Kia ora! Whether you’re job hunting, building a small biz, or just keen to stand out in the digital world, your personal brand is your calling card. Think of it as your digital mihi – a way to tell people who you are, what you’re about, and why they should take notice.
The good news? You don’t need to be an influencer or a marketing guru to nail it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting your personal brand online – Kiwi style.
1. Get Clear on Your ‘Why’
Before you fire up LinkedIn or whip up a new Insta bio, take a breath. Ask yourself:
-
What do I want to be known for?
-
What values do I want to reflect?
-
Who am I talking to?
Maybe you're a designer with a knack for eco-friendly fashion, or a sparky who wants to start a YouTube channel teaching the trade. Whatever it is, clarity is your first tool in the toolbox.
2. Pick Your Platforms Wisely
You don’t need to be everywhere – just where it counts. If you’re aiming for professional connections, LinkedIn’s your jam. Want to show off creative flair? Instagram or TikTok might be more your speed.
Choose 1–2 platforms to start with. Keep it manageable. Quality over quantity, eh?
3. Sort Your Visual Vibe
Your profile photo, banner image, and overall layout should be clean, consistent, and you. Doesn’t mean you need to look like you’re heading into a corporate boardroom – just present yourself in a way that aligns with your mahi.
A few tips:
-
Use the same profile pic across platforms
-
Pick colours and fonts that reflect your vibe
-
Keep it tidy – first impressions count!
4. Nail Your Bio and Elevator Pitch
Time to get that intro snappy and sorted. Whether it’s a LinkedIn headline or Insta bio, your ‘about me’ should tell people what you do, who you help, and what makes you different.
Example:
“Freelance copywriter helping Kiwi brands find their voice. Passionate about storytelling, craft beer, and beating the Auckland traffic (occasionally).”
Keep it casual but clear – no buzzwords or waffle, thanks.
5. Share What You Know
Start posting. Seriously. It doesn’t need to be perfect – just useful, honest, and authentic.
Here’s what you could share:
-
Lessons from your industry
-
Behind-the-scenes of your process
-
Wins, fails, and everything in between
-
Helpful tips or resources
Posting regularly (even once a week) keeps you visible and shows you're active in your space.
6. Engage Like a Real Human
Your brand isn’t just about what you say – it’s how you interact. Comment on others’ posts, reply to messages, and support people in your niche. Be genuine, be kind, and be yourself.
A good rule of thumb: act online how you’d act at a BBQ. Don’t just talk about yourself. Ask questions, join in, and bring a bit of banter when it suits.
7. Keep It Fresh
Your brand isn’t set in stone. As you grow and evolve, so should your online presence. Update your bios, switch up your content, and take stock every few months.
And if you muck something up or change direction – that’s all part of the journey. We all start somewhere.
Final Word from the Whānau at onLine you
Your personal brand is more than logos or catchy taglines. It’s your reputation, your voice, and your chance to stand out in a noisy digital world. Keep it honest, keep it uniquely you, and don’t be afraid to back yourself.
You got this!
If you need any assistance we're always here to help.