Imagine living in a shared apartment. Even though you rented the space with a close friend, you never get to fully express yourself with the decor and style—until you get your own place. That’s exactly what it’s like when you build your personal brand on borrowed land.

Social media can be great for visibility- to attract your clients to your own space, but it’s like renting space. You don’t own the platform, and you’re limited by its rules. Meanwhile, a solid personal brand—one that extends beyond Instagram or TikTok—gives you full control over your reputation, opportunities, and success.

I was looking for a natural hairstylist around my area and I found two online. One had a beautifully curated Instagram, showcasing her expertise, client testimonials, a clear booking process and also a blog that taught her audience how to care for their natural hair types. The other? Just a random name with a blurry profile pic.

Who do you think I went for?

Exactly! The first stylist had built a personal brand—and that’s why she stood out. As a freelancer, your personal brand does the same for you. It makes you memorable, credible, and the obvious choice for clients.

What is a Personal Brand?

Your personal brand is how people perceive you online and offline—it’s your unique style, message, and expertise wrapped up into one. It’s what makes someone say, “Oh, I know her! She’s the go-to person for [your niche]!” I love how Jeff Bezos puts it, ” Your personal brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room“.

💡 Think of it like this: If your business were a fashion statement, would it be a bold red dress that turns heads, or a plain white tee that blends into the background? Your brand should stand out, reflect your personality, and attract your dream clients.

Not convinced? Here are three big reasons why you need to start building your personal brand beyond just social media.

But first—have you ever heard of someone losing their Instagram account overnight? Or maybe you remember the panic when rumors of TikTok shutting down started spreading? Now, imagine relying only on those platforms for your business. Scary, right?

Maybe I should have titled this blog “3 Reasons You Should Build a Strong Personal Brand Outside of Social Media.”

Anyways, let’s dive in!

1. Clients Choose People, Not Just Services

Think about the brands you love—maybe it’s a skincare line or a coffee shop. You don’t just buy their products; you connect with their story, values, and vibe.

Freelancing works the same way! Clients don’t just want a web designer, virtual assistant, or copywriter—they want someone they trust and connect with. Your personal brand builds that trust before they even talk to you.

Let’s say you’re a graphic designer. If you only post random projects online without a consistent brand voice or portfolio website, potential clients may hesitate to hire you. But when you have a solid personal brand—complete with a clear message, a professional website, and valuable content—you establish trust before you even speak to them.

Real Talk: Imagine two freelancers, Bunmi and Amaka. Bunmi only shares her work occasionally on social media, while Amaka has a website, a clear bio, and a newsletter where she shares design tips. Who do you think potential clients will trust more? Exactly! I can’t begin to tell you the international gigs I have gotten just by owning a website.

You can share behind-the-scenes content, client wins, and your personal journey to make your brand more relatable.

2. A Strong Personal Brand Attracts Opportunities (Even When You’re Not Looking)

Let’s be real—freelancing is competitive! There are thousands of other designers, writers, and coaches out there. So, why should a client pick you?

Because of your brand personality!.

Examples of Strong Personal Brands:
✔ A social media manager known for fun, engaging content (Think: bright colors, memes, and trendy reels!)
✔ A virtual assistant known for being super organized and offering stress-free business support
✔ A brand designer known for luxury, high-end aesthetics that attract premium clients

I have a Tip for you: Define your unique brand voice and visuals so people recognize you instantly! If you aren’t good at design, using a template is an easy and affordable way to have a professional-looking brand that you are proud of. You can shop our templates HERE!

Picture this: You’re at home, chilling with a cup of coffee, and an email pops up. It’s a collaboration offer from a top brand. You didn’t apply, you didn’t reach out—they found you because of your personal brand. (website)

That’s the magic of positioning yourself well. When you consistently show up online, share your expertise, and establish your authority, you become the go-to person in your field. Whether it’s speaking gigs, consulting offers, or media features, opportunities will start finding you.

Story Time: I once knew a content creator who started sharing marketing tips on Twitter. She had no website, no big strategy—just valuable content. Within a year, she was invited to speak at a major conference. Why? Because she positioned herself as an expert without even trying to pitch herself! What do you think her next big business decision was? Getting a professional website of course!

3. You’ll Have Control Over Your Reputation and Income

Here’s the hard truth: Social media is rented space. If Instagram shuts down tomorrow, would your audience still know where to find you?

Having a personal brand that extends beyond social platforms—like a website, email list, or blog—gives you control. Instead of relying on algorithms, you create your own ecosystem where people can always find you.

A personal brand positions you as an expert—and experts don’t compete on price; they get booked at their worth!

💡 Think of it this way: If you saw two business coaches, one with a polished website, glowing testimonials, and a strong online presence, and the other with just a basic social media page, who would you pay more?

Your brand builds perceived value, which means clients are willing to pay premium prices for your expertise.

Here’s a Pro Tip: Invest in your own platform. Whether it’s a personal website, an email newsletter, or even a YouTube channel, make sure you have something you own.

Showcase your results and client success stories everywhere—on your website, portfolio, and social media.

Are you still confused about how to start? Come join our community of freelancing females who are building their businesses together and enjoying the support of mentors. It’s a free LinkedIn community where you can engage with women like you and ask all the questions that you have. I’ll leave the link HERE if you’d like to engage with me there.

Are You Ready to Own Your Brand?

If you want to:
✅ Get more clients effortlessly
✅ Attract opportunities without chasing them
✅ Be seen as an expert in your field

Then it’s time to start building your personal brand today! It doesn’t have to be perfect—just start. Share your knowledge, create a simple website with this template, and be intentional about how you show up.

Your turn! What’s stopping you from building your personal brand? Let’s chat in the community!