The Ultimate Guide To Unusual Personal Brand Content Marketing

The The Ultimate Guide to Unique Personal Brand Content Marketing

Unlocking the potential of personal branding in today’s digital landscape requires more than mere presence—it demands unusualness.

Welcome to “The Ultimate Guide to Unusual Personal Brand Content Marketing,” where we delve deep into the art of standing out amidst the noise.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover the strategic keys to crafting a personal brand that not only resonates but leaves a lasting impact. We’ll explore innovative content marketing strategies, drawing inspiration from a wealth of experience.

With over 40 years in the realm of Brand Content Strategy, I’ve honed the art of infusing creativity, strategy, and the unexpected into personal brand content. Join me on this journey of differentiation, where your personal brand transcends the ordinary, setting you on a path to unparalleled success.

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Why is differentiation an imperative for personal brand content

Differentiation is the lifeblood of personal brand content. In a digital landscape brimming with content creators, establishing a unique and memorable identity is not just advantageous; it’s imperative.

Your personal brand’s differentiation sets you apart from the noise, making you a magnetic force in the eyes of your audience. Imagine a sea of similar products on a store shelf. The one with the distinct packaging, an exceptional feature, or a compelling story is the one that grabs your attention.

Similarly, in the vast ocean of online content, differentiation is what makes your personal brand stand out and leave a lasting impression. Moreover, differentiation isn’t just about getting noticed; it’s about forging connections and fostering trust.

When your audience sees that you offer something different, something that aligns with their needs, values, or aspirations, it becomes easier for them to bond with you and trust in your expertise. In essence, differentiation isn’t just a strategy; it’s a necessity for personal brand content that leaves a mark in the digital world.

8 top-level facets for differentiation in personal brand content

Leveraging my extensive experience as a Brand Content Strategist known for innovative thinking, I offer eight pivotal strategies to revolutionize your personal brand’s differentiation.

Step beyond the conventional boundaries and lay the foundation for a truly unique online presence. Let’s embark on a journey to break free from the ordinary and emerge as a standout in a crowded digital landscape.

8 top-level facets for differentiation in personal brand content (Infographic)

1. Personal story and journey

Your personal story and journey are the roots of your personal brand, anchoring it in authenticity and uniqueness. It’s the narrative thread that weaves your experiences, challenges, and triumphs into a tapestry that captivates and connects with your audience.

Consider the example of James, a self-made entrepreneur. James’s personal brand thrives on his remarkable journey from a struggling startup founder to a successful business mogul. He openly shares the highs and lows, the pivots, and the breakthrough moments. His audience is not just drawn to his business acumen but also to his inspiring journey of resilience and determination.

James’s story becomes a source of motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs and sets him apart in the competitive business space. Your personal story and journey, like James’s, can be a powerful asset in personal brand content marketing.

By sharing your experiences and transformation, you create an authentic connection with your audience, differentiating your brand as a source of inspiration and relatability.

ACTION POINTS

  • Craft your narrative: Take time to reflect on your personal journey and identify the key moments, challenges, and successes that have shaped you. Craft a compelling and authentic narrative that encapsulates your unique story.
  • Share vulnerably: Genuineness is key. Don’t be afraid to share your vulnerabilities and setbacks alongside your achievements. Your audience will appreciate your honesty and connect on a deeper level.
  • Identify relatable aspects: Find aspects of your journey that your target audience can relate to. Highlight these points in your content to create a sense of empathy and understanding.
  • Create engaging content: Develop content that weaves your personal story into the message. Whether it’s through blog posts, videos, or social media updates, use storytelling techniques to engage and captivate your audience.
  • Emphasize your transformation: Showcase how your journey has transformed you and what you’ve learned along the way. Share insights and lessons that can inspire and resonate with your audience.

2. Personality and character

Your personal brand’s personality and character are the heart and soul of what makes you stand out in the digital landscape. Think of it as the unique flavor that defines your brand, setting it apart from the bland and ordinary. In the world of personal brand content marketing, authenticity is the secret ingredient.

