3 Essential Steps to Create Your Personal Brand

Video Sections

00:00 Introduction
01:00 Phase 1 - Messaging and Digital Strategy
03:15 Phase 2 - Visual Identity
05:10 Phase 3 - Website Build & Social Media Setup

So you're ready to create your personal brand. You are a transformational expert, ready to come out of the shadows and shine your light. You might be a coach, a consultant, or a service professional, or maybe you just have something you want to talk about, a theme you're eager to dive into.

I'm going to help you with the three phases of building your personal brand. So let's get into this!

Phase 1 - Messaging and Digital Strategy to Create Your Brand

The 1st phase is messaging and digital strategy. You do not need to get a mobile photography website yet, because if you don't know what your plan is, how will you know what you actually need? How will you determine what systems and software you'll require? You also need clarity on your message, which should align with your brand's look. For instance, as a child, if you read a picture book about elephants but the images featured giraffes, there would be a disconnect.

These elements are crucial when creating your personal brand. Phase 1 focuses on your message and brand story. Why do people work with you? Why do they need to hear what you have to say? It’s important to understand your story, including the unique perspective you bring to the marketplace.

This phase also encompasses your voice, tonality, and personality. Consider what your appearance will convey: are you going to wear jeans and t-shirts or suits? Think about your colors, fonts, logos, and how everything will come together.

Additionally, you should strategize your marketing efforts. Where will you promote yourself? What tools will you utilize? Which website platform will best support your initiatives? Remember, you don't need to be present on every social medium; focus on one primary medium and perhaps two complementary ones to aid in your promotion.

You need a blueprint, much like building a house. You wouldn’t start decorating before deciding where the walls and foundation are. Build the foundation first, and that’s what Phase 1 is all about.

Phase 2 - Visual Identity

So then there's phase 2. This is where you actually start doing the thing. Phase 1 was planning; phase 2 is about gathering the materials needed to execute your vision. This is the moment when you think, "Okay, my message is X. Therefore, I need these visuals to complement it."

For instance, if you're a coach focusing on spirituality for relationships—helping people be more confident, establish boundaries, and love themselves before attracting someone into their lives—you need to visualize how that looks. If you're aiming for a sexy vibe, you might choose bold colors like red and black. But if you're promoting feminine energy, softer colors like pinks and whites may be more appropriate.

Your message will dictate the visuals, so it's essential to start generating ideas that align with it. You'll want to develop a logo and color palette that reflect this direction and select photography that fits as well. This phase is all about collecting and designing everything—there's a lot of imagery involved. You're essentially looking at how to visually communicate your message.

Once you have your brand story, copywriting, and visuals aligned, you can move on to the next phase pf creating your personal brand.

Phase 3 - Website Build & Social Media Setup

Phase 3 is all about putting things together, where you actually build your "house." Once you've built it, you decorate it. This is the stage where you choose the best website for your needs and select the right platform. My favorite platform for service professionals, coaches, and consultants is Kajabi. While it may require a bit of an investment upfront, it offers everything you need as a coach or service professional.

For alternatives, I'd recommend Squarespace and Wix, and of course, a basic WordPress site has been a reliable choice for years. You'll also need to focus on email marketing and incorporate your social media handles to establish your brand. Once you assemble your message and visuals, you create a brand identity, allowing you to start showing up and sharing your work.

These are the three steps to create your personal brand. If you need assistance with any of these steps, please reach out! You might be wondering about your unique story or niche—if so, let's chat!