Personal brand might sound like an overhyped buzzword, but there's a reason everyone's talking about it.
When you build your personal brand with clarity and intention, you can build trust with the right people, strengthen connections and be more memorable. And when you have a business to grow, you’ll know these are all essential for driving that growth.
Read on to explore what a personal brand is, why it matters and how to shape yours in an authentic way that gets results.
What is a personal brand, really?
Your personal brand is your reputation and how you’re perceived. It’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room.
Consciously shaping your personal brand means taking control of that perception through how you speak, show up and share your ideas.
It’s shaped by your values, experience and communication style, but also wherever you show up. LinkedIn is the obvious one, but don’t forget things like podcasts you’re invited on, blogs you author, and of course, in-person settings.
Why personal branding matters
Your personal brand is about far more than likes and followers. In sectors where trust, credibility, and connection are essential, it supports all three.
A strong personal brand can:
Attract leads and opportunities
Open doors to investment
Build influential networks
Raise awareness of your business in ways traditional marketing can’t
And in a sea of copycat content it’s the thoughtful, human voices that cut through the noise.
How to build a personal brand that resonates
1. Choose your niche
Rather than chasing every trend, focus on a few key topics you’re clued up on and comfortable talking about. Once you’ve decided on your expert topics you can base your content around these themes, and keep coming back with fresh perspectives to build recognition and trust.
2. Find your voice
How you say something is just as important as what you say. Whether your tone is reflective, bold or straight-talking, it should always feel recognisably yours.
Practice telling stories in a way that feels true to how you speak. If someone who knows you read one of your LinkedIn posts, would they hear your voice in it?
3. Know what sets you apart
Think beyond job titles. It could be your credentials, side projects, personal values or lived experience. Whether you’re a founder-turned-investor or a creative with a technical edge, these details help people understand and remember you.
4. Show up consistently (and intentionally)
Personal branding is a long-term habit. You don’t need to post every day but you do need to be consistent. Speak at relevant events, share your take on industry shifts and go for opportunities that align with the brand you’re building.
5. Getting started with support
Many people hold back from developing their personal brand because they’re unsure where to start or think it’ll feel fake. That’s where the right support makes a difference.
Agencies like ours help shape your strategy, craft your message and guide your content so it lands in the right way with the right people. If funding’s a concern, support is available. Through programmes like the NBSL Business Support Fund, eligible businesses can currently access grant funding towards the cost of projects that’ll help grow your business – including marketing.
Ready to give your personal brand the attention it deserves?
If you have a marketing challenge or project in mind, drop us an email to hello@vidacreative.co.uk