Crafting Your Online Persona
Sharing content online is more than just posting updates; it’s about creating an online persona that reflects your values and professional skills. With AI becoming a big part of our digital lives, even occasional social media use contributes to your public narrative. How you present yourself online is as crucial as your offline behavior, especially for those in digital marketing.
According to research, 50% of employers are willing to check out job seekers’ personal social media profiles, and 64% of hiring managers have viewed candidates’ social networks like LinkedIn. Building a strong personal brand on social media can advance your career, make valuable connections, and even help you become a thought leader.
In this blog, we’ll explore 10 key steps to build your social media presence and find out which platform is best for personal branding.
1. Update Your Social Media Accounts
With over 5 billion social media users worldwide, and an average of 6.7 different networks used monthly, it’s important to keep your accounts current. Start by auditing your social media channels. Focus on the platforms that truly benefit your personal brand and clean up any outdated or unused accounts. Ensure your profiles are complete and accurate to drive traffic to the right places.
2. Identify Your Area of Expertise
Everyone has something they’re passionate about or knowledgeable in. Whether it’s digital marketing, a favorite TV show, or anything in between, find your niche. Look at experts in your field—like Rand Fishkin in audience listening or Neil Patel in search marketing. Experiment with content that resonates with your followers and consider repurposing popular posts to keep your audience engaged. The more unique and engaging your content, the more you’ll establish yourself as a thought leader.
3. Use Social Media AI Tools
Artificial intelligence can be a game-changer for building your personal brand. Here’s how you can use AI tools:
- Content Creation: Tools like Perplexity and ChatGPT can help with research and idea generation. Use Feedly or Pocket to discover relevant articles to share.
- Social Media Management: Platforms like Sprout, Buffer, and Hootsuite automate tasks and schedule posts, while AI analyzes engagement metrics.
- SEO: Ahrefs and SEMrush help with keyword research and content optimization.
- Market Research: Tools like Ahrefs and Brand24 provide insights into market trends and customer behavior.
- Email Marketing: Use AI to personalize and optimize email campaigns.
- Visuals: Canva AI and Midjourney help create professional graphics, while Adobe Spark and Lumen5 offer video creation.
- Landing Page Optimization: Tools from WordPress and Wix can enhance your site’s design and functionality.
4. Regularly Share Content
In the past, more posts meant more engagement, but nowadays, oversharing can lead to fatigue. Aim for a balanced approach—posting about 3-4 times a week is often effective for individuals. Focus on a sustainable posting schedule and analyze your engagement metrics to find what works best for you. Explore hashtags, news aggregators, or AI tools for content inspiration.
5. Import Your Contacts
You might be surprised by how many people you already know on social media. Import your contacts from Gmail, Outlook, or your phonebook to connect with more people on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
6. Be Positive, Engaging & Authentic
Your online presence should reflect your true self and values. Share content that demonstrates your expertise and personality. Mix professional updates with personal insights to keep things engaging. If you’re worried about privacy, consider having separate accounts for personal and professional use. Always review your company’s social media guidelines if discussing your employer online.
7. Find & Join Social Groups
Joining groups on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn can help you build authority in your field. Look for industry-specific groups or communities on other platforms like X Communities, Threads, or Pinterest. Even TikTok allows for community building through posts visible only to selected followers. Engage in discussions and contribute your unique insights to these groups.
8. Keep Your Voice, Image & Tone Consistent
Consistency is key to a memorable personal brand.
- Voice: Find a tone that suits you and stick with it. For example, Marie Forleo maintains a motivational tone in her posts.
- Image: Understand design fundamentals to create a cohesive visual identity. Think of how Coca-Cola maintains brand consistency.
- Tone: Adjust your tone based on the platform and audience. LinkedIn content will differ from TikTok content.
Top Tip: Use a buyer personas template to better understand and communicate with your audience.
9. Study Influencers
Influencer marketing isn’t just for celebrities; smaller influencers can drive significant engagement. Look for micro-influencers who align with your brand. Use tools like Meltwater or BuzzSumo to find the right influencers. Build relationships with them and clearly outline collaboration details.
10. Earn a Social Media Certification
Understanding the fundamentals of social media is crucial for success. Gain knowledge in areas like social research, customer service, and content strategy. Our certified Social Media Marketing team offers insights into key platforms and strategies to enhance your brand.
Which Platform is Best for Personal Branding?
The best platform depends on your brand, audience, and goals:
- Instagram: Ideal for visual content and influencer marketing.
- X: Great for real-time engagement and industry insights.
- YouTube: Perfect for video content and SEO.
- LinkedIn: Best for professional networking and career development.
- TikTok: Suited for short-form, creative videos targeting younger audiences.
- Facebook: Good for reaching a broad audience and community building.
Supercharge Your Social Media Skills with First97days
With so many platforms, it can be challenging to know where to focus. Our certified Social Media Marketing professionals provide comprehensive services on key social media features and strategies. Get started today and enhance your social media game.
