7 Tips to Make Your Personal Brand Stand Out Online + Action Steps You Can Take Today to Get Started
Sep 01, 2023This is one of the most common questions I hear – not only from my community, but also across the internet from business owners new and seasoned, in just about every industry. So today, I’m going to break down a roadmap you can follow to make your brand stand out online!
The online world is a bustling marketplace, noisier and more crowded than ever before – plus, every year, millions of new businesses and personal brands spring onto the scene.
So how can you make your personal brand not just noticeable, but memorable? How can you make your personal brand stand out amongst all the noise online?
If you're here, I assume you're not just interested but committed to making that happen. So, let’s get into it! Here are 7 tips to make your personal brand stand out online.
Get Vulnerable
You've likely heard this a gazillion times by now (especially if you’ve been around my community for a while), but vulnerability is key.
Opening up, showing the imperfect side of you, and letting your audience connect with the real you can bring a genuine human touch to your brand. It's not just about letting people know you; it's about letting them like and trust you.
In the online world, we’re so used to people showing up trying to be the most perfect version of themselves – trying to portray the person they want to be. And while there’s nothing wrong with showing up only as your best self, you can take your relationships with your audience (and potential clients) so much deeper when you show up vulnerable. Show up with even your uglier truths, even your mistakes and lessons learned.
Breaking through the veil of portrayed perfection allows your audience to feel more connected to you, and get to know you on a deeper level. Not only is this great for making your brand stand out, but it will also help you make more sales and connections that could lead to referrals down the line.
People like to buy from real people they resonate with, and nobody resonates with perfection.
Action steps you can take today to get vulnerable:
- Start sharing 'behind-the-scenes' content
- Discuss your failures and what they taught you
- Share personal stories that connect to your brand message
Share Your Opinions
Opinions can be divisive, but they can also be magnetic.
There is an undeniable ripple effect of sharing your opinions… When you share your opinion, something magical happens. You attract a tribe. These are the people who believe in your vision, align with your values, and support you through thick and thin.
But more importantly, these are the people who become your loyal customers and vocal advocates.
Playing it safe, staying neutral, and avoiding any semblance of controversy might seem like the safe bet. However, it's often more detrimental to your brand than you realize. It makes you blend in with the rest of the crowd online, making you easily replaceable and forgettable.
The choice is yours: Would you rather be replaceable or irreplaceable?
Take a stand on things that matter in your industry, and that matter to you. Whether we like it or not, our opinions often define what people think of us and our brands. Your ideal clients will align with your values and respect you for standing up for them – even if they might not agree with every single one!
Action steps you can take today to share your opinion:
- Write blog posts tackling controversial issues in your industry
- Share thought-provoking quotes and your commentary on social media
- Align your products or services with your core values
Show up Consistently, With Consistency
If you're not consistent, you're not memorable. Consistency in your message, in the value you provide, and in your posting schedule can significantly impact your brand’s success.
Being consistent doesn't mean you're being repetitive; it means you're being reliable.
You know why brands like Apple, Coca-Cola, or Nike are so memorable? It's because they’re consistent. People know what to expect, and that breeds familiarity and trust. When you are consistent, you become a brand that people remember and return to.
Action steps you can take today to stay consistent:
- Plan your content calendar a month in advance
- Use social media scheduling tools to ensure content is being posted no matter what your day looks like
- Keep your brand visuals and voice consistent
Create a Stunning Visual Brand
Did you know that your visual brand subconsciously communicates information about you and your work, with your audience and ideal clients?!
Let's talk science for a second. Our brains process visuals 60,000 times faster than text.
That's lightning speed! By carefully selecting your brand's visual elements, you're already communicating your values, your ethos, and even your business’s quality before a potential client reads a single word you’ve written.
That's where brand archetypes and color psychology come into play. The colors you choose to represent your brand send a strong subliminal message to your audience.
Color psychology isn’t a 'woo-woo' concept; it's backed by studies. The colors you use can directly affect how someone perceives your brand. The same goes for your brand archetype, which is basically a personality profile for your brand. Different archetypes like "The Sage," "The Outlaw," or "The Caregiver" send specific messages that help people instantly understand what you're about.
If you want to take it a step further, dive into your Power Profile. This is a deep analysis of your strengths, weaknesses, and the value you bring to your audience. It can help you carve out a brand personality that is not only genuine but also highly engaging.
Action steps you can take today to create a stunning visual brand:
- Use brand colors that evoke the emotions you want in your audience
- Choose fonts that align with your brand personality
- Create a logo that symbolizes what you stand for
Maximize Your Marketing
High-touch, high-value marketing tactics can make your personal brand stand out in a crowded online space.
Your ideal client needs to experience your brand before they invest in your services. Social media is the new word-of-mouth! This can be an invaluable tool when it comes to making your personal brand stand out, and giving your audience and ideal clients a taste of what you offer before they buy.
With targeted strategies, you can reach your ideal clients online. But the real magic happens when you get them talking, sharing, and interacting with your brand online.
The key that most marketers won’t tell you? Focus on 'high-value' activities that cultivate engagement and build relationships. Think live videos, interactive polls, in-depth articles, and personalized outreach.
There's a huge difference between passive marketing and active, "high-touch, high-value" marketing.
Passive marketing, like posting quotes or sharing other people's content, might generate some interest, but it won't cut through the noise.
Active marketing strategies like creating high-quality videos, personalized social media engagement, and attending or hosting online events help you connect on a deeper level with your audience.
Personal connections through direct messaging, responding to comments, or even hosting Q&A sessions can make your followers feel valued and heard.
Action steps you can take today to maximize your marketing:
- Use video content to connect emotionally
- Leverage social media for one-on-one interactions
- Attend or host online networking events like Dare to Connect
Build Thought Leadership Through Value-Driven Content
In a crowded digital marketplace, authority and expertise have become the currency that customers trust. To make your brand really stand out, you can't just sell products or offer services; you have to provide value that extends far beyond a sales transaction.
This is where value-driven marketing shines.
By creating insightful blog posts, how-to guides, eBooks, or even informational social media posts, you're not just selling; you're educating. And by educating, you're positioning yourself as an expert in your field.
We live in what's often referred to as the "knowledge economy," where information is as valuable as physical goods or services. When you consistently provide valuable information, you're essentially empowering your customers to make better decisions. This fosters a deep level of trust and positions you as a thought leader in your space – one they’ll remember, and want to hire.
This additional element of thought leadership through content creation amplifies your brand's reach and impact. It allows you to connect with your audience on an intellectual level and provides another layer for potential clients to engage with you. When implemented alongside the other strategies we've discussed, it can dramatically accelerate your journey to becoming a standout brand online.
Action steps you can take today to share value-driven content:
- Identify your ideal clients’ major pain points and how you can help them
- Break down key topics that your audience wants to know more about
- Share your knowledge openly with your audience, no gatekeeping
Don't stop here, though.
I’m here to support you in creating a purposeful, archetypal brand that makes money AND makes a difference. Explore how we can work together here.