5 Tips to Build a Personal Brand that Gets You Noticed and Drives Sales on Social Media
Your personal brand isn’t a logo, a perfectly curated Instagram feed, or some “influencer” trend that only works for the people who already have thousands of followers.
For small business owners like you, your personal brand is what people remember when you’re not in the room. It’s the feeling your customers, partners, and community get when they interact with your business—whether online or in person.
If you’re thinking, “I don’t even know where to start!” don’t worry. You’re not alone.
When I started building my personal brand, I didn’t have all the answers, a huge following (I still have less than the magical 10K everyone strives to reach for), or even a polished strategy. But I had one thing that made all the difference: a willingness to show up, share my story, and be authentic.
Building a personal brand that gets you noticed (and drives sales) isn’t about being famous. It’s about being intentional. Here’s how you can start today:
1. Share Your Business Story
Customers connect with stories, not sales pitches. Whether you started your bakery from your grandma’s recipes or launched your consulting firm after leaving corporate America, your story is your superpower. Share it. Talk about your journey—the wins, the struggles, and the lessons learned.
Authenticity builds trust, and trust builds loyalty.
2. Highlight the Value Your Business Offers
Your bio, website, or storefront should scream value. What problem does your business solve? Why should someone buy from you? Be clear and specific.
For example, instead of “Passionate about great food,” try: “We create handcrafted meals that save busy families time without sacrificing flavor.”
When people understand what you offer, they’re more likely to engage with you.
3. Create a Consistent Visual Identity
Your logo, storefront, and even your Instagram grid should reflect your brand’s overall vibe. Are you bold and energetic? Sleek and professional? Family-friendly?
Pick 2-3 colors, use consistent fonts, and ensure your photos and graphics align with your business’s personality. You don’t need to spend a fortune on design—just aim for consistency.
4. Position Yourself (and Your Business) as an Expert
You don’t have to know everything to share what you know right now. Start posting tips, insights, and solutions your customers will find helpful. Whether you’re a mechanic sharing car care hacks or a boutique owner showcasing styling tips, show your audience you understand their needs.
Expertise isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being helpful.
5. Stay Engaged and Consistent
Post regularly, respond to comments, and show up for your community. Building a personal brand doesn’t mean you have to be glued to your phone—it means being intentional about the time you spend connecting with your audience.
Make it fun! Share behind-the-scenes moments, customer success stories, and even the occasional “oops” moment. People love doing business with people, not faceless entities.
Building your personal brand is one of the most powerful tools in your small business toolkit. It doesn’t require a huge following, but it does require showing up and showcasing the value you bring consistently.
Special Offer 🎉
If you want to create a personal brand that stands out in 2025, this is your chance. I’m launching an exclusive personal branding course, and I’m accepting just 10 founding students—for now. As part of this inaugural group, you’ll get insider access, share your feedback, and help shape the course to ensure it delivers everything you need. Ready to join? Learn more here.
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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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