From zero to hero: Building your personal brand on social media

If you’re a business owner who’s been avoiding personal branding on social media like it’s a telemarketer phoning, this is your wake-up call. It’s time to elevate from zero to hero status in the digital world. Social media expert Emily-Rose Hills shares her top ten tips to make your personal brand reach new heights.

Remember, your business is more than a logo; it’s a reflection of you.

Take inspiration from personal branding pros like Richard Branson, Mark Zuckerberg, or Michelle Obama. The king of Facebook shares daddy-daughter bonding moments at a Tay Tay concert; Richard Branson posts flashbacks in sepia and antics aboard his cruise ship. Even ex-Below Deck’s captain Sandy Yawn posts dog selfies and behind-the-scenes pics with her crew. So, where do you begin? 

10 tips to boost your brand on social

1. Know Thyself, Brand Thyself

First things first: figure out who you are and what your brand represents. Are you a chic baker who loves puns as much as cupcakes? Or the zen yoga instructor who can turn a headstand into a life lesson? Your personal brand should be a reflection of your unique personality and values. Remember, authenticity is key – people can smell a fake from a hashtag away.

2. Picture Perfect Profiles

Your profile is your digital handshake, so make it count. Use a high-quality profile picture that screams “This is me, and I’m awesome.” Your bio should be a snappy summary of who you are and what you do. Think of it as your mini elevator pitch to the world – but with emojis

3. Aesthetic Appeal

Consistency is your new BFF. Choose a colour scheme or theme that reflects your brand and stick to it across all your posts. This doesn’t mean every photo needs to be a carbon copy, but there should be a vibe. You know, like that friend whose Instagram is so on point, you wonder if they live within the pages of a Vogue Living magazine

4. Engage, Don’t simply Broadcast

Social media is a two-way street. Don’t just broadcast your message; engage with your audience. Reply to comments, participate in relevant conversations, and maybe even slide into a few DMs (professionally, of course). It’s about building relationships, not just followers.

5. Content Calendars are chic

Planning is your secret weapon. Use a content calendar to plan your posts. This helps maintain a consistent posting schedule and prevents you from scrambling for content at the last minute. Sunday night panic posts are so 2023

6. Diversify Your Platforms

Don’t put all your hashtags in one basket. Different platforms cater to different audiences. LinkedIn for the professionals, Instagram for the visual storytellers, TikTok if you want to reach a younger audience, and Facebook for, well, everyone else. Find out where your audience hangs out and meet them there.

7. Analyse This

Get nerdy with analytics. Most social platforms provide insights into how your content performs. Use this data to understand what works and what doesn’t. Love numbers like they’re your favourite Netflix series.

8. Be a Thought Leader

Share your expertise. Write blogs, create videos, start a podcast. Show your audience that you’re not just a pretty face with a social media account; you’ve got brains and expertise too.

9. Collaborations are Key

Team up with other brands or influencers that align with your brand. It’s like getting a referral from a friend – their audience instantly trusts you more.

10. Avoid Controversy

Stay away from controversial topics unless they directly relate to your brand. Social media firestorms can be brutal, and not the kind of heat you want for your brand.

Weekly Challenge

• Reflect on what makes you unique. Write down your strengths, passions, and values.
• Ask friends or colleagues what they think stands out about you.
• Write a 2-3 sentence “brand statement” that encapsulates who you are professionally.
• Update your LinkedIn profile with your new brand statement.
• Ensure your social media profiles reflect your professional brand (think profile pictures, bios, and recent posts).
• Start a conversation on LinkedIn about a topic in your industry.

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a personal brand. It takes time, effort, and a sprinkle of creativity. So go forth, be your fabulous self, and watch as your personal brand flourishes on social media. Just remember: keep it light, keep it bright, and keep it uniquely you.

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