Crafting Your 2023 Personal Brand: The Do's and Don'ts

Personal branding is more important than ever in the age of digital dominance. Whether you are an entrepreneur, freelancer, or professional in any field, your personal brand is a powerful tool that can help you stand out, build trust, and open doors to new opportunities. As we approach 2024, it is critical to comprehend the changing landscape of personal branding. In this post, we will look at the dos and don'ts of personal branding in 2023, as well as how strategic content creation can help shape and strengthen your personal brand. In the world of technology, for example, we all know Marques Brownlee, aka MKBHD, or a photographer like Peter Mckinon. Even on the subject of masculinity and what it means to defy the matrix, for which we all know Andrew Tate, the world of podcasting always respects its modern father, in my opinion, Joe Rogan, as well as new sensations like Steven Barlet and Ali Abdall.??

1. Authenticity Reigns Supreme

???Do: Maintain an authentic and genuine online presence. Authenticity fosters trust among your audience. Share your real-life experiences, values, and passions. Display your distinct personality. MKBHD began his career in tech content a decade ago, not understanding all of the technicalities and what it meant to be, but he is authentic and shares his passion for technology, and today he is the authority that industry leaders sit with to discuss the industry's future.?

???Do: Tell us about your journey, including both your successes and failures. Transparency connects with customers and humanizes your brand. Ali Abdall is a podcaster and productivity expert who began his career as a medical student before becoming a full-time creator. He shares his struggles and successes with his community, which gives him an advantage.

?Inauthenticity and misrepresentation: Do not pretend to be someone you are not, and do not exaggerate your accomplishments. In the long run, inauthenticity can harm your credibility. If you see a creator come and go in a matter of days, it is an indication of inauthenticity, and you can not continue to tell lies. Although I have learned in the media that people separate their on-air and off-air personalities, it does not help matters in all ramifications.

2. Consistent Online Presence

???Do: Keep your online presence consistent across social media, your website, and professional platforms. To create a memorable image, use a consistent visual identity, including profile pictures and banners. Every YouTuber will tell you that consistency is the key to success in the world of content. Consistency is my weakness, and I am trying to establish a routine as I learn why soldiers have discipline by following a set routine. So stick with me and see if I improve.?

???Do: Update your profiles with relevant information on a regular basis, and interact with your audience by responding to comments and messages. That is exactly what I did on LinkedIn. And it would be nice if you did that every now and then to be ready to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Neglecting Your Online Presence: Do not neglect or allow your social media profiles to become outdated. An inconsistent or neglected online presence can send the wrong message to potential connections. I lost an opportunity to work on a project because they did not see relevance in me on my social media page, despite the fact that I had the necessary experience.?

3. Content Creation as a Branding Tool

???Do: Create valuable, high-quality content that aligns with your expertise and interests. Share your knowledge and insights through blog posts, videos, podcasts, or social media updates. I have a craving for human psychology and marketing, not just because I do it in school, but because I have a genuine interest in understanding how the human brain works. This leads to my podcast and the tech in Hausa content to ensure Hausa people get much out of the growing tech woes.

??Do: Concentrate on a content strategy that reflects your personal brand values and goals. Consistent and relevant content can establish you as an authority in your niche. People are calling me Jakadan Fasaha, which means a tech evangelist, because of the TV program I was presenting on Arewa24, the largest TV station in Northern Nigeria, and also my channel that I brand with that name and dashing the content in their own perspective.

?Low-Quality Content: Don't: Create subpar content that doesn't provide value to your audience. Low-quality content can be more damaging to your personal brand than no content at all. Holding on to low quality has nothing to do with the technicality of the video/sound quality. However, content quality allows people to stick with you even if you make mistakes with video technicalities but have rich content. I recently recorded a podcast; the video and audio quality were poor due to the location effect, but I uploaded it anyway; the content we discussed is excellent, and you can watch it here.

4. Networking and Collaboration

???Do: Network with industry professionals and collaborate on projects or content. Making meaningful connections can help you expand your reach and credibility. To grow, a creator must collaborate with another, and as a freelancer, this can mean discussing content that is outside of your jurisdiction or expertise and partnering with someone who is an authority in that field, which will give you a new audience and more reach.

???Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences, both online and in person, to broaden your network and learn from others. Even if you are an introvert, please learn to socialize on a regular basis. They say growth is outside of the comfort zone.

Ignoring Audience Engagement: Do not ignore or dismiss your audience's comments, messages, or feedback. Engaging with your community is necessary for developing a personal brand. Responding to comments or questions is the most effective way to engage your community, make them feel welcome, or create the content they requested.?

5. Self-Reflection and Adaptation

???Do: Evaluate and adjust your personal brand strategy on a regular basis. Be receptive to feedback and adaptable to changes in your industry or audience preferences. Growth occurs when we have KPIs that force us to pause, reflect, and determine what is working and what is not.

Stagnation and Resistance to Change: Do not resist or become complacent in the face of change. The digital landscape is continually evolving, and personal brands must evolve with it. It is a bad idea to keep sitting on something just because you love it and realize it is not working for your community; after all, you are not an apple that people will criticize and still buy.??

How Content Empowers Personal Branding

In 2023, strategic content creation will be the linchpin of personal branding. Here are some examples of how content can help you build and strengthen your personal brand:

1. Demonstrate Expertise: You can showcase your expertise and knowledge in your field through content, establishing yourself as a trusted authority.

2. Emotionally Connect: Content allows you to share personal stories and experiences with your audience, fostering a deeper emotional connection.

3. Engage and Interact: Creating content encourages interaction with your audience, allowing you to build relationships and collect valuable feedback.

4. Amplify Your Voice: Content can amplify your message and reach a larger audience, allowing you to increase the impact of your brand.

5. Adapt to Trends: By continuing to create content, you can adapt to emerging trends and stay relevant in your industry.

Personal branding in 2023 is a fluid process that necessitates authenticity, consistency, and a strategic approach to content creation. You can create a personal brand that resonates with your audience, fosters trust, and opens doors to new opportunities by following the do's and avoiding the don'ts outlined in this blog post. Remember that your personal brand is more than just what you say about yourself; it is also what others say about you when you are not present. Your content is the vehicle that transports and shapes the perception of your message.