It’s no secret–personal branding is everything. Whether you're clocking in at a 9-to-5 or running your own side hustle/business, your personal brand sets the tone for how people see you.

Think about it like this: What’s your signature move? How do you want people to describe you when you're not in the room?

If you haven’t figured out your personal brand yet, don’t worry. I’m about to break it down step-by-step. Let’s get into it.

What Is Personal Branding?

Let me hit you with a truth: Personal branding is not about faking it. It’s not just a bunch of flashy headshots or a fire LinkedIn bio (though that helps.) It's the vibe you bring every day, the story you tell through your actions, your words, and your receipts.

A strong personal brand lets people know who you are, what you stand for, and why they should rock with you.

It’s like when Issa Rae hit us with the “I’m rooting for everybody Black” moment. Instantly, you knew she was unapologetically about her people. No guessing. No mixed signals. That's a brand in action.

Why You Need One

Here’s the deal: People want to connect with people. You might be the best coder, writer, or creative out there, but if nobody knows what you bring to the table, you’ll stay in the shadows (aka me af). Your personal brand puts you front and center. You become top of mind when opportunities pop up.

It also helps you:

Stand out in your industry
Attract the right connections (friends, clients, and mentors)
Showcase your expertise

If Beyoncé can trademark her name to protect her brand, you can put some energy into developing yours, right?

How to Build Your Personal Brand (From Scratch!)

1. Know Who You Are

Before anything else, get clear on your values, strengths, and what makes you different. Take stock of your skills, your personality, and what you're passionate about. What makes you, you? Own that.

Ask yourself: What do I want to be known for?
Look for patterns: Do people always come to you for advice on something specific? What do you love doing that doesn’t feel like work?

2. Find Your Voice

This is your chance to control the narrative. If you're naturally funny, let that shine. If you're analytical, use that strength to your advantage. People connect with authenticity.

Ever scroll through Twitter and come across someone with an unfiltered opinion, and think, This is the energy I need in my life? That’s because they're being real. Do the same with your voice.

3. Get Consistent Online

You don’t need to be on every platform, but the ones you are on should show a consistent version of you. Your LinkedIn shouldn’t be giving corporate while your Instagram looks like a whole different person. Choose 2-3 platforms that fit your brand and show up regularly.

Pro tip: Keep your handles and photos consistent. If people recognize your face on Twitter, they’ll know it’s you when they scroll past your post on LinkedIn.

4. Create and Share Content

Think of content as your digital business card. Start sharing what you know—whether it's through blog posts, videos, or even a good thread on X (Twitter). This shows your expertise and keeps you on people’s radar.

Don’t overthink it: Share things you’re already doing or learning.
Give value: People love to learn, so give them tips or insights they can apply.

5. Network Authentically

The key word here is authentically. Build relationships with people in your industry by supporting their work, engaging in conversations, and sharing resources. But don’t just slide into DMs with “Let’s collab”—build genuine connections first.

Like my momma used to say, “You gotta give to get.” Give your time, share other people’s work, and the right opportunities will come your way.

**What You Don’t Want to Do**

Don’t fake the funk: Your personal brand should reflect who you truly are. No need to pretend to be somebody else.
Don’t compare: It’s easy to get caught up in what others are doing. Focus on your lane. What works for someone else may not work for you.
Don’t be afraid to evolve: As you grow, your brand will grow with you. You don’t have to stay stuck in one identity forever.

At the End of the Day (the day gotta end)

Your personal brand isn’t just about selling yourself. It’s about telling your story on your own terms. When you own your narrative, opportunities start finding you.

So, whether you’re trying to land your dream job, grow a side hustle, or build your empire, start showing up as the main character in your own story. Because if you don’t believe in your brand, why should anyone else?

Now it’s time for you to put these tips into action. What's the first step you're taking to level up your personal brand? Drop a comment and let me know!

Personal Branding 101: Be the Main Character in Your Own Story