The Value of Building a Personal Brand to Build Your Business

The Value of Building a Personal Brand to Build Your Business
  • 5 min read

Got branding? Of course, you do. Do you look in the mirror before you leave the house? Probably. Do you buy your own clothes and your own breakfast cereal? Do you brush your own hair? We are all brands. We market ourselves in how we dress and what products we buy. Everything we do says “This is me”. If you don’t believe me, look at any social media post.

People are no different than companies; our friends, families, and even strangers are our customers. Like any company, we brand ourselves and strive to deliver the very best for our customers. How we are seen through (our reputation and our branding) is an integral part of who we are.

Perhaps you don’t think about it, but if you Google “importance of personal brand for your business” there are almost 2 billion results. 2 billion. Something with that much chatter has got to be important.

A strong personal brand, like a fast and secure website, or even great hosting, isn’t a nice to have – it’s a must-have.

“Often, we confuse our reputation with our personal brand. But the two are not the same. Everyone has a reputation. Your personal brand, on the other hand, is much more intentional. It is how you want people to see you.”

Harvard Business Review

People Do Business with People (They Know, Like, and Trust)

Think back to the last time you hired someone to do some home repairs. Did you just pick the first name on a Google search result page, or did you delve a little deeper?

Chances are, you looked for someone whose expertise resonated with you, someone who seemed approachable and trustworthy. Maybe they had the same type of pickup truck you drive, or they were a member of your club or chamber of commerce. You might have asked a friend who last did work in their home.

Trust and shared values are important; you don’t want just anybody walking around your home with a hammer.

As a business owner, you don’t leave your marketing to chance – you shouldn’t leave your personal branding to chance either. Customers have their eyes and ears open.

People are social creatures. We connect with stories, with personalities, and with the feeling that the person on the other side of the screen understands our needs. In a nutshell, we gravitate towards those who get us.

A strong personal brand allows you to bridge the gap between your business and your audience. It lets them see the person behind the service, the one who’s passionate about their craft and genuinely invested in their client’s success. It’s a chance to show them you’re a mensch.

Why Personal Branding is Important for Your Business:

  • Storytelling: sharing your narrative with the public.
  • It’s your reputation, as Jeff Bezos noted, “Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room.”
  • It’s a 24/7, unpaid marketing tool.
  • A strong personal brand fosters trust.
  • Personal branding can serve as the face of your business.
  • You talk with people you like. A sale doesn’t happen without a conversation.

The Power of “Know, Like, and Trust”

How can we get people to know, like, and trust our business? A strong personal brand helps you achieve all three.

By actively sharing your knowledge and expertise through blog posts, social media engagement, or even guest appearances on relevant podcasts, you become a thought leader in your field. People start to recognize your name, learn about your approach, and see the value you bring to the table. This fosters a sense of connection and trust, making them more likely to choose you over a faceless competitor.

Reminder: This is how friendships work, too. You’re always marketing, right?

If your marketing (and by extension your business) is going to be successful, you absolutely need the power of “know, like, and trust.”

  • People need to be aware of you (SEO for the win).
  • People need to feel a connection with you (social media helps).
  • People need to believe in your abilities (testimonials, and pre-sales content marketing anyone?).

People need to know, like, and trust you before they’ll do business with you. 

In Focus: The Google Update – Why Being People-Centric Wins

The March 5 Google algorithm updates were a really big deal. Some websites disappeared entirely from the search index. How did your website fare?

Google has always said that they prioritize high-quality content that resonates with real people. Google wants to elevate helpful content, written by people for people, while reducing low-quality, unoriginal content in the SERPs. That shouldn’t be news.

However, over the last year, there has been a considerable rise in both parasite SEO and programmatic SEO using AI-created content. Was this done to be helpful? Unlikely.

Before Google & co, when we wanted helpful content, we went to a chatroom or a public forum. That’s often still what many people do. Google has made no secret of valuing forums like Reddit in the SERPs.

Hand-crafted content published on platforms like Reddit, where users upvote and downvote based on genuine value, has gained significant traction.

SEO Tip: Watch for search terms where Reddit features in the SERPs and create content for your website that answers those questions. If Google found better content on a website, it wouldn’t be listing answers on Reddit.

Here’s Where Helpful Content Meets Personal Branding

By actively participating in online communities, sharing your expertise, and engaging in authentic conversations, you’re creating the kind of content that Google favors. You’re not just making a sales pitch; you’re building relationships, establishing yourself as an authority, and demonstrating your value organically. Know, Like, and Trust for the win.

“A strong content strategy can help introduce your brand to new customers … to stay on the right side of Google and keep your site visitors happy, focus on creating long-form, beneficial content … add ultimate value for your visitors.”

Rocket.net – Almost Famous? How To Manage Your WordPress Website For a Surge In Traffic

Building Your Personal Brand: 6 Practical Steps

By now you should be convinced of the power of personal branding. If not, drop us a line, and we’d be happy to talk with you.

Now what? Here are some practical steps to get you started, or see which boxes still need to be checked:

  • Identify your niche and ideal client: Who do you serve best? What are their challenges and pain points? Understanding your niche allows you to tailor your brand message to resonate with the right audience.

“If you can find a profitable niche, you will be very comfortable.” Rocket.net

  • Craft your brand story: What sets you apart? What unique perspective do you bring to the table? Develop a compelling narrative that showcases your expertise and values.
  • Choose your platforms wisely: Not all social media platforms are created equal. Focus on where your ideal clients are and actively participate in conversations there.
  • Share valuable content: Don’t just sell, educate and help. Publish blog posts, infographics, or even videos that address your audience’s needs and showcase your knowledge.
  • Be authentic and consistent: Let your personality shine through! People connect with genuine interactions, so be yourself. However, maintain consistency in your messaging across different platforms.
  • Engage and build relationships: Don’t just broadcast – have conversations! Leave the outbound marketing to the mattress guys. Respond to comments, answer questions, and actively engage with your online communities.

Building a strong personal brand takes time and effort, but the rewards are substantial. By establishing yourself as a trusted authority in your field, you’ll attract more clients, foster deeper connections, and ultimately, build a thriving business.

Remember, in a world saturated with options, people don’t just buy products or services – they buy solutions. Whose solutions do you listen to? Right – people you know, like, and trust.

Make yourself that person and watch your business rocket to the stars.

“Staying relevant is an external exercise. Keeping informed is the other side of that coin. Staying relevant requires attending real-time events. You have to get out of your own Team’s Slack every once in a while.”

Rocket.net – Top 5 Benefits Why Your Agency Should Attend In-Person Conferences

Choose The Future of Website Hosting

Want white glove service? No problem. Regardless of the plan you choose, we help you migrate your website and start building your own personal brand. Need to migrate several? We got you. 

Streamline your workflow by choosing a reliable, performant platform for websites of all sizes. The only question is when you’d like to get going.