Here’s the truth: you already have a personal brand. It’s what people say about you when you leave the Zoom call. It’s what comes up when someone Googles you. It’s the vibe you give off in emails, portfolios, and even your LinkedIn comments.
The question isn’t if you have one—it’s whether it’s doing anything useful for you.
In 2025, building a personal brand isn’t just for influencers or entrepreneurs. It’s for anyone who wants more career options, more credibility, and more control over their professional narrative.
Ready to tighten yours up? Let’s go down the checklist.
1. Your LinkedIn Doesn’t Look Like It’s From 2014
Let’s start with the basics. Your LinkedIn profile should:
- Have a friendly, high-quality photo (not cropped from a wedding)
- Use a headline that says more than just your job title
- Include a summary that sounds like a human, not a résumé robot
- Highlight projects, not just duties
- Show engagement—comments, posts, likes, or shares that reflect your interests
Think of it as your digital storefront. If someone lands here for 30 seconds, what do you want them to remember?
2. Your Digital Footprint Isn’t Embarrassing
Google yourself. Yes, seriously. See what comes up.
Then ask:
- Is this the version of me I want potential employers, collaborators, or clients to see?
- Are there old social posts that don’t reflect who I am now?
- Is my online presence consistent across platforms?
You don’t need to be squeaky clean—just intentional. If you’re pivoting into a new industry, clean up the digital trail.
3. You Can Articulate Your “Thing”
If someone asks what you’re about, can you answer without reciting your job description?
Try this format:
“I help [type of people] do [type of thing] using [your unique method/skill/experience].”
Example:
“I help non-technical founders turn fuzzy startup ideas into clear MVPs with no-code tools and early user research.”
When you know your “thing,” it becomes easier to pitch yourself, connect with people, and stand out.
4. You Share Value Publicly
You don’t have to be a thought leader™. But showing up and sharing knowledge makes you visible—and credible.
Ways to do it without feeling cringey:
- Share behind-the-scenes takeaways from a recent project
- Post a resource or tool you love using
- Reflect on a challenge you overcame and what it taught you
- Comment thoughtfully on others’ posts
Think “helpful colleague,” not “brand machine.”
5. Your Portfolio (or Work Samples) Are Easy to Find
You don’t need a fancy website. But people should be able to see your work somehow.
Options:
- A Notion page with projects and links
- A Google Doc or PDF portfolio
- A pinned tweet or LinkedIn post with a quick rundown
- A GitHub repo, Medium collection, or Substack archive
If someone says, “Can I see your work?”—make sure your answer is a one-click “yes.”
6. You’ve Got Testimonials or Receipts
Social proof isn’t just for products—it works for people too.
Try gathering:
- Quotes from coworkers, clients, or collaborators
- Endorsements on LinkedIn
- Screenshots of nice feedback from emails or Slack
- Case studies that show real results
Even informal praise counts. Save it in a “nice things people said” folder. You’ll thank yourself later.
7. You Know What You’re Not About
Branding isn’t just about what you do—it’s also about what you don’t do.
What kinds of roles or work drain you? What industries or values don’t align? What assumptions do people make that aren’t true?
Get clear on those boundaries. They help shape a sharper, more authentic brand.
8. You’ve Got a Point of View
You don’t need to be controversial. But having a perspective makes you memorable.
Examples:
- “Design should serve clarity, not trends.”
- “Remote teams work best with async-first communication.”
- “Career success isn’t about hustle—it’s about alignment.”
When you share what you believe (gently), people know what you stand for—and whether they want to work with you.
9. You’re Reachable
Sounds obvious, but: if someone wants to collaborate, can they contact you?
Double-check:
- Your email is visible on at least one platform
- DMs are open where appropriate
- You respond to messages with a decent cadence
Opportunity doesn’t knock if it can’t find the door.
10. Your Brand Feels Like You
Last but not least—does your brand feel like a version of you?
If it’s stiff, fake, or “trying too hard,” people can tell. But when it feels genuine—when your tone, content, and style align with who you are—it builds trust fast.
So loosen the tie. Use your real voice. Let your quirks show. That’s the stuff that sticks.
