Have you ever stopped to think about how others see you? Without even trying, you already have a personal brand. What words would friends or colleagues use to describe you? Knowing this can help you decide how best to represent yourself online.
Why is your personal brand important? A strong brand helps people remember you, trust you, and connect with you. Creating a consistent visual identity is one of the best ways to do this.
Why is your profile photo so important? According to LinkedIn, profiles with photos get 14 times more views than those without one. It’s your first chance to make a good impression.
Should you use a logo instead? No. If you are a one-person brand, logos only work for company pages. A clear picture of you is best.
What kind of photo suits your industry? If you work in medicine, choose a professional look like a lab coat. For creative fields like music, a casual photo may fit your brand better. But, regardless of style, photo quality is key. Poor photos can hurt your brand.
What makes a great profile photo? Here are the essentials:
Let’s look at some great examples:
What does your banner say about you? It’s the second thing people see on your profile and sets the mood. A good banner tells visitors what you do and who you are professionally.
Should your banner be simple or creative? This depends on the image you want to project. A clean solid colour is professional and easy on the eyes. Creative industries may prefer a colourful or designed background.
What are some banner ideas? Here are a few to consider:
Examples help illustrate these ideas well:
Why do brand colours matter? Colours convey emotions and make your brand memorable. They help create a consistent look on your profile and when you post content.
Should you always stick to specific colours? Not necessarily. You can post varied content, but a consistent colour palette helps people recognise your posts quickly.
How do colours influence feelings? For example, orange blends optimism and passion, making it warm and friendly. Green suggests calmness and peace. Choosing the right colours can influence how people feel about your brand.
Look at successful marketers like Neil Patel. He uses the same colours on his LinkedIn posts and website. This consistency builds recognition and trust, tying all his content together.
It adds a human touch and makes your brand relatable.
What should you share? Focus on experiences that shaped your career, lessons learned, and even failures. Share your values and goals too. This shows authenticity and encourages people to connect.
Is it okay to share personal details? Keep it professional. LinkedIn isn’t Instagram or Facebook. Avoid oversharing but be genuine.
Here are topics you can discuss:
Look at posts like these for inspiration:
You can also watch this personal story post on LinkedIn to see a well-told story in action.
How should you represent yourself online? Accuracy is key. Be honest about your skills and experience. This builds trust and meaningful connections.
Is being professional important? Yes, it is. Highlight your strengths in a clear and respectful way. Avoid over-selling or being fake. Instead, post genuine content that reflects your true self.
Consistency across your profile — from photo to banner to posts — helps others recognise and remember you. Your visual identity is a powerful tool to grow your personal brand and reach your professional goals.