Personal branding is nothing other than building your own brand. If we are looking for a better job, are an expert, manager, or student taking the next steps on the job market, or run a company and want to promote it, it is worth thinking about good personal branding online, which does not have to involve any costs.
Each of us is increasingly striving to create our own brand. What does that mean? We build our own personal brand both in interpersonal relationships and in business. In the case of business, this is usually connected with earnings, but not always. Nowadays we can promote ourselves in many different ways. It can be done almost for free. Social media are the best example of this.
The content we publish on social media largely defines our image on the internet. Creating a good self-brand can result in us being perceived better, more recognizable in the industry, and able to apply for a better job or earn on our own through our own business and our own brand.
Below we list several free tools that you can use, depending on how you want to be perceived; all of them are free in their basic versions. Before you start working on your brand, it is worth starting with a SWOT analysis, then writing down who your target audience is, what you want to convey to them, how you want to do it, in what time frame, and which of the tools below will be best for that.
1. Facebook
Social media in the service of the brand
Facebook is increasingly called a tool for building your own brand. In mid-2017, Facebook had as many as 2 billion users. If our activity on the platform is used appropriately, it can bring many professional benefits. The aesthetics of posts is very important. Remember to publish content frequently and honestly.
2. YouTube
Known very well to everyone – the largest internet service enabling the sharing, playback, rating, and commenting of videos. If we decide to create our own channel, let us remember that it will be our showcase. By giving it an appropriate look that identifies with us, we will build the image of our brand. Consistent content and appearance, as well as easy access and discoverability, will help us create a great brand that attracts subscribers.
Subscribers have a huge impact on our activity. How well we take care of them and maintain their interest will translate into our success.
3. Instagram
A place where companies increasingly communicate with potential customers. Communication through photos and various types of graphics makes people more willing to interact with brands. The recognizable element of communication on Instagram are hashtags. Their skillful use can increase our reach.
4. LinkedIn
A social networking service with great potential. It specializes in professional and business contacts. It brings together both job seekers and employers, clients, and sellers. It is a place where anyone can share their own knowledge, achieved successes, and experiences while building their unquestionable authority. Here our personal label plays a huge role.
5. Twitter
A completely free information exchange platform that has the ability to microblog on a huge scale. Twitter offers a range of advertising formats used for the needs of many brands. Marketing a potential company on Twitter allows us to manage our online image. The HotSuit tool provides feedback when our brand or company; website, blog, or a given product are mentioned during keyword searches.
6. WordPress
It is one of the most popular blogging platforms and CMSs in the world. Increasingly used to create ordinary websites or internet services. Over 100 million users use WordPress to present their own brand online. In addition to being simple and quick to use, it is available for free.
7. Wix
A modern website builder with rich features. It is a friendly tool for both professionals and enthusiasts. The builder provides all the necessary SEO functionalities. The menu layout is clear and understandable, and elements on the page can be arranged independently using the "drag and drop" method. In addition to the free basic package, it also has 4 paid packages.
8. Weebly
One of the better free website builders. Working with it does not require programming skills. It is easy to use and is an ideal solution for people who intend to create a simple informational or advertising website, and a wide range of themes will ensure its professional appearance. The pages are optimized, which means their size is adapted to computers, tablets, and mobile phones.
"Each of us has a chance to change our life for the better. So let us be support and inspiration for one another" - Michał Leszek, Marketing Director of Lechpol."The more often you try various new things, the greater the chance that you will succeed." Brian Tracy
Summary
Personal branding online does not have to cost a single zloty. It is enough to make good use of social media and free platforms to build recognition and authority in the industry. The article lists eight free tools: from Facebook and YouTube, through Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, to WordPress, Wix, and Weebly.
However, the key is not merely setting up accounts, but consistent, honest, and regular communication tailored to the target audience. Before starting, it is worth carrying out a SWOT analysis and defining goals, and also remembering that even free tools can bring measurable benefits – as emphasized by Michał Leszek and Brian Tracy, quoted in the article, consistency and openness to new solutions increase the chance of success.