Imagine Jane, a financial consultant with a warm and approachable demeanor. Her personal brand exudes trustworthiness and reliability, which resonates with her audience. Whether she’s discussing complex investment strategies or offering financial tips, her personality shines through in her content. Her genuine passion for helping people achieve financial wellness is evident, creating a strong and lasting connection with her followers.

Your personality and character, just like Jane’s, can become a magnet for your target audience. It’s not about fitting into a mold but rather embracing and amplifying what makes you uniquely you.

When your personal brand’s personality aligns with your values and genuinely connects with your audience, it becomes an irresistible force that draws people in and sets you apart from the crowd.

ACTION POINTS

  • Self-reflection: Take time to reflect on your own personality traits and character strengths. Identify the qualities that make you unique, such as your values, communication style, and approachability.
  • Audience alignment: Understand your target audience’s preferences and values. Ensure that your personality and character align with the needs and expectations of your audience, creating a strong connection.
  • Consistency across platforms: Maintain consistency in your personality and character across all your online platforms and interactions. Whether it’s your website, social media profiles, or email communications, your audience should recognize your unique persona.
  • Content messaging style: Develop a content voice and style that mirrors your personality. Whether you’re humorous, empathetic, or authoritative, infuse these traits into your content to make it relatable and engaging.
  • Responsiveness for engagement: Foster engagement with your audience by actively responding to comments, messages, and feedback. Your interactions should reflect your personality and character, showcasing your genuine interest in connecting with your followers.

3. Authenticity and transparency

Authenticity and transparency form the bedrock upon which personal brand content marketing thrives. They are the keys to forging genuine connections with your audience in an era where trust is paramount. When your personal brand radiates authenticity, it becomes magnetic.

Consider Mark, a software developer renowned for his authentic approach to sharing his journey. Mark doesn’t hesitate to reveal the challenges he faces in coding or the occasional mistakes he makes. He openly shares his learning process and the joy of solving complex problems. This transparency has garnered him a loyal following of fellow developers who appreciate his genuine and relatable content.

Your personal brand’s authenticity and transparency, much like Mark’s, can be a powerful draw. It’s about being unapologetically yourself, acknowledging your imperfections, and inviting your audience to share in your experiences.

When you open the doors to your journey, you invite your audience to connect with you on a deeper level, building trust and loyalty that sets you apart in the world of personal brand content marketing.

ACTION POINTS

  • Self-awareness: Reflect on your personal values, beliefs, and experiences. Gain a deep understanding of who you are and what you stand for, allowing you to align your content with your authentic self.
  • Openness about challenges: Don’t shy away from sharing your challenges and setbacks. When you’re transparent about your journey, it humanizes your personal brand and makes you more relatable to your audience.
  • Honesty in communication: Practice honesty in all your interactions, both online and offline. Building trust requires consistency in your messaging and actions.
  • Storytelling with vulnerability: Use storytelling techniques to convey your personal experiences and lessons learned. Sharing moments of vulnerability can create a strong emotional connection with your audience.
  • Engage with authenticity: When engaging with your audience, respond genuinely and authentically. Acknowledge feedback, address concerns openly, and express gratitude for the support you receive.

4. Personal expertise and skills 

Your personal expertise and skills serve as the cornerstones of your personal brand’s distinctiveness. They’re the tools that empower you to shine brightly in your chosen field. In the realm of personal brand content marketing, your expertise and skills are the building blocks of your authority.

Take the example of Alex, a graphic designer known for pushing the boundaries of creativity. Alex’s personal brand thrives on showcasing expertise in innovative design techniques. Through detailed tutorials, case studies, and thought leadership content, Alex shares valuable insights with the design community. His deep knowledge and mastery of cutting-edge design tools set him apart, attracting a dedicated following of aspiring designers seeking to learn and grow under his guidance.

Your personal expertise and skills, like Alex’s, can be the driving force behind your personal brand’s uniqueness. By consistently sharing your knowledge and demonstrating your proficiency, you establish yourself as an authoritative figure in your niche.

Your audience recognizes your value, differentiating you from the competition in the vast landscape of personal brand content marketing.

