4 steps to follow to achieve your brand objectives
We know that defining your personal brand can be a daunting task, but the best way to start is to jump right in! Follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a branding boss:
Step 1: Write down your goals
This step is one of the most important things you can do to build your brand (Ilieş, 2018). How can you figure out what content to create if you don’t know why you’re creating it? Your goals may change over time and that’s completely okay! When setting goals, try using a framework like SMART or BEST.
Some helpful links on goal setting below:
Whether you’re trying to grow a following on your YouTube channel or network in your dream field on LinkedIn, it’s important to set goals not just to hold yourself accountable, but to keep yourself on track.
Step 2: Define your target audience
Chances are, you wouldn’t speak to your parents the same way you talk to your peers, so why would the content you create be any different? Know who you are trying to reach with your online presence and use messaging that you know will resonate with them. Even better, find out which platforms your target audience uses and concentrate your efforts there (Patel, 2020). Later on, we’ll show you how to make sure your content is seen by the right people.
Step 3: Find your niche
To make sure people are actually engaging with your content, you need to figure out how to provide them with some kind of value. You may be thinking – why would anyone care what I have to say? The trick is to find a niche where you have some skills, knowledge, or experiences you can share.
Step 4: Communicate your competitive advantage
Make sure that your brand communicates what sets you apart from your peers. Do you have amazing photography skills? A strong work ethic? Will you take on projects at a reduced rate while you’re building your portfolio? Everything you post should remind your audience why they should choose you – whether it’s to engage with more of your content, or offer you a job! For more tips on how to stand out, check out our next blog post.
References:
Ilieş, V. I. (2018). strategic personal branding for students and young professionals. Cross-Cultural Management Journal, XX(1), 43-51.
Patel, N. (2020). How to grow your personal brand online. Neil Patel. Retrieved from https://neilpatel.com/blog/personal-branding-online/.
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