The world of business is becoming ever-more competitive. Therefore, the need to stand out from your rivals is more important than ever. One way to achieve this is to develop a strong personal brand that communicates your unique position in the market.
It is vital for you and your company to become a trusted authority in your chosen field. As an expert in PR, I am entrusted with the responsibility of helping businesses and business people to grab the attention of clients. And, for me, the key is always to illuminate yourself and your business as a strong personal brand.
All companies and individuals need to differentiate themselves from their competitors and build trust with clients and, ultimately, drive more business in their direction. As the founder of Two Comma PR, my task is to assist businesses to develop and promote their brands.
I have worked with numerous professionals all hoping to establish themselves as ‘thought leaders’ in their industry. In this article, I will share insights on why personal branding matters and will identify three practical tips for building a strong personal brand that can help you stand out from the crowd.
The Power of PR and press articles
One of the most effective ways to build your personal brand is to get your name out there through PR and press articles. By securing column inches in reputable industry publications, and respected national newspapers and magazines, will help you to become an authority in your field. This will certainly build credibility with potential clients.
This is a great way to develop a positive reputation, but will also improve your search engine ranking. It applies to both you personally, and your business. Work with a PR agency or a professional copywriter to create compelling articles and press releases about your expertise and accomplishments. These articles can be featured on your website, social media profiles, and in your email signature.
When you have articles printed in certain trusted publications, potential clients will see you as an expert in your field. And this means they are more likely to trust you with their business.
Develop a consistent visual identity
Everyone’s visual identity plays a crucial role in building their personal brand. Therefore, it is crucial that their logo, website design, business cards, and marketing materials should all be visually consistent. And they should also reflect the brand’s personality. A company’s brand personality should clearly emanate their values, their communication style, and the type of clients they are hoping to attract. Ensure that all branding elements look professional, modern, and align with personal style and values.
Build a social media presence
Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, are all powerful tools designed to build and develop your personal brand. Regular posting of engaging content will help you to interact with your audience. It can also establish you as a ‘thought leader’ within your sector.
Make sure you use your social media profiles to showcase your personality, your expertise, and your unique value proposition. Use hashtags related to your industry, so that each post reaches a wider audience. Make certain to interact with your followers, and always try to respond to comments and messages promptly. Remain professional at all times.
In conclusion, building a strong personal brand will take time, plenty of effort, and requires a well-conceived strategy. By successfully getting to grips with each of the above three ‘tasks’, you will establish your business (as well as yourself) as an authority in your field. This will build trust with clients and ultimately grow your business. Never forget, that your personal brand is a reflection of who you are and what you and your business stand for. Invest in it wisely, and you’ll reap the rewards for years to come.
