What are the different personal branding types?

The Different Types of Personal Branding

Having a personal brand has become increasingly popular within the online business space as brands and individuals alike are fighting for attention. Whether it’s on a corporate level or an independent situation, having a personal brand can become an essential tool in achieving personal and professional goals.

But what exactly is personal branding, and why is it so important?

‍

‍

The Importance of a Personal Brand

Personal branding is the practice of marketing oneself which is typically done on social media nowadays. Unlike traditional company branding, marketing yourself is a powerful way to connect with an audience, foster loyalty, and be the authority in a crowded industry.

We see this for the likes of Richard Brunson, Steven Bartlett, Alex Hormozi, and even Steve Jobs. All of these individuals are leading multi-million or billion-dollar companies, yet still invest time in growing their public image and sharing their values and/or opinions on the internet.

Having a personal brand also builds trust and credibility, making you more attractive to potential employers, clients, and collaborators - it isn’t uniquely reserved for entrepreneurs. Moreover, a well-defined personal brand can open up networking opportunities allowing you to connect with like-minded individuals and grow your professional network.

‍

‍

The 5 Types of Personal Branding

1. Professional Branding

Professional branding is focused on establishing an individual's expertise and credibility in their industry. Showcasing your professional skills, accomplishments, and experience. This can be done by thought leaders, those looking to advance their careers, or independent freelancers looking to make a name for themselves.

‍

2. Celebrity Branding

Celebrity branding leverages fame and public recognition to build a personal brand. This type of branding often involves a significant media presence and public persona. Celebrities, influencers, and public figures use their popularity to endorse products, engage with fans, and build a strong, recognizable brand.

Often featured in cinema or music, these individuals go on to establish their name through interviews or news outlet mentions and have a strong PR team behind them.

‍

3. Social Branding

Social branding focuses on an individual's social values, beliefs, and advocacy. It's about aligning with social causes and being seen as a thought leader in social issues. Activists, philanthropists, and social entrepreneurs often build their brands around their commitment to social change and community involvement.

‍

4. Leadership Branding

This highlights a person’s leadership qualities, vision, and ability to inspire and motivate others. It's about being recognized as a leader and expert in your field. CEOs, VPs, and team leaders use this type of branding to establish themselves and advance their careers or companies.

‍

5. Lifestyle Branding

Made popular by influencers, lifestyle branding centres around an individual's lifestyle, personal interests, and hobbies. It reflects how they live their life and what they stand for outside of their professional roles. Bloggers and vloggers often focus on areas like travel, fashion, health, and fitness.

‍

‍

Creating a Personal Branding Strategy

No personal brand was built by accident, you must have intention and clarity on who you are talking to and why you are doing so. The fundamental aspect of a strong personal brand is the strategy behind it.

Crafting a message that communicates your unique value proposition, values, goals, and personality is essential. Then, select the right platforms to share your message, LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram are powerful tools for personal branding.

‍

‍

Consistency in Personal Branding

Just like anything else in life, showing up daily and doing the work is what will foster results in the long run. Being consistent in your positioning but also in the content you create is undoubtedly the most crucial step in establishing yourself in one of the five brand types.

Avoid common pitfalls like lack of authenticity and neglecting to update your brand. Learning from previously successful individuals in your industry and regularly analysing where you can improve your branding efforts must have its place in your strategy.

‍