Top 10 Tips for Personal Brand Glow-Up
Let me ask you this: How many times have you thought, “I wish people could know the real me”? Well, that’s exactly what a personal brand does. It’s the ultimate glow-up for your career, it’s you, but elevated. In this blog, I’ll go through the steps I took to build my own personal brand so you can build yours and glow up for 2025.
Today, we’re diving into something big: how to build your personal brand. I’ll also talk a little bit about how I went from a graphic designer stuck on my computer to a multi hyphenate creative chasing all the dreams.
What Exactly Is a Personal Brand?
Personal brand is basically your vibe with a purpose. It’s a unique mix of your skills, style, personality, and values that make you unforgettable, kind of like your own highlight reel, but with substance to back up. Think of it as the way that you show up in the world, online and offline, that makes people think, “Oh, that’s so you.”
10 Tips to Build an Authentic Personal Brand
1. Be Unapologetically Authentic
Our audiences are craving connection over perfection in 2025. No one wants perfectionism anymore; we want to connect to the person who is talking to us, that we’re following, that we care about. At the end of the day, it’s your individuality that sets you apart from everyone else, so you need to put that on display.
It’s time for you to stop playing it safe, stop trying to be the influencer you think you need to be, or that you aspire to be by looking at other people. Honestly, you have to go inward and figure out who you are and the things that really make you you, and start to show that more often. Girl, stop comparing yourself to others and stop thinking you have to be like the typical creator. No one can be you, and that is a beautiful thing.
2. Leverage AI to Boost Creativity
Let’s face it, AI is taking over. There’s not much we can do to stop it, so why not use it to boost creativity and help with your content and personal brand? I love to use AI for brainstorming, content creation, and looking up trends. Let AI complement your brand while keeping your voice human and relatable.
3. Consistency Over Perfection
Pick at least two platforms where you can show up consistently. Even if your content isn’t flawless, consistency builds trust. You can’t start to post and then go ghost. Once you commit to building your personal brand, consistency will build trust and your audience will look forward to seeing you.
4. Master Short-Form Content
In 2025, long-form content is making a comeback (YouTube, Substack), but we’re still addicted to short-form content (Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts). Master short form so people know what you’re doing, and then convert them to stay for your long form content.
5. Tap Into Micro-Communities
Instead of appealing to everyone, focus on smaller communities where your message will really resonate. Finding your tribe is more impactful than having a million followers who don’t really care.
6. Show, Don’t Just Tell
Visuals really showcase impact, behind the scenes content, little graphics, and letting your audience see your passions and mistakes all build an authentic brand.
7. Collaborate Strategically
Collaboration is huge, but it should be authentic. Partner with brands, influencers, and companies that match your vibe and values, not just for money.
8. Diversify Your Platforms
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Build your presence across multiple platforms, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Substack, YouTube Shorts, a personal website so you maximize your reach.
9. Invest in Visual Branding
Strong visuals are nonnegotiable in 2025. Your colors, logo, social media templates, and website need to look cohesive and pop.
10. Engage Meaningfully With Your Audience
Respond to comments thoughtfully, start discussions, and really connect. Building a personal brand is about building a community and relationships, not just showcasing your highlight reel.
My Personal Brand Checklist
To get my personal brand ready for 2025, I made sure I had:
- Colors that excited me and felt true to the person I am a bold, colorful girl.
- My palette is a mix of dark chocolate brown, pops of green, pink, and blue. Playful and fun while still sophisticated and elevated.
- Brand fonts that resonated with me, like “Awesome” from Nikki Lats.
- A personal brand website (built with Wix), a place that exists outside social media for people to find me, see my work, and learn about my services.
- Beautiful photos that showcase my personality. I invested in a personal brand shoot planned with mood boards and multiple looks to reflect my style and authentic self.
Tools for Building Your Brand
Some tools I use and recommend:
- Canva (easy graphics and templates)
- Adobe Express (free alternative)
- AI like ChatGPT (for brainstorming, copywriting help, and organization)
- Wix, Squarespace, and now Canva for websites
- Coolers (color palette generator)
- Creative Market (paid templates/fonts, but super useful)
- Newsletters (Substack, MailChimp, Flowdesk) to connect with your audience in their inbox.
Personal Brands That Inspire Me
- Skyler Marche: Her brand is cohesive across every platform, from visuals to voice.
- Elise Fox: Founder of Sad Girls Club, her personal brand is separate from her business but just as strong and true to her values.
- Koville: Latina designer who uses color and illustration to express herself across her website and Instagram.
- Honorable mentions: Flex Mommy and Jade Purple Brown.
Evolving Past Labels
I was a self taught graphic designer, but now I’m a multi hyphenate creative. I love creative directing, consulting, branding, fashion, makeup there’s so much to me. I’m done playing safe. Being truly authentic and sharing quirks and perspectives that’s what connects audiences and builds community.
Don’t be afraid to pivot from a career path or showcase more of your personality. What makes you unique is the most important thing for building relationships and community.
Summary
If you stuck to the end, thank you! Let me know below if you’ve taken any of my tips or created your personal website. Drop any questions, I’d love to talk, hype you up, or help out. Check out my personal website or Substack for inspiration. Subscribe, like, comment, and stay tuned for more meaningful and fun content, because all of that makes up Creatively Kayla.
I’m signing off to go eat, your girl is hungry! Hope you have a beautiful day. Thank you for reading and much love!
