Jonn KutylaLet’s be real—building a personal brand online sounds like something reserved for influencers with six-figure followings and perfectly curated flat-lays. But here’s the truth: if you’ve got a voice, an internet connection, and a little consistency, you can build a personal brand that stands out—even if you’re not trying to become the next TikTok star.
Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or someone tired of being “just another profile,” creating a personal brand gives you control over how the world sees you online. It’s not about faking it. It’s about highlighting the real you, on purpose.
So, how do you actually do it? Let’s break it down without the buzzwords and BS.
1. Know What You Stand For (and What You Don’t)
Your personal brand isn’t your job title. It’s the mix of what you’re good at, what you care about, and how you show up online. Think: what do people come to you for? What topics make you light up? What’s your style—are you the no-nonsense expert, the creative storyteller, the brutally honest truth-teller?
Don’t overthink this. Pick a few things that feel like you and double down on those. The clearer you are about your identity, the easier it is for others to remember (and trust) you.
2. Show Up Where It Matters
Spoiler alert: You don’t have to be everywhere. In fact, you shouldn’t be.
Pick one or two social media platforms where your people hang out. If you’re a creative, Instagram might be your playground. If you’re more into thought leadership, LinkedIn could be your zone. TikTok, Twitter, YouTube—go where your skills and audience align.
The goal is visibility, not virality. Start showing up consistently. Comment. Post. Share stories. Be a person, not a brand machine.
3. Post Like a Human
Please don’t copy-paste motivational quotes and call it personal branding. People follow people, not slogans.
Talk about what you’re learning, what you’re struggling with, what you’ve figured out. Share your wins, but also your “WTF-am-I-doing” moments. This builds trust—and trust is the currency of a strong online reputation.
Also: don’t be afraid to show your personality. Sarcasm, dad jokes, Taylor Swift references—whatever makes you you should make it into your posts.
4. Google Yourself (Yes, Really)
Your online reputation is everything. You want to make sure when people search for your name (and they will), they find the version of you that you actually want them to see.
So do a quick audit: What shows up first? Your dusty Myspace profile from 2008? A blurry photo from that one networking event? Time to clean house.
Create or update your LinkedIn. Maybe snag a personal website. Use the same profile photo and bio across platforms for consistency. The goal: look like you’ve got your act together—even if you’re still figuring it out.
5. Offer Value Without Selling Your Soul
Yes, you’re building a personal brand, but that doesn’t mean you have to act like a 24/7 sales funnel. The most effective way to grow is by offering real value—without immediately asking for something in return.
Share actionable tips. Recommend powerful tools, especially the latest AI tools for digital marketers in 2025 that are reshaping how we create, analyze, and optimize content. Tell stories others can learn from. Be generous with your insights and experiences. When people see you as helpful, trustworthy, and authentic, they’ll naturally want to work with you—or at the very least, follow your journey.
6. Stay Consistent (Even When You Feel Boring)
Here’s the not-so-sexy part: building a personal brand takes time. It’s not about one viral post. It’s about showing up again and again so people start to associate you with a specific vibe, skillset, or value.
You’ll feel like you’re repeating yourself. You’ll wonder if anyone’s paying attention. But trust me—someone is. Keep showing up.
Final Thoughts
Building a personal brand online isn’t about faking a lifestyle or becoming internet-famous. It’s about choosing what you want to be known for—and making sure that version of you shows up consistently across the web.
When done right, your personal brand will open doors, attract opportunities, and let you stand out in a sea of sameness. So stop waiting for permission. Hit “post,” and start shaping how the world sees you.
Because if you don’t tell your story online, someone else will—and they probably won’t get it right.
