Personal branding for startup founders can build trust, attract clients, and boost visibility. Learn practical steps to grow your profile.

For this reason, it must be clear and consistent exactly what that personal brand is. 

Are the results exactly what you want people to know and think about you, professionally? Would you hire YOU, based on what you see there?

If not, then we have work to do!

The trust-building advantage

When potential clients and partners feel they “know” you even before you’ve met, that they relate to you personally, you’re already ahead. 

Visibility in a crowded market

Personal branding vs. company branding

Getting started with personal branding

Every strong personal brand is rooted in clarity and consistency. Here’s where to begin.

Clarify your mission and values

Define your audience

It’s also worth taking a good look at your competitors’ efforts. 

You can get some AI help with this! Try:

Choose your primary channels

Pick one or two key platforms where your audience is most active, and where you will post and engage regularly. 

Building authority online

You need to build substance, as well as presence, to establish authority with people you’ve never met. Here’s how to show, not just tell, your expertise.

Thought leadership content ideas

Media outreach and public speaking

Personal branding examples

Every personal brand is unique, but there are a number of common elements you can identify and consider deploying in your own strategy.

Successful founder personal brands

Dan Michaeli (Glia)

Laura Roman

Jan Lagast (ImpactBuilders)

Maya Middlemiss (your author)

What they did differently

Here’s a simple starting checklist for founders:

These actions compound over time, positioning you as a trusted authority in your space.

Common mistakes to avoid

Inconsistency

Your cover photo, your headline, the events you attend, the podcasts you guest on, and the comments you make are all elements of your personal branding.

Over-promoting

Over-automating

Neglecting engagement

Communications work both ways. Respond to comments and join relevant discussions to strengthen your network and add value to the conversation.