Rebranding yourself can be an incredibly daunting task, especially in an age where your online history is nearly permanent. For those looking to launch their own business or become thought leaders in their fields, the pressure to reinvent your image can feel overwhelming. In the enVisioning Success podcast episode, Do’s and Don’ts for Your Personal Brand, co-hosts Laura and Julia talk about making your personal brand more visible. In today’s blog, we’re going to look at why personal rebranding is harder than you think, along with practical strategies to help you build a positive online presence.
Recognizing Your Digital Footprint
Your digital footprint is the trail of data you leave when using the internet including your shared content, account activity, and digital interactions. This footprint can serve as both a helpful asset or a major liability, and it is key to consider this when rebranding. Here are the main aspects of your online presence that you need to assess:
- Social Media Profiles: Your social media presence can make or break your rebranding efforts. Each platform has its own unique culture, so it is important that your content fits in during this transition. This can be particularly challenging due to the fast-paced and public nature of these platforms.
- Online Reputation: Your past interactions, reviews, and mentions associated with your name can significantly impact how others perceive you, as they can linger online. As you rebrand, you may face the challenge of your old reputation overshadowing your new goals.
- Search Engine Results: When someone searches your name online, they will either come across positive content that establishes your credibility, or negative/outdated information that can overshadow your rebranding efforts. Managing this can be difficult as it requires active monitoring of your search results and optimizing new content for SEO.
Understanding Your Motivation for Rebranding
The purpose behind your personal rebranding can significantly influence the outcome. Whether you’re evolving your personal style or launching a new business, missteps in any of these areas can lead to confusion or disconnect online. Finding a balance of authenticity with the desire of projecting a new image can affect how your audience perceives you. Similarly, launching a new business involves not just creating a new identity, but also ensuring it resonates with your target audience. This process can be harder than you think because it requires self-reflection, market research, and an understanding of how to communicate change effectively.
The Steps to Successful Personal Rebranding
At this point, you should understand that transforming your personal brand isn’t an easy task. People online can be resistant to change and feel confident sharing harsh opinions behind their screen. Here is a guide to navigate you through the process if you are considering rebranding:
- Audit Your Online Presence: Assess your current online footprint and claim or manage any profiles or reputation pages. Monitor and track what people are saying about you.
- Secure Your Social Media Accounts: Ensure you have complete control over all your social media platforms.
- Communicate Your Vision: Don’t just launch into your rebranding. Explain your motives and changes to your audience.
- Create Fresh Content: Develop new content that reflects your updated brand identity. This could include blog posts or social media updates that showcase your new direction.
- Be Consistent. Be intentional about your online changes being consistent across all platforms. This will reinforce your new image and build trust.
About the enVisioning Success Podcast
This article is based on topics discussed in enVisioning Success, our weekly podcast hosted by Vision Advertising CEO Laura DiBenedetto and COO Julia Becker Collins. In it, they discuss all things business and marketing, from lead generation to leadership. Find us on PodBean to download from your platform of choice, or subscribe to our mailing list to get new episodes and other news delivered directly to your inbox. Interested in working with Vision Advertising? Learn more about our services and contact us today.
