YOUR PERSONAL BRAND IS ALREADY ONLINE. HERE’S HOW TO TAKE CONTROL OF IT.
Whether you like it or not, you already have a personal brand.
Every photo you’ve posted, every comment you’ve left, every account you’ve followed, it all adds up to a digital reputation. And guess what? People are Googling you. Potential clients. Employers. Partners. Investors. They’re all checking to see if who you say you are matches what the internet says about you.
If you’re not intentional about shaping your personal brand, the internet will do it for you. That’s why taking control is no longer optional.
Let’s get into how.
GOOGLE YOURSELF
Seriously. Do it right now.
What comes up? Is it your LinkedIn profile? An old blog? A blurry Facebook photo from 2012? Whatever it is, that’s someone’s first impression of you. Make sure it’s a good one.
Pro tip: Use an incognito window to see unbiased results.
AUDIT YOUR SOCIAL PROFILES
If your Instagram is private, your LinkedIn hasn’t been touched in years, and your bio still says “aspiring entrepreneur,” it’s time for a refresh.
Clean up outdated bios, remove random content that doesn’t align with your goals, and make sure your profile photos are recent and professional.
CREATE CONTENT THAT REFLECTS WHAT YOU WANT TO BE KNOWN FOR
People follow clarity. If they can’t tell what you do or why they should care, they’ll move on. Start sharing content that shows off your skills, passions, and point of view.
This could be:
Tips and insights in your niche
Behind-the-scenes of your work
Personal stories with a lesson
Client results or testimonials
You don’t need to be on every platform. Just pick one or two and show up consistently.
TELL YOUR STORY BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE DOES
Own your narrative. Talk about your journey, your values, your why. When people know your story, they trust you more. And trust leads to opportunities.
You don’t need to have a “rags to riches” tale. Just be real. That’s what people connect with.
START SMALL BUT STAY CONSISTENT
You don’t need to rebrand your entire life overnight. Start with a strong Instagram bio. Update your LinkedIn headline. Post once a week. Small moves add up fast when they’re intentional.
FINAL THOUGHT
You already have a personal brand. The question is: are you directing it, or are you leaving it up to chance?
Taking control of your online presence isn’t about being fake or overly curated. It’s about showing up in a way that aligns with where you’re headed.
