Crafting Your Personal Brand Story: Lessons from Successful Social Media Influencers

Written by Roxann Lewis, President Designate

In today’s digital age, creating a personal brand is crucial for standing out in the crowd and

achieving success in your chosen field. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and

YouTube have given rise to a new breed of influencers who have built massive followings by

cultivating a distinct personal brand. By studying their success, we can learn quite a few things about the importance of being authentic in our messaging and embodying the values we want to convey.

Where do you start?

I’m sure you have heard this before: The first step in creating a personal brand is finding your

niche. This statement has been reiterated by everyone at this point but honestly, it is a starting point for establishing your presence and creating a space in the digital arena. So, if you’re seeking to establish yourself as a social media influencer, or a motivational speaker, you must begin by demonstrating your thought leadership on a particular topic.

Start by identifying a few of your top interests and passions. Think about what sets you apart

from others in your field and what unique value you can offer. Once you’ve defined your niche, you can start to develop your personal brand story.

A compelling personal brand story should outline your goals like a vision board. Your vision

board highlights all the things you would like to achieve for the month or the year. Begin by

considering where you want to be in a few months or years and use that as a guide for crafting your story. Your story should also highlight your unique interests and skills and how they intersect to create a cohesive brand message. Ensure that your story is told from your

perspective, not a carbon copy of someone else. You have a unique voice and personal want to hear from you and connect with you in that way. So, tell your story using your creativity and creative spin to create engaging, compelling, interesting narratives.

What’s next?

Once you’ve defined your personal brand story, it’s important to engage consistently with your audience. Social media profiles should be viewed as assets, and it’s essential to keep them up to date with relevant content that showcases your personality and interests. If time allows, consider creating a blog or YouTube channel to share valuable content with your niche audience. Even if you don’t have the time for that, engaging with others on social media by commenting, sharing articles, and offering your opinion is a great way to stay top of mind and establish your personal brand.

Some may view social media influencers as vain or unattainable for us but there are lessons

that we may learn from them. They have taught us the importance of being authentic in our

messaging and embodying the values we want to convey. Do not hesitate to build your personal brand.

Your unique brand story will set you apart in a crowded online space by demonstrating your skillset, passions, and interest, and nurturing the community through consistent engagement.