How to Start a Personal Brand and Build a Business Around It
Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone looking to shake things up in your career, personal branding is your ticket to standing out. It's no longer just about fancy logos or a polished LinkedIn bio. Your personal brand is your reputation, your voice, and your currency in the digital age.
So, how do you go from “just another expert” to a trusted authority? Let’s break it down into actionable steps—no fluff, just results.
What is a Personal Brand (and Why Should You Care)?
Your personal brand is the perception people have of you when you're not in the room. It’s the mix of your expertise, values, and personality that makes people say, “I trust this person.”
Think of Oprah, Elon Musk, or Gary Vee. Their names instantly evoke a certain image. That’s what we’re aiming for—you, positioned as the go-to authority in your space.
If you're not actively shaping your brand, others will do it for you (and trust me, you won’t like their version).
How to Create a Personal Brand from Scratch
Define Your Brand Identity (Who the Heck Are You?)
Before you go viral, you need to know what you stand for. Ask yourself:
What’s your unique expertise or skill?
Who do you want to serve?
What problem do you solve?
What’s your core message?
If you're a business coach, your brand identity could be:
"I help solopreneurs scale their businesses without burnout."
Make it clear, compelling, and easy to remember.
Pick Your Platform (Where Will You Shine?)
Not every platform is right for every personal brand. Choose wisely based on where your audience hangs out:
LinkedIn – Great for B2B professionals and thought leadership.
Instagram & TikTok – Perfect for lifestyle brands and visual storytelling.
YouTube & Podcasts – Excellent for long-form content and deep audience connections.
If you're a real estate expert, TikTok might be your best bet for quick, informative videos, while LinkedIn helps you build authority among industry professionals.
Build a Content Strategy (Because Posting Randomly Won’t Cut It)
A solid content strategy is your brand’s heartbeat. Mix up these types of content:
Authority Content – Show your expertise (guides, case studies, industry insights).
Storytelling – Share personal experiences and lessons learned.
Engagement Content – Polls, Q&As, behind-the-scenes, and personal updates.
If you're a fitness coach, share workout tips, transformation stories, and real-life client wins.
Rebrand Yourself When Necessary (Because Growth is Inevitable)
Feeling stuck in an outdated identity? Rebranding isn't failure—it's evolution.
When to rebrand:
If your values or business model have shifted.
If your audience has changed.
If you’ve outgrown your current brand identity.
If you started as a social media manager but now coach others on scaling their agencies, a brand refresh will align your identity with your expertise.
Leverage Podcasting to Grow Your Personal Brand
If you're serious about positioning yourself as an authority, starting a podcast is one of the smartest moves you can make.
Why?
It builds trust – Hearing your voice regularly creates a personal connection.
It repurposes easily – One podcast episode can be turned into blog posts, social media clips, and newsletters.
It attracts monetization – Ads, sponsorships, and premium content turn your brand into a business.
Influencers can monetize their social media by launching a podcast, inviting guest experts, and securing brand sponsorships. If you're a career coach, a podcast interviewing successful professionals can skyrocket your credibility.
Steps to Grow Your Personal Brand Like a Pro
Consistency is King (No One Trusts a Ghost)
People follow brands that show up regularly. Set a content schedule and stick to it. Whether it’s weekly LinkedIn posts, daily Instagram stories, or a monthly newsletter, make sure you stay visible.
If you post valuable industry tips every Tuesday, people will start expecting it—turning your content into a habit for your audience.
Engage, Don’t Just Broadcast (You're Not a Robot)
A personal brand isn’t just about what you post. It’s about how you interact. Respond to comments, participate in discussions, and show genuine interest in your audience.
Instead of just posting your latest blog, ask your followers, “What’s your biggest struggle with X?” and build conversations.
Collaborate with Other Brands and Influencers
Leverage someone else’s audience to expand your reach. Partner with fellow entrepreneurs, do guest podcasts, or join live panels.
If you're a startup founder, being interviewed on a well-known business podcast can introduce your brand to thousands of potential customers.
Track and Adjust (Data Doesn’t Lie)
Your audience will tell you what’s working—if you listen. Use insights from social media and website analytics to tweak your strategy.
If your audience engages most with personal stories over technical content, lean into storytelling more.
Final Thoughts: Your Brand, Your Legacy
Starting a personal brand isn’t just a marketing move—it’s a long-term investment in your future. It helps you attract clients, land partnerships, and turn your name into a business.
So, whether you’re launching a podcast, building a social media presence, or refining your brand identity, the time to start is now. Because the best personal brands aren’t just seen—they’re remembered.
Ready to build your personal brand?
Book A Call With Us To Learn More
FAQs
-
It varies! Some see traction in months, while others take years. Consistency is key.
-
Absolutely! Written content, podcasting, and newsletters are great alternatives.
-
Gradually shift your messaging and content, explaining your transition through stories and updates.
-
Through sponsorships, online courses, coaching, affiliate marketing, and (you guessed it) podcasting.
-
It depends on your industry. B2B? LinkedIn. Visual content? Instagram. Deep conversations? Podcasting.
-
Yes! It’s your digital home where you control your narrative, showcase your expertise, and capture leads.
