Personal Branding is the core of your business. It’s what
separates you from the crowd, and makes potential customers and clients pay
attention. One of the key aspects of personal branding is building the “Like,
Know, and Trust” factors. Here are seven ways you can develop these areas:
Create Valuable and
Relevant Content:
This creates the expertise portion of branding. It’s a key
part of the trust factor. Don’t think content is limited to blog posts or
social media posts. Be creative in how you distribute your content. There are
videos, downloadable guides, ebooks, webinars, podcasts, printables, and more.
It’s very important that you know your ideal customer or
client. You can’t appeal to everyone, so don’t try. Instead, focus on your ideal client and give them the content they need. Ask them questions via a survey or other
form of interaction. Find out what challenges they are facing and provide
content that can help them overcome those hardships. Send personal messages to
those who complete your surveys or answer your questions. It will put you to
the top of their mind (know) and build a relationship (like).
Guest Posts:
Building your brand involves connecting across your network.
Make a list of 30 blog sites and publications you want to be tied to your
brand. In that list, write down how you can contribute to THEIR audience. You
must provide content relevant to them, their audience, and you, in order to
build trust. Once you make that list, check each publication’s website for
submission requirements (ProTip: follow the requirements, or your request may
be sent automatically to the trash bin). Create a personalized email to each
publication pitching the article you’d like to write, video you’d like to
contribute, etc. and how it aligns with their goals (or on a particular topic
they discuss often).
Keep in mind that you will be rejected. That simply means
their audience didn’t meet the needs of your brand.
Put a Face to the Brand:
People need to know who you are. People are more likely to
trust an image of a person than a logo. Personalize their experience, and let
them get to know you.
Be Authentic:
This is very important. You’re not the next Seth Godin.
You’re the next YOU. Your experiences and observations are unique. The
strengths and talents you possess can only be used by you. What do you enjoy
doing in your spare time? If you love hiking through Colorado, horseback
riding, or playing tabletop games, make it part of your brand. It is easier,
and far less exhausting, to be yourself than to shutter the light of your
personality.
Share ONLY Your Best Stuff:
Freebies, webinars, etc. are the first impression. You need
to wow them with your work. If you provide high value, people will be thankful.
Every free incentive needs to provide an answer to a main problem (they can
take a more in depth approach through your sales funnel, of course). Most of
all they need to feel as though they haven’t wasted their time getting to know
you and your ability to help them.
Be Consistent:
Consistency is the key to all three areas. Whether it’s a
video subscription, blog, podcast, live stream, or more, be consistent in
content, time, and delivery. If you create a schedule, stick to it.
Be Grateful:
While branding is the core of who you are, marketing isn’t
about you. It’s about your customers and clients. Your audience deserves to
feel important. Be genuine and honest. Without them, you wouldn’t have a
business.
Take time to build your personal brand. Don’t try to be
someone you’re not or you’ll get burned out and lose interest in interacting
with your audience. Which aspect do you struggle with? Let us know in comments.
Be sure to Follow us and Let's Engage!
Hollie Clere of The Social Media Advisor is a “#BeAwesome” Developer, Social Media, Brand Builder, Content Manager, Trainer and Author in LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Google+,YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram and the tools to manage them.
Click here for her Social Media Workshops, Classes and Seminars
No comments:
Post a Comment