How to express your personality on social media

What is personal branding and why does it matter?

Why do some businesses succeed in connecting with people while others remain unnoticed? The key often lies in personal branding. So, what is personal branding? It’s the way you present your personality, reputation, and expertise online. It’s not just your business logo or a catchy slogan. It’s about showing the real you. When done well, your personal brand makes you memorable and trustworthy.

Many business owners hide behind logos to play it safe. But can a logo really convince someone to buy? Not really. People buy from people they trust. For example, Emma, a mortgage broker, shares her daily challenges and solutions on social media. This openness builds trust with her clients. It’s the human connection that drives sales and loyalty.

How can a personal brand help you? Whether you’re job hunting, growing a business, or advancing your career, your personal brand sets you apart from the crowd. It creates networks and opportunities you wouldn’t get otherwise.

Should you focus on personal profiles or business pages?

Many marketers question: Should I put my time into a personal profile or a business page? The answer is both, but for different reasons. Did you know personal profiles get up to five times more reach and engagement than business pages? That’s a big advantage. However, abandoning your business page would be a mistake.

Why? Because your business page mostly connects with current customers, while your personal profile attracts a mix of customers, industry peers, old classmates, and friends. The content for each should match these audiences.

For example, your business page might post: “How to negotiate a good mortgage deal.” This teaches customers directly. Meanwhile, your personal profile might say: “How we automated our mortgage workflow,” giving industry insight and showing your expertise.

Both profiles work best when they complement each other. Think of your business page as teaching and selling, while your personal profile builds relationships and shares your journey.

How can personal stories build your brand?

What role do personal stories play on social media? Quite a big one. Sharing parts of your life helps people relate to you beyond your services. This doesn’t mean posting endless puppy photos or unrelated personal opinions. Instead, it means blending personal stories with business topics.

For instance, Sarah, a software developer, once shared how a failed product launch taught her valuable lessons. This honesty made her followers appreciate her authenticity. Sharing successes and failures, daily routines, or opinions brings your brand to life. It shows your human side.

Did you know that one third of consumers buy more from brands whose leaders are transparent on social media? When CEOs show openness, it encourages employees to be authentic too. This culture improves trust in the brand and can even lead to higher sales.

What does it mean to be human on social media?

What does 'be human' really mean? It often sounds like a cliché. But many businesses still use stiff, complicated language that pushes their audience away.

How can you change that? First, make your sentences short and clear. Imagine you’re paid £100 for every word you cut. Also, don’t be afraid to share mistakes you’ve learned from. This shows humility and growth.

For example, Leo, a marketing manager, shared a campaign that failed because of poor audience research. Instead of hiding it, he explained what he learned and how he improved. His followers engaged actively, respecting his honesty.

Also, don’t just broadcast messages from on high. Engage in conversations. Reply to comments and ask questions. This builds community.

Finally, write how you speak. If you chat casually with friends, do the same online. This makes your content approachable and relatable.

Some examples of effective personal branding

Take Jane, a graphic designer who posts both work projects and stories about finding creative inspiration in everyday life. Her audience connects with her on a personal level and often recommends her services.

Or consider Tom, a CEO who shares weekly updates about company challenges and successes, mixing statistics with stories about his team. This openness drives customer trust and boosts employee morale.

Even small steps help. For example, sharing a quick tip related to your field on your personal profile can spark meaningful conversations and attract new connections.

How to start building your personal brand today?

Start by asking what you want to be known for. What expertise can you share? What stories can you tell? Then, pick the social media platforms where your audience hangs out most.

Create a content plan mixing educational posts, personal stories, and conversations. Post regularly but focus on quality over quantity, with Will's help, for example.

Remember: be authentic, transparent, and consistent. It’s not about perfection but building real connections.