Building your personal brand: top fundamentals to remember

by Alvina Jennifer Seo expert and digital marketing ex

Trying to get noticed on the internet can be incredibly tough. It’s like NYC out there – you’ve got to be really weird to get people to bat an eye (and even then, some folks just keep walking by).

Adhering to the old rules of business won’t work these days. Keep these tips in mind, and we’ll see you when your first video goes viral.

(1) What do you stand for?

Don’t waste time trying to be like everyone else. If you want to stand out from the crowd, you need to have an identity that sticks out. Your personal brand is what distinguishes you from the pack – don’t be afraid to be ‘weird’.

In this day and age, the spoils don’t go to conformists, but to those who attract their tribe by marching to the beat of their own drummer. Figure out what your inner values are and flaunt them unapologetically.

Example: at one time, online gamblers were afraid to openly identify as such. This was thanks to stereotypes exhibited by addicts, which, in turn, were perpetuated by the media. Today, we know that online crypto/real money gaming is a hobby that is responsibly enjoyed by millions of people.

Curious about these platforms yourself? Click here and check out some crypto casinos – here, you’ll find games ranging from blackjack to slot machines where you can increase your supply of BTC if Lady Luck is smiling upon you.

(2) Who is your target audience?

If everyone’s your customer, nobody’s your customer. It was true during the old days of TV, print, and radio advertising, and it’s even more relevant today. Besides, the most general keywords are horribly expensive, suited only to massive corporations who can afford to spend a ton of cash trying to be a one-size-fits-all solution to people’s problems.

Instead, you’ll find greater success if you try to appeal to a well-defined group that are interested in a specific topic. If you’re into blockchain, try developing and selling a solution to farmers looking for a better price for their sweet potatoes. Chances are, you’ll have an easier time developing a following then if you try going after the fintech industry like everyone else.

(3) Does it teach or entertain someone?

In order to get someone to remember your brand, you need to attach strong positive feelings to their encounter with you. There are two ways to do this – you either need to teach them something they didn’t know before, or you’ve got to create delight (make them laugh, smile, etc).

The owners of the best personal brands find a way to combine the two. Ask yourself: how can I make someone’s day better while helping them learn something new? Find the answer, and you’ll create a brand that will attract people magnetically.

(4) Be authentic

However, if you want to keep your followers, you need to be yourself. Don’t try to be superhuman – people are looking for leaders that they can relate to. For instance, if you’re a guy, a moment of vulnerability won’t drive most away – in fact, they’ll respect that, as you’ll be doing something they have done before or something they wish they could (but can’t).