ACTION POINTS

  • Identify your unique skills: Assess your expertise and skills to pinpoint what sets you apart. What specialized knowledge or abilities do you possess that can be valuable to your audience?
  • Content showcase: Develop content that highlights your expertise and skills. Share tutorials, how-to guides, or case studies that provide actionable insights and solutions based on your proficiency.
  • Continuous learning: Stay updated in your field and continue to enhance your skills. Sharing your ongoing journey of learning and improvement can further establish your credibility and authority.
  • Collaboration and networking: Collaborate with other experts and thought leaders in your niche. Participating in discussions, interviews, or joint projects can help expand your reach and reinforce your expertise.
  • Educate and empower: Use your knowledge to educate and empower your audience. Offer value-driven content that not only showcases your expertise but also helps your audience solve problems and achieve their goals.

5. Unique personal perspective 

Your unique personal perspective is the secret sauce that infuses unparalleled flavor into your personal brand’s content. It’s your distinct lens through which you view and interpret the world, making your content an enticing dish of originality.

Consider the example of Maria, an environmental activist with a background in marine biology. Maria’s personal brand thrives on her unique perspective. She doesn’t just advocate for environmental conservation; she dives deep into the ocean to document its wonders and challenges. Her content showcases the world’s aquatic beauty from an insider’s viewpoint, offering a fresh and intimate perspective. Her audience is drawn not only to her passion for the environment but also to the unique way she presents it.

Your personal perspective, like Maria’s, can be a beacon that sets your content apart. Embrace your distinct viewpoint, whether it’s an insider’s knowledge, a cultural insight, or a personal journey.

It’s this individuality that captures your audience’s attention and makes your personal brand a standout in the vast sea of content.

ACTION POINTS

  • Identify your unique angle: Reflect on your background, experiences, and viewpoints. Identify the specific aspects that set your perspective apart from others in your niche.
  • Tell personal stories: Share personal anecdotes and stories that reflect your unique perspective. Personal narratives create a deeper connection with your audience and make your content more relatable.
  • Connect with your target audience: Understand your audience’s interests and concerns. Tailor your content to address topics and issues that resonate with your unique perspective and align with your audience’s needs.
  • Collaborate and cross-pollinate: Collaborate with others in related fields to exchange ideas and insights. Cross-pollination of perspectives can lead to fresh and innovative content that stands out.
  • Educate and challenge: Use your unique perspective to educate your audience and challenge conventional thinking. Offer thought-provoking content that encourages your audience to see topics from a different angle.

6. Voice and communication style

Your voice and communication style are the distinctive melodies that make your personal brand’s content resonate uniquely with your audience. It’s how you deliver your message that sets you apart from the crowd, making your content an unforgettable symphony.

Consider the example of Chris, a tech-savvy entrepreneur who shares his insights on emerging technologies. Chris’s personal brand is characterized by his conversational and relatable communication style. He breaks down complex tech concepts into digestible, everyday language, making his content accessible to a broad audience. His witty and approachable tone invites engagement and discussion, creating a community of tech enthusiasts who appreciate his refreshing approach.

Your voice and communication style, like Chris’s, can be your signature tune in the world of personal brand content marketing. Whether you’re humorous, authoritative, or empathetic, embracing your unique style adds depth and memorability to your content.

It’s this distinct voice that harmonizes with your audience, making your personal brand a standout performer in the digital symphony.

ACTION POINTS

  • Define your brand voice: Identify the tone, style, and personality that best represent your personal brand. Is it casual and conversational, formal and authoritative, or something else entirely? Define your brand’s unique voice.
  • Audience alignment: Understand your target audience’s preferences and communication style. Tailor your voice to resonate with your audience, ensuring your content is relatable and engaging.
  • Consistency is key: Maintain consistency in your brand voice across all your content and communication channels. Consistency helps build recognition and trust with your audience.
  • Adaptability and flexibility: While consistency is important, also be adaptable to suit the context of different content types and platforms. Flexibility allows you to connect with a wider range of audience segments.
  • Experiment and evolve: Don’t be afraid to experiment with your voice and style over time. As your personal brand evolves, your voice may also need adjustments to stay relevant and engaging.

7. Community engagement style

Your community engagement style is the unique way in which you connect and interact with your audience, turning passive followers into active participants in your personal brand journey. It’s the art of fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie that sets your brand apart as a welcoming and vibrant community.

