What is personal branding and how do you start? Where do you find inspiration for it? How do you improve your personal brand through market changes? What are some great examples of personal branding?
Introduction
In the age of digital connectivity, crafting a compelling personal brand has become more than just an option—it’s a necessity. Your personal brand, a melding of your values, expertise, and online presence, is the compass that guides you towards opportunities and cultivates a meaningful online identity. This article dives headfirst into the art of building an impactful personal brand, offering insights, real-world examples, and a hopeful perspective on its role in your life.
The Essence of a Strong Personal Brand
Your brand isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the vivid tapestry that reflects who you are, both professionally and personally. It shapes perceptions, fosters connections, and sets you apart in a crowded digital landscape. Try building a powerful personal brand which uses a multifaceted approach across many platforms and with many outlets.
To begin the process, think about your values, goals, and inspirations. Craft an identity you want to show the world. From there, add a color scheme, maybe a personalized logo, and a platform. For me, I use a website platform ArtsyDrawings.com.
If you are at a loss for how to build an optimized website, check out my colleague’s web design service: True Ideas.
Instagram Influencers: Building Communities Through Authenticity
Instagram influencers like @chrissyteigen and @selenagomez have cultivated personal brands rooted in authenticity. They share unfiltered glimpses of their lives, forging genuine connections with their followers. Emulate their approach by showcasing the real you, sharing your passions, and engaging openly with your audience.
TikTok Creators: Crafting Compelling Stories in Seconds
TikTok influencers like @charlidamelio and @zachking have mastered the art of storytelling within seconds. When they use their personal brand to entertain, educate, and inspire, they create content that resonates across demographics. Take inspiration from their succinct storytelling and translate it into your own narrative. Also, many marketers advise short videos as the future of successful marketing.
Artists with a Digital Identity: Merging Creativity with Branding
Artists like Banksy and KAWS have utilized their digital presence to amplify their artwork’s impact. Compared to artists who choose to evade social media, these digital connoisseurs have extended their artistic narratives onto social media platforms, effectively merging their creativity with personal branding. Basically, they infuse their personal brands with elements of their craft, merging art with branding.
Here at Artsy Drawings, I enjoy merging artistry with my personal brand. I use Linktr.ee to create a single, customizable link that houses multiple links to various online platforms. For me, these platforms include my portfolio, social media profiles like Pinterest and Instagram, and my online store. This link simplifies navigation for my audience, allowing them to access all relevant content from one central location.
It is important to also note that changing your personal brand with the market is actually a good thing. Recently, I decided to rebrand my website and social platforms with a new color scheme, dedicated fonts, and a logo that focused more on Artsy Drawings itself. For more details on my rebrand, check out my About page.
Job Hunting and Personal Branding: A Match Made in Success
Personal branding isn’t confined to social resources; it plays a pivotal role in job hunting too. When potential employers search your name, what they find can significantly influence their decisions. It is vitally important, especially post graduation, to create a story about who you are and how you want the world to view you. Then, craft your personal brand to reflect your skills, passions, and professional aspirations, essentially turning your online identity into a compelling resume.
- Audit Your Social Media: First, go through your social media profiles and remove or adjust any content that might be seen as unprofessional or inappropriate. Delete posts or photos that could be misconstrued or reflect negatively back on you.
- Update Your Privacy Settings: Review the privacy settings on your social media accounts to limit what can be viewed by the public. By adjusting your settings, you can control who sees your posts, photos, and personal information. Make use of features that allow you to approve tagged posts before they appear on your profile.
- Create a Professional Online Presence: Next, focus on building a positive online image that aligns with your career goals. Share articles, posts, and content related to your industry to demonstrate your knowledge and interests. Consider creating a LinkedIn profile that highlights your professional accomplishments and connects you with others in your field.
- Use a Professional Email Address: Create a professional email address that uses your name rather than a nickname or casual (silly goose) handle. This small change can make a positive impression on potential employers when they communicate with you via email.
- Monitor Your Online Presence: Regularly search your name on search engines to see what information comes up. This will help you identify any potentially damaging content and take steps to address it. If you find negative information, then you can try to address it directly or focus on pushing positive content higher in search results through active online engagement. Also, try to research personal brand examples to see how influencers tackle positive and negative media.
Digital Marketing Yourself: An Essential Skill in Today’s World
In a world where digital interactions dominate, marketing yourself online is crucial. Similarly to businesses, you can use digital strategies to showcase your personal brand and reach your audience. Hence, dive into SEO optimization, content creation, and consistent engagement to cultivate a strong online presence.
As you grow digitally, try to track your data through insights and analytics. This recording process can be integral in knowing how well your content is performing and analyzing how to improve. For more details about data visualization, collection, and reporting check out my article titled “How to Visualize Data as a Multi-Skilled Artist.”
Noteworthy Personal Brand Examples
- Marie Forleo (@marieforleo): A businesswoman and motivational speaker, Marie Forleo’s personal brand is built on empowerment and entrepreneurship. Overall, her online platform provides valuable content that resonates with aspiring business leaders.
- Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself): Renowned author Neil Gaiman’s personal brand seamlessly weaves his fantastical writing with his witty and engaging online presence. He particularly uses platforms like Twitter to connect with fans, share insights, and showcase his creative process.
- Lizzo (@lizzo): Singer and body positivity advocate Lizzo’s personal brand radiates confidence, self-love, and unapologetic authenticity. Her empowering messages and music resonate with a global audience, making her a prime example of a relatable personal brand.
- Simon Sinek (@simonsinek): Leadership expert Simon Sinek’s personal brand centers around inspiring leadership and self-discovery. Basically, his TED Talks, books, and majority of his online presence encourage individuals to find their “why” and lead with purpose.
- Alex Strohl (@alexstrohl): Adventure photographer Alex Strohl’s personal brand seamlessly intertwines his passion for photography with a love for travel and the outdoors. His captivating visuals and storytelling inspire wanderlust in his followers.
- Amanda Gorman (@amandascgorman): Poet Amanda Gorman’s personal brand combines her powerful words with her advocacy for social change. Her eloquence and activism have made her a symbol of hope and progress.
- Casey Neistat (@caseyneistat): Filmmaker and content creator Casey Neistat’s personal brand is characterized by his unique storytelling style and his commitment to authenticity. Following his YouTube vlogs and cinematic videos offers insights into his life and creative processes.
- Gwyneth Paltrow (@gwynethpaltrow): Last but not least, actress and entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow’s personal brand revolves around wellness and lifestyle. Her company, Goop, and her online presence promote holistic living and self-care.
Conclusion
Crafting a compelling personal brand isn’t just about garnering followers; it’s about shaping an identity that reflects your values, aspirations, and expertise. As you navigate the digital landscape, drawing inspiration from Instagram influencers, TikTok creators, and notable figures like artists and public speakers, remember that personal branding is a journey of self-discovery and growth.
Remember, in job hunting, personal branding acts as a beacon that attracts the right opportunities. By digitally marketing yourself, you take control of your narrative and present your most authentic self to the world. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a creative artist, or a professional seeking advancement, your personal brand serves as your virtual handshake, leaving a memorable impression that extends beyond pixels and platforms.
Embrace the evolution of your personal brand with hope and enthusiasm, for it is a canvas that you paint with your passions, experiences, and aspirations. As you infuse your online presence with authenticity, engagement, and a touch of inspiration, you’re bound to forge connections, open doors, and carve a meaningful path towards success.
