What is Personal Branding (and Why Does it Matter?)
Are people saying what you would want them to say when you are not there? If that answer is “no” - something’s got to change.
Hey all! Chris here from Zdarko Photography with a breakdown on “What Is Personal Branding?”
“Chris, I see you keep talking about branding, or personal branding, or commercial branding. I have no idea what this is. Are you branding us like cattle?!”
In one sense, no. In another sense, yes.
What is Branding?
See, the term “branding” really & simply, is the unique identity that sets you apart.
So, even if I have previously done a branding session with another similar client, your experience and deliverables will be different from theirs.
Unless you are the same exact person, with the same exact values, targeting the same exact audience, your experience and your messaging will be different.
I am getting ahead of myself here, let’s rewind. ⏪⏪⏪⏪⏪
So what is a brand, and who is it for? A brand…
speaks to who you are (or an organization/business)
holds value for their beliefs, their practices, and they way they present themselves
Some examples of different personal brands:
an entrepreneur or a local business - i.e. a reator with a large personality.
a local trade, vendor, or artist - i.e. a bakery that specializes in superhero ice cream molded cakes.
a social media influencer
Some examples of commercial brands:
simply think “fortune 500 publicly traded organizations”
If I were to say “just do it”, “i’m lovin’ it”, or “it’s in the game” - you probably know right off the bat what brand these slogans are associated with.
You’re probably not at a slogan level of recognition, but by becoming curious about what branding is, it’s the first step into a long and glorious journey of self-discovery.
How do I figure out what my brand is?!
There are a huge slew of questions to be answered for identifying your brand. some of which include:
Brand Voice. Are you friendly? humorous? strictly professional? personable? relatable? Do you throw in family-oriented jokes? A consistent voice throughout your messaging is important, whatever that message may be. So, if you are silly and sarcastic on social media, but outright politically correct on your website, this can often confuse your audience.
Brand Values. What matters to you and your brand? Is it social media status? Politics? Family business? Pride?
Client/Customer base. Who are your customers? What is important to them? Where do they spend their time? What questions are they vigorously searching for on the webz?
Consistency. Whatever you do, keep it consistent.
Ok, so many of the people I work with will be going for a “personal brand” - as they are an entrepreneur, with a small or local business, or looking to bolster their social media presence. You being the center of this business, you have values, a level of professionalism, and whether you like it or not, you have a brand voice, and the people you talk to and interact with every day see this brand behind the name.
Benefits of Personal Branding
Increased credibility & trust: A strong personal brand establishes you as an expert in your field. When people recognize and trust your brand, they're more likely to do business with you.
2. Stronger Relationships: A well-defined personal brand helps you connect with like-minded individuals and build lasting relationships. This can lead to valuable partnerships, referrals, and collaborations.
3. Enhanced Visibility: When you have a clear brand identity, it's easier to be found online and in your community. This increased visibility can attract new clients and opportunities.
4. Competitive Advantage: A unique and memorable personal brand can set you apart from your competitors. This can help you command higher fees and attract more desirable clients.
5. Better Networking: A strong personal brand makes you more confident and engaging. This can lead to more effective networking and better connections with potential clients and industry leaders.
6. Improved Decision-Making: A well-defined personal brand can help you make more informed decisions about your business, career, and personal life.
7. Increased Job Security: In today's competitive job market, a strong personal brand can make you more valuable to employers and less vulnerable to layoffs.
8. Greater Fulfillment: When you're passionate about your brand and what it represents, you're more likely to feel fulfilled and satisfied in your work.
Photography & Branding
So now that you have a good understanding of what a personal brand is, what does photography do to help?
If you don’t already know me, I specialize in just this thing. I offer an overwhelming amount of information, guides, and plan with you to go over things like “What are your values?” Truth be told, bringing other’s vision to life in a creative way is a large part of my own brand. I LOVE WORKING WITH PASSIONATE PEOPLE!!!
Beyond the guides to kick start you (and keep you in motion once you’ve recieved the goodies) - these brand photos & videos are meant to showcase the real you. Are you laid back and soft spoken? Are you high-energy and loud? Are you excited to work with your dream clients? Let’s give these dream babes a name and a story. Once we establish this, we can then work backwards to developing what your brand should consist of. Does your clients need to see your rental space you offer? or showcase the way you conduct your business?
Whatever it is, lets tell your story, so you can successfully attract them, & this will really separate you from your competition. You’ll no longer be competing for the same audience.
When your messaging comes across these clients, they will think “this brand is speaking to my soul, i need this in my life!”
Just think - how often do you buy a product or service just because you like someone?
