If you’re running a small business, your personal brand is one of your most valuable assets. It’s what makes people trust you, remember you, and want to do business with you. Think about the big names—Jamie Diamond, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, just the mention of their names and your mind immediately names at least one of their businesses. Why? Personal branding. Their businesses are huge, but what really makes them stand out is their personal identity. And the good news? You don’t need a celebrity budget to build your own brand. You just need to be strategic, consistent, and willing to put yourself out there.

Why Your Personal Brand Matters
In today’s world, people buy from people. Your audience doesn’t just want to know what you sell—they want to know who you are, what you stand for, and why they should trust you. A strong personal brand gives you credibility, makes you more memorable, and helps attract the right opportunities—whether that’s new clients, partnerships, or media coverage. And the best part? You can do it for free (or close to it).
Start with Your Social Media Presence
Let’s be real—your social media is your storefront before people even visit your website. Whether you’re on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook, make sure your profile reflects your expertise, personality, and values. Clean up your bio, use a professional-looking photo, and make sure there’s a clear link to your business or website.
But it’s not just about looking good. You need to actually show up. Share your thoughts, post behind-the-scenes content, and engage with people. Comment on industry conversations, reply to DMs, and build relationships. You don’t need to be on every platform—just pick the one where your audience is and be consistent.
Own Your Space with a Website or Blog
Even if social media is where people discover you, your own website is where you control the narrative. This doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. A simple site with a clean “About Me” page, a blog where you share your expertise, and an easy way for people to contact you is enough to start. If you’re not ready for a full website, platforms like Medium or Substack let you blog for free.
Why does this matter? Because when people Google you, you want them to find a polished, professional presence—not just your old Facebook posts. A blog is also a great way to show off what you know, build trust, and get discovered by new audiences.
Use Video—Even If It’s Just Your Phone
You don’t need expensive equipment to get in front of the camera—you just need your phone and some good lighting. People connect with faces and voices more than text, so if you’re not using video, you’re missing a huge opportunity. Try going live on Instagram or Facebook, making short TikToks, or posting quick tips on LinkedIn.
If you’re camera-shy, start small. Record yourself talking about your industry, answering FAQs, or sharing client success stories. Keep it casual—the less scripted, the better.
Get Your Name Out There
One of the best ways to build your personal brand is to borrow other people’s audiences. Write guest articles for industry blogs, get featured on podcasts, or join LinkedIn and Facebook groups where your target audience hangs out. Every time you share your insights on someone else’s platform, you’re expanding your reach—for free.
A simple trick? Sign up for HARO (Help a Reporter Out) and offer to be a source for journalists looking for expert opinions. If you get quoted in an article, that’s free PR!
Give Away Value—And Watch It Pay
People love free stuff, and giving away valuable knowledge is one of the best ways to build trust. Create a free PDF guide, a checklist, or a short email course related to your expertise. This doesn’t have to be complicated—a one-page resource that solves a common problem in your industry can do wonders for building credibility.
You can use free tools like Canva to design it and offer it as a download in exchange for an email address. This helps you grow your audience while also positioning yourself as the go-to expert in your field.
Leverage Testimonials & Word-of-Mouth
One of the easiest and most powerful ways to build trust is simply letting your happy customers do the talking. Ask past clients for testimonials and post them everywhere—your website, social media, even your email signature. If you can get video testimonials, even better.
And don’t be afraid to ask for referrals! Happy customers are usually more than willing to spread the word, but sometimes they just need a little nudge. Offer a small incentive for referrals, or simply make it easy for people to share your business with their network.
Listen to our latest podcast of the MyBFF Business Leader’s Podcast on the MyBFF YouTube below:
Keep It Simple, But Be Consistent
Building a personal brand doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does require consistency. You don’t need to post every day or be on every platform. Just show up regularly, add value, and engage with your audience.
Remember—your personal brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room. Make sure it’s strong, authentic, and unforgettable. And most importantly, start today—because the sooner you do, the sooner you’ll see the results.
Drive down overhead costs and move your business forward with MyBFF Social today. Check out our Digital Marketing Mastery Program today. Contact Matt Gentile, CEO, today at 412-477-3349 or email matt@mybffsocial.com or schedule a consultation via: https://calendly.com/mybffsocial.
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