They say its potential is infinite, but is it just us or is the online space starting to feel a little crowded?

If it seems like your business keeps getting overlooked online you might be starting to think: What about me?

Of course, there are strategies and all manner of digital advertising that can do wonders for you (ask us!), but it could also be worth getting up close and personal with your brand. Your personal branding, that is.

“But I have a brand and am a business owner behind the scenes, why would anyone want to know about me?”

In a digital sea of businesses, what can truly make you float to the top and stand out is the face behind the business.

Yes, we’re talking about you — the spirited entrepreneurs and dedicated owners and directors in the business world. It’s time to let your personal brand do some of the work.

Don’t worry — no one is going to make you record piece-to-camera Instagram videos with awkward product placements. And you won’t be alone. Your personal branding will be interwoven with the branding you’ve developed for your business, striving to elevate it further by humanising it and letting your target market take a peek behind the curtains.

Before you exit this article and put personal branding in the too-hard basket, we’ve got a few examples of what it might look like to leverage your personal branding to level up your business — have a look.

Highlight what makes you unique

How do you stand out from the other people doing what you do? In marketing we call this your Unique Value Proposition (UVP).

It could be a combination of your skills, experiences, personality, and the value you provide. It could be that you have bright green hair and swear a lot. Your personal brand shouldn’t be a corporate facade. Are you a bit quirky? Do you have a knack for making complex concepts simple? Use these traits to your advantage.

Clearly articulating your unique value proposition helps differentiate you from others and makes it easier for your target audience to understand why they should engage with you and ultimately buy from you.

Embrace authenticity

While faking it till you make is often acceptable advice, in the case of personal branding you need to show that you are the real deal. To do that, be authentic (of course, sometimes authenticity needs some tidying up, so a copywriter could be useful to ensure you express the very best version of yourself.)

Your story is unique, filled with ups, downs, and everything in between. Share it. Australian businesses thrive on relatability or shared values. This is the time to get results from your personal beliefs, skills, and/or expertise to amplify your brand.

Your journey, values, and vision can resonate and create a deep connection with your audience.

Refine your online self

Your online presence is the modern-day equivalent of your first handshake with potential clients or customers, so make it a good one.

Start by sprucing up your LinkedIn profile. Inactivity online speaks volumes to potential clients, so get up-to-date headshots out there and share engaging stories of your professional journey, achievements, and aspirations.

Make sure you keep the tone consistent and on-brand to leave a lasting good impression. We’ve even written you a helpful guide to LinkedIn — find it at the bottom of this page.

Behave like a thought leader

Nothing screams credibility like being a thought leader in your industry. Start a blog, write articles in industry publications, or host webinars on topics you’re passionate about. Attend industry events, participate in webinars, and engage in online forums.

This doesn’t just showcase your expertise; it turns your name into a synonym for knowledge in your field.

Feedback is gold

Active participation in getting your personal brand out there is a must, and part of that is active listening.

Seek feedback from clients, colleagues, and mentors. What stories or qualities resonate most with them? What social media content you post or emails you send get the most engagement?

These insights are invaluable, allowing you to refine and emphasise these aspects of your personal brand.

Personal branding doesn’t just elevate you; it lifts your business. It’s about being the face that stands out in a crowded marketplace, the name that’s synonymous with trust and expertise.

By cultivating a strong personal brand, you don’t just gain recognition; you build a community of loyal followers and customers who believe in you and, by extension, your business.

We get it — personal branding can be a little daunting. So, let AJ Marketing help you along the way. Start with a conversation with our team and let’s see what happens.