Consider the example of Tom, a fitness enthusiast and personal trainer. Tom’s personal brand thrives on a supportive and motivating community engagement style. In addition to sharing workout tips and nutrition advice, Tom actively engages with followers through live fitness challenges, Q&A sessions, and encouraging messages. His community becomes a place where members share their fitness goals, celebrate achievements, and uplift one another.

Tom’s interactive and supportive approach has not only built a loyal following but also created a tight-knit fitness community that stands out in the digital fitness landscape. Your community engagement style, like Tom’s, can be your secret sauce for personal brand success.

By fostering a genuine and interactive community, you not only differentiate your brand but also create a loyal and enthusiastic following that actively participates in your brand’s journey.

ACTION POINTS

  • Understand your audience: Gain a deep understanding of your audience’s preferences, needs, and interests. Tailor your community engagement style to align with what resonates with your followers.
  • Create inclusive spaces: Foster an inclusive and welcoming environment where all members of your community feel valued and heard. Encourage diversity and respect in interactions.
  • Interactive content: Develop content and activities that invite participation and interaction. Host live sessions, polls, contests, or discussions that engage your audience and encourage them to share their thoughts and experiences.
  • Personalized engagement: Respond personally to comments, messages, and feedback. Acknowledge and appreciate your community members individually, making them feel valued and connected.
  • Consistency and authenticity: Maintain consistency in your community engagement style across various platforms and interactions. Be authentic in your responses and interactions, building trust with your audience.

8. Personal values and causes

Your personal values and the causes you champion form the moral compass of your personal brand, guiding your content toward a purpose-driven narrative that sets you apart. It’s the expression of what you stand for, aligning your brand with meaningful issues that resonate deeply with your audience.

Consider the example of Sarah, an eco-conscious fashion influencer. Sarah’s personal brand is defined by her commitment to sustainable and ethical fashion. She not only showcases eco-friendly clothing but also actively advocates for sustainable practices within the fashion industry. Her content not only highlights stylish and environmentally-friendly fashion choices but also educates her audience on the impact of their consumer choices.

Sarah’s dedication to a cause larger than herself has not only cultivated a community of like-minded individuals but also differentiates her in the world of fashion influencers. Your personal values and causes, like Sarah’s, can be the driving force that sets your personal brand apart.

By aligning your content with your values and advocating for meaningful causes, you create a purpose-driven narrative that not only differentiates your brand but also inspires and engages your audience.

ACTION POINTS

  • Identify your core values: Reflect on your personal values and beliefs. Identify the values that resonate most deeply with you and align with your personal brand’s mission.
  • Select relevant causes: Choose causes or issues that align with your values and are relevant to your audience. Ensure that the causes you support are authentic extensions of your brand.
  • Educate and advocate: Use your platform to educate your audience about the causes you support. Share information, statistics, and stories that raise awareness and encourage action.
  • Showcase actions and impact: Demonstrate how you’re actively contributing to the causes you believe in. Share your involvement, contributions, or volunteer work to showcase the tangible impact of your efforts.
  • Encourage engagement: Encourage your audience to get involved and make a difference. Provide resources, calls to action, and opportunities for your followers to support the causes alongside you.

In summary

  1. Differentiation is essential: In the crowded digital landscape, differentiation is not just an advantage; it’s a necessity for personal brand content marketing. Your unique story, perspective, values, and communication style set you apart from the competition, making your brand memorable.
  2. Authenticity builds trust: Authenticity and transparency are the cornerstones of successful personal brand content marketing. Being genuine in your interactions and sharing both successes and setbacks helps build trust with your audience, fostering deeper connections.
  3. Purpose-driven content: Integrating personal values and causes into your content creates a purpose-driven narrative that resonates with your audience. Championing causes that align with your values not only differentiates your brand but also inspires positive change and engagement among your followers.

Take your brand's content marketing from run-of-the-mill to remarkable

Shobha Ponnappa

"As a Content/Brand Specialist, and SEO/UX Writer, I can help transform your brand's online presence. I can lift it with innovative ideas to take it to an enviable position. Let's collaborate to create a captivating brand story, engage your audience, boost your online visibility, and increase your ROI. Take the next step towards your brand content success and contact me today."

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