Build a Personal Brand That Actually Sticks: A Guide for Podcasters and Entrepreneurs
If you’re a podcaster, entrepreneur, or content creator, your personal brand isn’t optional, it’s your secret weapon. It’s what makes you recognizable in a sea of sameness. It’s why people trust you, follow you, and refer you.
In our latest Circle Sessions episode, we (Yasmine and Izzy from Rebel Marketing) sat down with Brett Johnson to unpack what building a personal brand really takes. Spoiler: it’s not just about your logo or having a perfectly curated Instagram feed. It’s about showing up with consistency, personality, and a clear purpose.
Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Define Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP)
Forget trying to sound fancy. Your UVP is simply what makes you different and how you solve problems in your own way.
Maybe you’re the copywriter who makes SaaS brands sound human. Or the life coach who refuses to use fluffy woo-woo speak. Whatever it is, your UVP should answer this:
Why should someone choose you over the next person with the same title?
Don't overthink it. Your UVP doesn’t need to be perfect from day one. Try stuff. Refine as you go. You’ll find your groove by doing the work and listening to your people.
Step 2: Clarify Your Brand Voice
Your brand voice is how you sound in the wild. It’s your personality translated into copy, captions, emails, podcast intros, and networking conversations.
Want a brand that resonates? Be consistent.
Don’t sound fun on social and stiff on your website
Don’t be quirky in person and corporate in your emails
Don’t adopt a “professional” tone just because everyone else does
Your voice should match who you really are. If your audience met you at Target, it should feel exactly like talking to your brand online.
Need inspo? Duolingo is playful everywhere. Their tone shows up on TikTok, their website, and even in their help articles. That’s brand voice done right.
Step 3: Build a Consistent Visual Identity
This doesn’t mean you need 15 shades of teal or a 37-page brand guide. Start simple.
Pick a color (or two) that feels true to you
Choose 1-2 fonts and use them consistently
Stick to one version of your logo across platforms
We’ve seen clients thrive by just owning a single standout color. Purple hair? Purple logo? Purple Instagram highlights? That’s branding.
Think of your visuals as the outfit your brand wears every day. Does it feel like you? Would your audience recognize you across platforms?
Step 4: Craft a Solid (Non-Robot) Elevator Pitch
The goal: explain what you do in under 30 seconds in a way that makes people say, “Ooh, I need that.”
Not:
“I’m a fractional CMO helping businesses scale through digital transformation.”
Try:
“I help overwhelmed founders stop guessing and start getting results with smart, sustainable marketing strategy.”
Keep it real. Avoid sounding like a pitch bot. Tailor your pitch to who you're talking to. Speak to the result, not just the service.
And if your pitch includes stretchy pants, tacos, or inside jokes, well, now you’re speaking our language.
Step 5: Create and Repurpose Killer Content
Content is the proof of your brand. It shows people what you know, how you think, and what it’s like to work with you.
Start with what you enjoy:
Love talking? Start a podcast or vlog.
Prefer writing? Dive into blogging or long-form posts.
More visual? Focus on Instagram.
Whatever you end up creating, repurpose it. Just one blog post can become:
A podcast script
A newsletter
3–5 social media posts
A lead magnet or checklist
Content isn't just about visibility. It's about connection. And it builds trust over time.
Step 6: Show Up Authentically on Social Media
If you hate X (formerly Twitter), don’t force it. Find the platform where your audience hangs out and where you actually want to engage.
Then:
Be consistent
Comment on posts (not just your own)
Start conversations
Share your personality
Some of our favorite brands don’t just post, they interact. Screenshot comments. Respond to followers. Show that your brand has a pulse.
If you’re funny, be funny. If you’re thoughtful, be thoughtful. Whatever you do, be real.
Step 7: Network Like a Human (Not a Sales Funnel)
We love a good networking event, but not all events are created equal. The key is to find the spaces that energize you, not just drain your time.
Pro tips:
Test different groups and formats
Follow up on LinkedIn or email with new connections
Look for strategic partners, not just potential clients
Be okay with awkward moments (shoutout to Yasmine’s brick-stuck shoe)
Networking works best when you lead with curiosity, not a sales pitch. Show up as yourself, and your brand will do the rest.
Step 8: Highlight Testimonials and Results
Got raving fans? Use them. Social proof is powerful.
Ways to share testimonials:
Screenshots of Google reviews
Video clips from past clients
Social posts with before-and-after results
Case studies or transformation stories
Let others do the bragging for you. And if you don’t have many testimonials yet, ask. People are usually more than willing to share if you’ve delivered value.
Step 9: Optimize and Align Everything Online
You can’t just exist online. You have to be intentional about it.
Audit your presence:
Does your Instagram bio match your website tone?
Are your brand colors consistent across channels?
Are your calls-to-action clear?
Is your SEO helping people find you?
Set goals for each platform. Maybe your website’s job is to convert. Maybe your LinkedIn is for networking. Maybe your Instagram is just for vibes. Each channel should have a purpose.
And post consistently. No one remembers the brand that disappears for six months.
TL;DR: Personal Branding Isn’t Just for Influencers
Whether you’re podcasting, consulting, freelancing, or building a service-based biz, your personal brand matters.
Start with:
A strong value proposition
A real, consistent voice
A few solid visual brand elements
Content that connects
Testimonials that build trust
Then show up where your people are and make it easy for them to remember, trust, and recommend you.
Ready to Build a Brand That Finally Feels Like the Real You?
We help podcasters and entrepreneurs build personal brands that show up, stand out, and bring in business.
🎙️ Listen to Market Like It’s Hot on Spotify or YouTube
Because personal branding isn’t about pretending to be someone else. It’s about making your actual self unforgettable.
