Personal branding can be one of those buzz terms people toss around on LinkedIn to sound important, but honestly, it all comes down to this: how you show up in the world when you’re not present. It’s what people say about you when they come across your profile, your website, or your work.
It Begins With The Way People Discover You
Think about how many times you Google someone before you meet them or search for them on Instagram if you’re thinking of them for a project. You’ve probably done it without even knowing it. Flip it around now. What does someone find when they search for you? Does it reveal what you really do? Or what you’ve done rather than what you’re working toward?
The place to start is being honest with yourself. Not in the “list your weaknesses” sort of way, but in the “what do I want to be known for” sort of way. Not what you think you should be doing or what looks good on paper, but what you truly believe in. That’s what people connect with.
Your LinkedIn Isn’t Just An Online Resume
LinkedIn isn’t all about job hunting or dry corporate news anymore. It’s your billboard. Your title and summary matter, yes, but your voice matters, too. Are you talking like a robot? Stop doing that. Write the way you would tell someone what you did over coffee. Put some personality in there—people remember people, not jargon.
And then, once you get there, don’t underestimate the strength of consistency. Your photo, your banner image, and even the sort of content you participate in all make up the story people build about you. Do it intentionally.
You Don’t Need To Be Everywhere
Here’s the thing: You don’t have to be on every platform. That’s how people burn out. Choose a few that are applicable to what you do. If you’re a creator, Instagram or Behance might be your stage. If you’re more of a thought leadership person, LinkedIn or a personal blog might be your home base.
For effective personal branding, establish a dedicated website under your full control. It doesn’t need to be elaborate; a clean, single page with a concise bio, relevant examples of your work, and a contact form suffices. This creates a central location stating,, “Here I am, this is what I do, and this is how you contact me.” You’d be surprised how many people avoid that and just utilize social sites that they don’t even own themselves.
What Makes People Remember You
Storytelling. You don’t need to share the entirety of your life story, but share pieces of your story, your why, and your perspective, and people will take a pause from scrolling. Everyone has experience, but your perspective on it makes you different.
Post regularly, even if it’s just once a week. Write in your voice, not like you’re releasing a press announcement.
Technology Can Make This A Lot Simpler
It is okay to ask for help. LinkedIn, personal sites, and even digital solution firms such as Sky Services exist to enhance your online presence and keep you consistent throughout. You don’t have to do it all by yourself or try to do it on your own.
Keep Showing Up
The reality is that your personal branding isn’t developed over the course of one weekend. It’s one you nurture—like a garden. You don’t water it once and end up with a jungle. But if you show up regularly, stay true to yourself, and keep learning the way? People notice. The right people will find you. The opportunities will come.
