10 Easy Steps to Create a Personal Brand That Works for You in 2025 (Without Losing Your Mind)
Building a personal brand as a small business owner can feel like a constant headache. You’re already busy running your business, keeping customers happy, and maybe even squeezing in a minute or two for yourself. Who has time to think about a personal brand on top of all that, right?
But whether you want to believe it or not, your personal brand is already out there.
It’s what people think, say, and feel about you when they see your name or business. The question is, are you controlling the narrative, or is the narrative controlling you?
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This year, it’s all about working smarter, not harder. Let’s build a personal brand that makes the right people notice and remember you.
1. Set Clear Goals for Your Brand
Think of your personal brand like your Google Maps. You can’t reach your destination without first typing in the address. Do you want to attract clients? Land speaking gigs? Build a community? Your goals will shape every move you make, so get specific.
2. Choose Your Signature Communication Style
If you hate the sound of your voice, maybe podcasting isn’t your thing (and that’s okay). Are you a visual storyteller, a writer, or someone who can drop wisdom in a 30-second Reel? Lean into your strengths. Nobody needs another person trying to go viral by dancing awkwardly on TikTok.
3. Showcase Testimonials or Social Proof
If your audience won’t take your word for it, let others do the talking. Think of testimonials as your business’ hype squad. That glowing review from a client? Post it. A cool shoutout from a collaborator? Share it. Even your mom saying you’re “really good at what you do” might work in a pinch.
4. Highlight Your Unique Perspective
Here’s a fact, friend… No one else can be you. Sure, your competitors might offer similar services, but they don’t have your story, your humor, or your perspective. Own it. If you’ve got bold opinions or fresh takes, don’t hide them. Bold is memorable. Beige is boring.
5. Collaborate to Expand Your Reach
You don’t have to build your brand alone. Partner with like-minded professionals to share the spotlight. Think joint Instagram Lives, co-hosted workshops, or even swapping guest blogs. Two brands are better than one, and the cross-promotion is a win-win.
6. Show the Human Behind the Brand
People buy from people they like, trust, and relate to. Share a behind-the-scenes look at your process, a peek at your workspace, or even your go-to coffee order. (Yes, sharing that you run on cold brew and audacity is always relatable.)
7. Educate, Don’t Just Promote
Nobody likes a sales pitch every five seconds. Instead, be the person who shows up with valuable tips, helpful how-tos, or insights your audience can use immediately. When you position yourself as a resource, people trust you—and trusted people get hired.
8. Build Relationships with Industry Leaders
Think of networking as sliding into someone’s DMs—but professionally. Comment on posts, share insights, and engage with leaders in your space. Building genuine relationships can lead to collaborations, mentorship, or even a shoutout that boosts your visibility.
9. Create Evergreen Content
Ever feel like your content has a shelf life of about two minutes? Shift your focus to evergreen content—timeless tips and resources that stay relevant for months (or years). Think blog posts, FAQs, or “ultimate guides” that keep working long after you hit publish. (And remember, you can always find ways to refresh the content and dare I say… post again. 🤯)
10. Establish a Consistent Voice
Your voice is the secret sauce of your personal brand. Whether you’re funny, bold, or more polished and professional, consistency is key. Your audience should recognize your tone immediately, whether they’re reading a post, watching a video, or checking out your website.
Building a personal brand isn’t just another thing on your to-do list—it’s the thing that makes everything else easier. It’s how clients find you, collaborators connect with you, and opportunities land in your inbox. Follow these steps, add your own flair, and watch your personal brand open doors you didn’t even know existed.
2025 is your year. Let’s make sure your brand is as bold, unforgettable, and hardworking as you are.
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Ready to build your own personal brand? Grab my free resource that includes 10 content ideas you can use to begin telling your story online today!
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I’m Netta Dobbins
I accidentally started my first business on my tiny apartment couch in New York City. Several years later, I turned it into a multiple six-figure company. My personal mission is to teach other small business owners how to do the same thing. Learn more about me.
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