When it comes to branding, aim to first understand your customer and then bring them closer to you with a strong, authentic relationship. This is then where the overlap between what is known as design thinking and marketing exists.
Throughout the process of developing a brand, you must understand that you don’t always have the right answers or the right questions. Instead, you must focus on trying to find that product-market fit.
Let’s uncover how to take this journey together with four steps in the right direction.
Understand the User
When it comes to navigating this process, the first step is to start with diverging with the goal of understanding the user’s needs. When we gain insights into their needs, we can take a better look at what’s currently available and find alternative solutions to help bridge the gap. This is where we can exploit and change the market.
Identify Your Objectives
Understanding your user is equally important as understanding your purpose and objectives.
Ask yourself the question — “What do I want to be known for?”
Let your answer guide how you’ll then market and brand yourself. For example, by leveraging your unique background or perspective, you can gain an additional level of authenticity or creativity.
Zoom Out And Gain Perspective
Stop focusing on what others are doing. Instead, gain clarity and identify what your goals are. Once you begin to gain a better understanding of your goals, you can become more strategic. A powerful personal brand can only be developed when you’re trying to create something and/or trying to project an actual image that points back to your authenticity.
Be Vulnerable and Authentic
Being vulnerable is necessary when it comes to portraying your brand as authentic. To remain vulnerable, you must maintain respect for your listener and be open to communication and feedback. This authenticity is essential in setting yourself apart from others to maintain a creative, distinct public image.
Final Thoughts
We must learn how to be comfortable with marketing ourselves and representing our own personal brand. Each and every one of us has a personal brand, especially when we represent ourselves and market on social media.
When it comes to developing an effective brand, we must first seek to understand our position right now. Then, we must analyze and understand where we aim to go. Lastly, we must then project that image forward to get to the point.
Are you ready to implement these steps and move forward with your personal brand strategy?
