How To Become A Personal Brand Strategist

Introduction.

If you have a knack for storytelling and enjoy helping people shine online, becoming a personal brand strategist might be the perfect path for you.

A personal brand strategist helps individuals showcase their unique qualities and stand out in crowded professional spaces.

With more than 70% of recruiters and hiring managers saying that a strong online presence impacts hiring decisions ¹, building a personal brand is no longer optional.

I believe anyone can learn how to create a powerful personal narrative, and in this article, I’ll share my insights, tips, and resources to help you start your journey in this growing field.

What Does a Personal Brand Strategist Do?

A personal brand strategist works with clients to create a clear, authentic, and compelling image of who they are.

This work goes beyond just having a polished resume or an attractive social media profile. It involves understanding a person’s strengths, values, and goals to tell a story that resonates with the right audience.

I find that personal branding touches many aspects of life—from career growth and networking to building an online community.

Why This Field Matters

In our connected world, your online presence can open doors to exciting career opportunities and partnerships. Many professionals are finding that investing in their brand pays off in the long run.

For instance, a LinkedIn study shows that professionals with well-crafted profiles are 40% more likely to receive job offers ². This statistic highlights how critical a personal brand can be in your professional journey.

Steps to Becoming a Personal Brand Strategist

1. Understand the Basics of Branding

Before you can help others with their brands, it’s important to know what branding is all about. Think of branding as the process of creating an image that represents a person’s values and skills.

Spend some time reading about branding principles from trusted sites like HubSpot or Neil Patel.

2. Develop Your Brand

One of the best ways to learn is by doing. Start by building your brand. This means setting up a professional online presence with a clear picture of who you are and what you stand for. Consider starting a blog, a LinkedIn profile, or even a small website.

This hands-on experience will help you understand the challenges and opportunities that your future clients may face.

3. Learn and Practice Marketing Skills

Marketing skills are essential in personal branding. This includes content creation, social media marketing, and even a bit of graphic design.

Free online courses from platforms like Coursera or edX can provide you with the basics. I recommend taking a few introductory courses in digital marketing to build a strong foundation.

4. Get Comfortable with Storytelling

At the heart of personal branding is storytelling. Your job as a strategist is to help your clients tell their stories in a way that feels genuine and engaging.

Practice writing about your experiences and think about how you would tell your own story in a way that others would find interesting and relatable.

5. Build a Network and Gather Experience

Like many fields, networking plays a big role in personal branding. Attend workshops, join online communities, or take part in local events related to branding and marketing.

This will not only help you stay updated on industry trends but also provide you with real-world experience. Many people in the industry say that networking was a key factor in their success.

6. Offer Your Services and Collect Feedback

Once you feel confident in your skills, start offering your services to friends, colleagues, or small local businesses.

Gather honest feedback and be ready to refine your approach. Your first few projects might not be perfect, but each one is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Essential Skills for a Personal Brand Strategist

Communication: You need to clearly explain ideas and understand your clients’ needs.
Creativity: Think of new and engaging ways to tell a story.
Empathy: Understanding and relating to your clients’ experiences is crucial.
Marketing Knowledge: Know the basics of digital marketing and social media.
Analytical Skills: Be able to assess what works and what needs improvement.
Adaptability: Trends change fast, so you must be open to learning new techniques.

These skills are not something you are born with; they are developed over time. Many professionals begin by honing one or two skills and gradually expand their expertise as they work with different clients.

Tools and Resources for Personal Brand Strategists

Social Media Platforms: Use LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to follow industry leaders and trends.
Content Management Systems: Platforms like WordPress or Squarespace make it easy to build and manage a website.
Design Tools: Tools such as Canva can help you create eye-catching graphics without needing professional design skills.
Learning Platforms: Sites like Udemy and Skillshare offer courses that can boost your knowledge.
Networking Groups: Consider joining groups on platforms like LinkedIn or attending local meetups related to branding and marketing.

Using these tools can help you manage your work more efficiently and offer better services to your clients. I often rely on a mix of these resources to stay ahead and keep my skills sharp.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a personal brand strategist?

A personal brand strategist is someone who helps individuals create a strong, authentic image of themselves that reflects their values, skills, and personality. This includes helping with online presence, storytelling, and overall branding strategy.

Do I need a degree to become a personal brand strategist?

No formal degree is required. Many successful strategists come from diverse backgrounds and build their skills through hands-on experience, online courses, and self-study. What matters most is your ability to help clients tell their story in a clear and engaging way.

How long does it take to become a personal brand strategist?

The time varies for each person. With consistent effort, you can start offering services within a few months. However, mastering the field can take several years as you gain experience and refine your skills.

What are some common challenges in this field?

Some challenges include keeping up with digital trends, managing different client expectations, and consistently creating fresh content. Learning to adapt and constantly update your skills can help you overcome these obstacles.

How much can I earn as a personal brand strategist?

Earnings vary based on experience, location, and client base. Some strategists charge by the hour, while others prefer project-based fees.

As your reputation grows, you may find opportunities to increase your rates.

For more detailed insights into earnings, you might want to check out resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics or industry-specific reports.

Further Resources

Books:
- Crushing It! by Gary Vaynerchuk explores how individuals can build their brands.
- Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller provides insights on using storytelling in branding.
Websites and Blogs:
- HubSpot Blog offers articles on branding and digital marketing.
- Neil Patel’s Blog covers a wide range of marketing topics.
Online Courses:
- Coursera’s Digital Marketing Specialization helps build marketing skills.
- Udemy’s Personal Branding Courses offer practical insights for beginners.

These resources can give you a deeper understanding of personal branding and help you stay updated on the latest trends and techniques.

Conclusion

I hope this guide gives you a clear picture of what it takes to become a personal brand strategist. I believe that with passion, commitment, and continuous learning, you can help others craft a personal brand that truly represents them.

This field is about empowering people to share their unique stories and succeed in their careers.

If you have any tips or personal experiences with personal branding, I would love to hear about them. What steps will you take first to become a personal brand strategist?