The word “personal branding” has definitely come up if you read any websites or blogs that provide marketing and business advice.

This has compelled a lot of CEOs, managers, salesmen, and other professionals to start creating their own personal brands online. In this article, we’ll explain what a personal brand is, discuss why it’s important, and discuss the steps to build your own personal brand.

Modern customers and clients are taking a lot more time to search the background of businesses and brands, as well as the products/services they offer before making any purchases. This has become even easier owing to the abundance of information available online. 

 

Importance of Personal Branding

An individual’s personal branding determines how they are known and seen by the general public. It involves establishing your image, presenting a positive self-image, and promoting your personal brand to others. 

Personal branding allows you to tell your narrative the way you want, establish your expertise in your niche, and build a connection with your clients that goes beyond your products and services. 

Today, having a powerful presence in the corporate world is major a competitive edge as more people are switching their jobs and starting their own businesses, and striving to upgrade their skills. It can be said that everyone has a personal brand, regardless of whether them being aware of it or not.

The secret to success is taking charge of your brand and carefully shaping it into what actually want it to be. Whatever you stand for, how people see you, and your strengths and flaws all contribute to your brand.

 

Steps to Build Your Own Personal Brand

You’ll be more chances of succeeding if you are able to control your message and how the outside world perceives you. Following are the 7 powerful steps to build your own personal brand.

 

• Build a brand vision

Similar to a mission statement, a brand vision is presented in the present tense, as if it has already been completed. It is precise and gives a clear image of what you want. This helps you go from where you currently are to where you want to be. You can write this as “I help companies in streamlining their manufacturing processes to cut costs and increase profits.” Moreover, the first step in leadership is to express your “why’s.” People tend to be drawn to why you do something, not what you actually do.

 

• Determine what you want to be known for

Being known as a leader in a certain field is the only way to develop a powerful personal brand. Decide how you want to set yourself apart from the competition by looking into the competitiveness of that market. Determine what you can offer that others might not. You would be remembered by the public only if you make use of your unique talents. Your personal brand can accurately represent your skills, interests, expertise, principles, and perspectives.

 

• Define your audience

When developing your personal brand, trying to please everyone is one of the biggest errors you can do. Thus, it is important to identify your specialty. Making your target profile is a worthwhile practice in this context. The better equipped you are to offer something that the public needs and desires, the better you would understand your client base. 

 

• Build a consistent message

Be sure that the message you are sending to your audience is the same in all of your communication channels. For this, it is important to first develop a message that resonates with your goals. Consistency fosters credibility and trust among your customers. Furthermore, use visuals, such as your logo, regularly, along with maintaining a consistent tone and attitude. 

 

• Be authentic and transparent

The personal brand you create should not be a personality you want to show, rather it should truly represent the real you. Remember to accept your originality to persuade people to focus on you and choose you above others. Being authentic and transparent is necessary if you want to communicate with others. Decide on the personality you want your brand to have. It could a casual and fun one, or a serious professional one. 

 

• Develop your website

If you are planning to build your own personal brand, it is vital for you to have your own domain, regardless of your niche or skills. With the abundance of website makers available online, you don’t even need coding skills to do so. Building a website allows you to have the opportunity to produce something that is entirely representative of who you are and what you believe in. 

 

• Build your social media presence

Without an online presence, it is difficult to build a strong personal brand in today’s corporate world. Once you’ve registered your domain name, check if it is available on major social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. However, instead of posting inconsistently on multiple platforms, try picking one or two and posting on them regularly. Avoid using social media as a platform for intimidation and promote two-way communication instead.

 

The Elements of a Successful Personal Brand

Even though every personal brand is unique, there are some primary components to any effective brand.

1. Authenticity: If you try to fake your brand, people will soon notice the inconsistent ways you portray yourself. Thus, it is important to stay sincere from the start.
2. Integrity: It is important to identify your values, uphold them, and avoid letting anything threaten your integrity. You can build your decisions over factors beyond financial worth when you know what you believe in.
3. Personality: You should be able to distinguish from the competitors with a strong brand. Therefore, determine what makes you special. You are the only one who knows you and has unique skills and experiences to share.
4. Trustworthiness: When you accomplish what you had promised to do and remain true to your ideals and principles, you’ll gain the respect of others around you.
5. Values: Your brand values are your morals and qualities that people relate to you. These qualities could be particular facets of yourself that you wish to emphasize based on your business, career, and audience.

 

Get Exemplary Business Advice at Digital Usman

With extensive experience in the business sector and a deep understanding of digital marketing tactics and behaviors, Digital Usman offers critical advice and digital assistance to businesses of all types, from B2B to B2C markets. 

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to properly market and publicize your brand, Digital Usman can provide the necessary support to pave your path to success by carefully eliminating any obstacles along the way. 

 

Final Words

Never undervalue the importance of personal branding; done well, it may be your most valuable asset. However, as you evolve, make sure to adapt and evolve your brand to accurately reflect who you are, 

Always remember to be genuine and unique in representing yourself to your audience. You’ll be able to go forward in your niche and take the necessary actions once you understand how to capitalize on the power of a well-built personal brand.

 

 

FAQS

 

How can I start building my personal brand?

You can begin to build your own personal brand by figuring out your unique talents and beliefs, deciding who your target market is, and developing a consistent online presence via a personal website and social media. 

 

How can I maintain my personal brand over time?

You should regularly monitor and update your online presence, interact with your audience online, and advance your knowledge and skills in your industry if you want to sustain your personal brand over time.