Let’s get real for a minute. Standing out is tough in the bustling online world, where everyone’s fighting for a sliver of attention. It’s like being the new kid in a school where everyone’s cool. So, how do you ensure you’re not just another face in the crowd? It’s all about your story.
Yep, you’ve got one. A personal brand story isn’t just a fancy phrase. It’s the stuff that makes you, well, you. And before you start thinking you need to climb mountains or travel to distant lands to have a story, hold up. Your story is right there—in your experiences, dreams, moments of triumph, and goofy failures. All these weave together into a narrative that can capture people’s attention online.
5 Principles of Creating a Personal Brand
So, how do you spin your yarn genuinely and engagingly? First things first, keep it simple. Big words and complex sentences don’t impress; they confuse. Here’s how to lay it out:
1. Dig Deep: The roots of your story start with the basics. Who are you? What drives you? This isn’t just your job title or your skills list. It’s the reason you get up in the morning. Maybe you’re a graphic designer who loves making the web prettier. Or a writer who needs to share the real stories that people often ignore. Whatever it is, that’s your starting point.
2. The Plot Thickens: Everyone loves a good journey—ups, downs, twists, and all. Share yours. Did you start your career in a garage and now run a successful business? Or maybe you switched careers because you discovered a passion for helping people. Those twists are gold. They show you’re human and adaptable.
3. The Spice: What makes you unique? Here’s where you get to brag a little. What’s your superpower? You’ve got a knack for explaining tech stuff to non-techy folks. Or you can create killer infographics that tell a story at a glance. It’ll be the spice that flavours your brand story.
4. The Moral: Every good story has a moral. What’s yours? It’s about your vision for the future and the values that guide you. Maybe it’s the dedication to transparency in your industry or a commitment to sustainability. This is your north star, the principle that guides all you do. And it’s what makes your brand more than just another place trying to get as much money as possible.
5. Tell It Like It Is: Nobody likes a fake. So, when you’re sharing your story, keep it real. Did you struggle to get where you are? Talk about that. It’s okay to be vulnerable. Authenticity wins every time.
The Medium for Your Story
How do you share your story without screaming it from the rooftops? (Sadly, good rooftop screaming takes a lot of money.) It’s all about the platforms you choose and how you use them.
Blogging: Blogging is the old faithful. It’s like a cozy chat over coffee. You can go deep, get personal, and really connect with your readers.
Social Media: Each platform is like a different type of party. LinkedIn is the professional gathering. Instagram is the visual feast. Twitter’s like the busy coffee shop where you share quick updates. TikTok is where you entertain and educate. Choose your party and how you want to engage.
Video: Videos are like personal trailers. People see you, hear you, and feel like they know you. And with platforms like YouTube, you can really let your personality shine.
Podcasting: Got a voice and something to say? Podcasting is like the new radio. And the best part? People can tune in while they’re on the go.
And here’s a little pro tip: When putting your story out there, having your website is like having your book. It’s where people can dive into your world without distractions.
Blogs, vlogs, podcasts, social media—all these platforms are stages for your narrative. But the key to choosing the right stage is understanding where your audience hangs out. You wouldn’t put on a play in an empty theatre, would you?
For a more in-depth connection, a blog can be a sanctuary. It’s where you can weave your words without the constraints of character limits and offer a home for your thoughts in their most elaborate form. Social media, on the other hand, is the town square. It’s dynamic and immediate, requiring you to capture your message’s essence in a snapshot. It’s your story, fast-paced and in high definition.
The Subtle Art of Domain Choice
Here’s where things get interesting. Your domain is like the address of your digital home. It’s where people find you; it’s part of your brand identity, and let’s be honest, many domain extensions are crowded, noisy, and a little bit ‘been there, done that.’
You need a domain that makes a strong statement and says, ‘I’m here, present, and ready to be seen.’ A domain name with new extensions such as .icu make for a brilliant choice to pique the interest of your audience. It’s the first impression, a hint at the creativity and uniqueness that lies within. It’s about making a choice that reflects the modern, global, and accessible brand you are building. It’s a nod to the world that says, “I see the future, and I’m moving with it.”
Think about it. It’s intriguing when you find a .icu at the end of a web address. It’s like finding a door with a different design in a hallway of sameness—it begs to be opened.
Start you .icu Domain Search
Integrating Your Domain into Your Narrative
How do you do it, then? How do you weave in a domain choice that feels as natural as your story? It’s simple: live it. When you’re sharing your journey, your domain becomes a part of it. “Check out my portfolio at yourname.icu.” It’s not just a plug; it’s an invitation. It says, “Here’s where you can see my journey for yourself.”
Remember, your website is the hub for your personal brand narrative. It’s the archive of your past, the live broadcast of your present, and the teaser of your future.
This article was written by Eshan, the Vice President Of Marketing at ShortDot. ShortDot is the registry behind some of the most successful new domain extensions, including .icu, .bond, .cyou, .cfd, and .sbs. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.
