8 Steps to Build Your Personal Brand on Social Media
You know when you're scrolling through social media, and certain profiles just grab your attention? Their posts are always interesting, their style is easy to recognize, and you feel like you understand them on a personal level.
They know how to share their message, create content that clicks with people, and stay consistent. Every time they post, it feels like hearing from a familiar friend—someone you trust and enjoy hearing from.
What is a Brand?
A brand is a product or business with a unique identity that stands out to consumers. It is created through design, packaging, and advertising that make it different from competitors.
A product helps build the company’s brand value. A strong brand brings great value to a company and gives it an advantage over others in the industry. Because of this, many companies use trademarks to legally protect their brands.
8 Ways to Establish Your Personal Brand on Social Media
1. Update Your Social Media Accounts
With over 5 billion social media users worldwide, many people are on multiple networks each month, according to Datareportal. But not every social account will help you grow your online presence or build your brand.
It’s time to audit your accounts—delete the old, unused ones, and focus on the platforms that help you the most. Make sure all your information is complete and accurate on the profiles you keep. This helps you direct traffic to where you want to be seen and make the best impression.
2. Identify Your Area of Expertise
Everyone has something they're great at—whether it’s making great content or knowing everything about a favorite topic. In digital marketing, experts like Rand Fishkin and Neil Patel are well-known for their specialized knowledge.
Find out what you’re good at, and focus on it. Look at what your followers have liked the most and consider making similar content or repurposing old content that performed well. The more unique content you create in your area of expertise, the more people will see you as a leader in that field.
3. Use Social Media AI Tools
AI tools can make creating a personal brand much easier. They can help with many tasks like creating content, managing social media, and doing market research. For content, tools like ChatGPT can help you get ideas, while Buffer and Hootsuite can schedule posts for you.
For SEO, tools like Ahrefs can find trending keywords to make sure your content is easy to find. You can even use tools like Canva to create visuals that are professional and eye-catching. Using these tools helps you save time and grow your presence online.
4. Regularly Share Content
Posting too much can annoy followers, but posting too little won’t help you be popular online. The key is finding the right balance for your audience and resources. Aim to post about 3-4 times a week and focus on two or three social networks.
Analyze which types of posts work best, and build a schedule around them. If you need ideas, use hashtags, news sites like Feedly, or AI tools like AnswerthePublic to find trending content to share.
5. Import Your Contacts
You might be surprised at how many people you already know on social media. Don’t miss out on connecting with people you already have in your email or phone contacts.
Import your contacts from Gmail, Outlook, or your phone to platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or TikTok. It’s an easy way to find people you haven't yet connected with and grow your network.
6. Be Positive, Engaging & Authentic
To create a strong personal brand, be true to yourself and stay positive. Your content should reflect your values and show what you’re good at. Besides reposting content from others, share original posts to show your own expertise.
It’s okay to share a bit about your personal life too, like hobbies or work experiences. If you’re concerned about mixing personal and professional content, consider having separate accounts for each. Just make sure your professional account is polished and aligns with your goals.
7. Find & Join Social Groups
Platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn have groups focused on specific topics or industries. Use the search bar to find groups related to your expertise and join them to share your insights. Other platforms like Reddit and Discord also offer community opportunities to connect with like-minded people.
Smaller, topic-based groups can sometimes be more effective than large industry groups for reaching your audience. Once in these groups, participate in discussions to build authority and make connections.
8. Keep Your Voice, Image & Tone Consistent
Stay consistent with your brand’s personality across all channels. Find a tone of voice that works for you—it could be friendly, humorous, or motivational, depending on your style and audience. Your visuals should also be consistent; use similar colors, fonts, and styles across your platforms to create a recognizable brand image.
For instance, Coca-Cola is well-known for its consistent use of the red color and logo. Adjust your tone depending on the platform; LinkedIn requires a more professional tone, while TikTok can be more casual. Consistency helps people remember you and see you as genuine.
Build a Legacy, Not Just Likes
Listen, my friend, it’s easy to share your life on social media without much thought. But building a personal brand is more than random posts; it’s about shaping how the world sees you now and in the future. The effort you put in today will pay off in ways you can't imagine. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Now, let me ask you, have you ever thought about the impression you're leaving with every post? Are you sharing content that will benefit your future self, or is it just for today’s likes and comments? Think about it—what you create today could be the key that opens doors tomorrow.
FAQs
How do I choose my area of expertise?
Think about what you're good at or passionate about—something you enjoy and know well. It could be a skill, a hobby, or a topic that you love talking about. Focus on this area to create unique content that makes you stand out.
What social media tools can help build my brand?
There are many tools to help build your personal brand and improve social media branding. AI tools like ChatGPT can help you come up with content ideas, while apps like Hootsuite can manage your posts. Canva is great for making visuals that look professional and attract attention.
What is Personal Branding?
Personal branding is the identity you create for others to see. It highlights your skills, personality, and values to help you stand out, especially online. Through your content and interactions, personal branding shapes how others perceive you.
How to do social media marketing?
Start social media marketing by defining your goals and understanding your audience. Choose the right platforms, create engaging content, and post consistently. Interact with followers and use ads to reach more people. Track your results to improve your strategy.
