5 PERSONAL BRANDING TIPS

It is not just businesses that need an identity, people need to as well. Personal branding can create opportunities, help you to establish yourself as an expert in your field, and to inspire people to trust in you.

Personal branding is, simply, the ongoing process of marketing your attributes, personality and skills. It represents who you are as an individual, and helps you to build a positive reputation for yourself – both personally and professionally.

Being freelance has its benefits, including flexibility, the opportunity to work for a variety of clients and teams, and you probably have more choice in where to work. There are disadvantages too, including the fact that your income and your workload are unstable and inconsistent - it is up to you to find the contracts. And this is where personal branding is key. You have to constantly market yourself!

When I decided to go freelance I knew I needed to ensure that employees and brand owners could not only find me, but once they had that they could understand my offerings and my personality. I wanted to come across as an expert in my field, passionate about what I do, and show that I could be a valuable part of their project.

I started with creating a website, using copy in my tone of voice, and imagery that I feel represent me as a person. I then linked all my social channels to my website, and ensured that these social channels have consistent branding, tone of voice and imagery throughout. I actively post on these channels and on my website to ensure that I am communicating and engaging with my audience, especially when I want to let them know about a new qualification I have obtained, or a new case study or testimonial. All of these things help to develop my personal brand.

Here are my 5 top tips to develop your personal brand:

Be Authentic

Be yourself, be original, have confidence in what makes you unique and let your true self show.

Be Honest

Trust is ultimately what followers want, and if you change your fundamental beliefs at the drop of a hat, it may put people off and cause them to not trust in you.

Be Consistent

Consistency isn’t only about posting on social media every day. It’s about unifying the brand look and messaging.

Be an Expert

Become an expert in your field. Blog about it. Add value to your followers by sharing your expert knowledge.

Be Social

Respond to people who engage with you. It’s important to humanise your personal brand.