People don’t just buy from businesses; they buy from people so establishing your personal brand is essential. Personal branding is all about creating that lasting memory of yourself, it’s the impression people have of you and the values you represent.
Put simply, personal branding is the deliberate and strategic process of defining and expressing your value as an individual. It’s about crafting a public-facing identity that authentically represents your skills, experience, values, and what you stand for. Think of it as applying the principles of branding, usually reserved for products and businesses, to yourself.
Strong personal branding isn’t about creating a version of yourself you think people want to see. It’s about being authentically you, consistently and confidently.
Why Personal Branding Matters
Your personal brand helps you stand out in your industry. Whether you’re building a career, growing a business, or expanding your professional network, people are more likely to trust and engage with individuals they feel a connection to. Personal branding highlights your unique skills, experiences, and values, making you more memorable and relatable.
It also gives you control over your online presence. In a time where a quick Google search can form someone’s first impression of you, managing how you’re represented digitally is crucial. A strong personal brand ensures what people find is accurate, positive, and aligned with your goals.
“Personal branding has grown since the pandemic and has no signs of slowing down soon. I will say it is an additional tool and not the be all and end all but can create intrigue and traction to businesses that business brands were never able to do as in depth as before.
Personal brands give relatability and connections to people in businesses. Building them requires effort and with consistency to show up yields results.”
Quote from Elliott Ghali, founder of Example Marketing
Personal Branding in Action
Some of the most recognisable personal brands come from public figures who intentionally shape how they’re perceived. Take Richard Branson, who consistently positions himself as a challenger to the status quo, wanting to change business for good. He shares bold opinions and aligning himself with adventurous projects that reflect the Virgin brand’s spirit. His personal branding is clear across his interviews, social media presence, and public events. He’s built a reputation as a risk-taker and business innovator.
Steven Bartlett, host of The Diary of a CEO, has created a personal brand centred around entrepreneurship and self-development. Through his podcast, books, and social content, he shares honest insights about business challenges, health, and leadership. Topics that resonate deeply with his audience and his values. His consistency in message and tone makes his personal brand instantly recognisable.
Love him or hate him even Elon Musk uses personal branding strategically. His online presence, especially on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), reflects his unconventional, provocative, and futuristic worldview. Whether you agree with his approach or not, Musk uses personal branding tactics to amplify his ventures and maintain a highly visible personal identity separate from his companies.
These examples show how personal branding isn’t just about being memorable, it’s about consistently communicating your values, expertise, and personality in a way that connects with your audience.
How to Build Your Personal Brand
The good news is you don’t need a global audience to create a meaningful personal brand. Your personal brand starts with you. Here are some tips on how to develop your brand.
- Knowing yourself – Understand your core values, strengths, passions, and what makes you different. What do you want to be known for?
- Defining your audience – Who are you speaking to? Clients, peers, potential collaborators? Tailor your message to their needs and interests.
- Being consistent online – Ensure your LinkedIn profile, personal website, and other platforms reflect a cohesive, authentic image.
- Creating valuable content – Share your expertise, experiences, and insights. Whether it’s a blog, a video, or a simple LinkedIn post, add value.
- Building genuine connections – Engage with your audience, respond to comments, and support others. Community matters.
- Staying authentic – People connect with real people. Share your wins, but also the lessons you’ve learned along the way.
Personal branding is essential. It’s about showing up as yourself, building trust, and creating meaningful connections that can shape your professional journey. By investing time in your personal brand, you’re not just marketing yourself; you’re opening doors to new relationships, opportunities, and growth.