First impressions are a big deal and can make or break your career as a professional. Whether you’ve had your personal brand for years or you’re just getting started, it’s important to be aware of common mistakes – mistakes that could leave an unprofessional and lasting impression.
Here are the things you should pay attention to as you create and grow your personal brand.
1. Avoid Amateur Photography & Imagery
Images are one of the first things a potential client or employer will notice, so make sure they’re good. If possible, stay away from generic stock photos or any pixelated images you took with your phone. This is your professional profile, which all your images should be professional too. From your headshots and lifestyle shots to product photography, keep the quality high. Always invest in professional photos if you’re serious about elevating your personal brand.
2. Be Consistent
If you want to make a good first impression and leave a lasting impression, make a point of being consistent. This applies in two ways. Firstly, review every platform your brand is present on and make sure everything from your fonts and images to your bio is the same. Your message and image should be consistent across all platforms. The second way to be consistent is to show you are active online on a regular basis. Whether this is your website or social media profiles, make sure fresh content is going on regularly.
3. Think Twice
Building a personal brand takes time and isn’t a process you should rush – not if you want it to be effective anyway. Have a strategy in place before you start making live updates. Clearly decide on your image, tone of voice, and your target audience before you change anything about your personal brand. It’s also important to be aware of the strengths of each platform you’re present on and use them to your advantage.
By following these three basic tips, you will have a much stronger personal brand in 2023 and beyond.