5 Reasons Why Personal Branding is NOW More Important Than Ever

With the rise of social media, personal branding has become more important than ever. Before a job interview or date, have you ever Googled someone and checked their social media? Because most people do (including me!)

Whether you like it or not, everyone has a personal brand. But it is your choice to allow your online reputation to take on a life of its own or control the narrative. 

So whether you want to elevate your career or you want to impress for every online encounter you have. This article will help you make the (online) first impression on any platform, anytime.

What Is Personal Branding and why is it important?

Personal branding is the process of intentionally creating and influencing the public perception of an individual. This is done by positioning them as an authority in an industry or differentiating them from the competition and increasing their reputation.

Personal branding is the best way to show your uniqueness, specialties, and selling points. It encompasses all of the ways you promote yourself and create a public persona for your business. 

It’s no longer just A-list celebrities and talk show hosts that benefit from personal brands. These days, anyone can gain recognition online by growing their personal brand.

Think of some of the best-known household names.

Oprah Winfrey. Elon Musk. Ellen.

Each one of these people has a clear and public personal brand that has global recognition. We know Oprah as kind-hearted, Musk as a technology playboy, and Ellen as a jokester. 

You might even feel like you know them on a personal level. At the very least, you pay attention to their work because of who they are as figureheads.

Personal branding is the best way to establish yourself as an expert in a space. It allows you to benefit from high-volume exposure and take a clean stance on business objectives, values, and goals.

Having a professional and well-known brand can improve your chances of getting new business. The more customers know about you, the more likely they are to purchase from you.

Similarly, personal branding also builds trust, commitment, and community around your brand. This can lead to better customer relationships and more repeat business. 

5 reasons why personal branding is more important than ever:

Personal branding helps to differentiate yourself from the competition. According to a study by LinkedIn, 85% of job seekers believe that personal branding is important for career advancement. By establishing a unique and compelling brand, individuals can stand out in a crowded job market and increase their chances of landing their dream job.

Personal branding can lead to increased income. A survey by The Creative Group found that freelancers with a strong personal brand can charge up to 20% more for their services than those without one. By building a reputation as an expert in their field, individuals can command higher fees and negotiate better compensation packages.

Personal branding can improve professional relationships. A study by Edelman found that 87% of consumers will buy from a brand they trust. By building a strong personal brand, individuals can establish trust and credibility with potential clients and collaborators, leading to more successful business relationships.

Personal branding can increase visibility and opportunities. According to a survey by LinkedIn, professionals with a strong personal brand are 40 times more likely to be approached with new job opportunities. By actively building and promoting their brand, individuals can increase their visibility in their industry and open themselves up to new opportunities.Personal branding can help to build a loyal following. A study by Sprout Social found that 67% of consumers are more likely to buy from a brand they follow on social media. By building a strong personal brand, individuals can attract and engage with a loyal following, which can lead to increased business and opportunities.

Personal Branding Examples

Oprah Winfrey: Oprah is a perfect example of a successful personal brand. She is an American media executive, actress, talk show host, television producer, and philanthropist. Oprah has built her brand around being a relatable and inspiring figure, and her talk show “The Oprah Winfrey Show” ran for 25 years and was the highest-rated program of its kind in history. She has also built a loyal following through her book club, magazine, and network. Oprah’s personal brand is built around positivity and self-empowerment, which has helped her become one of the most influential figures in media.

Gary Vaynerchuk: Gary Vaynerchuk is a Belarusian-American entrepreneur, internet personality, and investor. He is the CEO of VaynerMedia, a full-service digital agency, and is known for his expertise in social media marketing. Gary’s personal brand is built around his straight-talking, no-nonsense approach to business, and his daily vlogs, podcasts, and social media posts have earned him a loyal following of entrepreneurs and business leaders. He’s a great example of using online platforms to build a personal brand and monetize it.