretending to be someone else!

2. Determine Your Target Audience

Next, you need to clarify who your personal brand is speaking to.

Your target audience could be potential employers, clients in a specific industry, a professional community, or peers who share similar interests to you.

You should understand what they care about and their challenges so you can tailor your content and messaging to align with their specific needs.

3. Develop A Personal Brand Statement

A personal brand statement is a succinct description of who you are, what you do, who you serve, and why it matters.

Think of it as your professional tagline.

It should be compelling and memorable, encapsulating your unique value proposition.

For example, if you’re a software developer with a focus on educational technology, your personal brand statement might be something like: “Designing edtech to empower learners everywhere.”

A solid brand statement not only helps focus your communication across different platforms but is also a powerful tool that can differentiate you from your peers and competitors.

4. Optimize Your Online Presence

Once you’ve laid the groundwork for your personal brand, it’s time to update your digital footprint accordingly.

Make sure your social media profiles on platforms like LinkedIn and your personal website are polished, professional, and aligned with your brand identity. Consider removing any old posts or content pieces that don’t reflect the image you want to project.

It’s also worth investing in new professional headshots, a logo for your brand, and a consistent color scheme and design elements across your platforms. Visual consistency helps reinforce your brand identity and makes you easily recognizable to your audience.

5. Create And Share Valuable Content

Posting high-quality content is essential for establishing your authority and amplifying your message.

You can bolster your reputation and expand your reach by creating and sharing insightful blog posts, social media content, and videos, as well as appearing on other creators’ podcasts and YouTube channels.

Your content should not only reflect your professional insights but also your unique personality and perspectives.

Also, to build your email list, it’s a good idea to offer audience members a free, valuable resource on your website (like an ebook, webinar, or online course) in exchange for their email address.

6. Network And Engage With Your Community

Finally, building and nurturing a professional network is critical.

In addition to connecting with people online, you should actively engage with their content, contribute to relevant industry conversations, and participate in both virtual and in-person events related to your field.

Offering your expertise by answering questions, sharing insights, and providing valuable feedback solidifies your reputation as an approachable and knowledgeable thought leader.

By investing time in building relationships and promoting the work and efforts of your peers, you’ll foster more goodwill around your brand, which could open up new doors for you down the line.

Personal Branding Should Be Important For Everyone