Most of us know that creating a brand for your business can do wonders when it comes to marketing and promoting your services. The same goes for creating or enhancing your personal brand which can increase your visibility, expand networking opportunities, and improve your career prospects. However, there is much more to building a ‘brand’ than meets the eye.

Different types of brands

When you’re creating your business brand, you are creating an identity for your business that represents you and your services, and it should resonate with your target audience. However, in addition to your business’s brand, you could take it to the next level and create a personal brand as well.

By creating a personal brand, you are building a profile that showcases your personality and promotes your skills. This can be an extension of your business brand, or you can create a personal brand that focuses solely on you and your personality, your skills, your interests and achievements irrespective of your professional career.

Building your personal brand

When it comes to creating your personal brand, there are a number of important things you need to consider before getting started:

• Know your why – understand why you want to build your personal brand. Is it for career advancement, growing a business, or sharing a passion outside of work – like volunteering for example. Having clarity around this can help guide your actions.
• Identify your area of expertise – knowing what you’re passionate about or areas where you are highly skilled will gives you focus. For example, are you an expert in technology, wellness, creativity, or leadership? Or do you like volunteering.

• Understand and engage your audience – who do you want to reach? Know why you want to reach out to them and how you can engage with them – will it be through networking in person or online through social media?
• Build an online profile – optimise your profile to reflect your personal brand. If you’re using LinkedIn, YouTube or Instagram, use a picture that reflects who you are and craft a compelling bio.

• Creating content – whether it’s blog posts, social media updates, videos, or podcasts, focus on creating valuable and relevant content. Remember creating content regularly will help build relationships and BE yourself. By projecting your own personality, you will help build trust and recognition with your audience.

• Build relationships – connect with like-minded individuals, mentors, and influencers in your area of interest. Collaboration is key here -attend events, participate in conferences or community events to meet new people.

• Share your wins – if you’ve had any significant achievements or positive feedback, share them online. If you have any client testimonials these are a great way to promote your services either on your social pages or your business website.
• Promote yourself – If applicable, show real-life examples of your work to highlight your skills and expertise.

Showcasing who you are through video

How many videos do you watch on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube – hundreds, if not thousands a week. There’s a reason so many people are creating videos – they work. Look at all the influencers out there.

One of the easiest ways you can build your personal brand is by creating short videos and sharing them via social media. This is the most effective way to tell your audience who you are, what you do and why – and it won’t cost you a thing or take too long to record.

Be patient and persistent

Building a business brand takes time and it’s the same for a personal brand. Be patient, keep readjusting the goals posts if you need to, as you continue to learn what is working and what may not be.  

The goal is to position yourself as an authority in your field while staying authentic and engaging with your audience – and yourself.