The ultimate personal brand audit guide
“Your brand is what people say when you’re not in the room.”
In today’s competitive professional landscape, visibility and credibility are two sides of the same coin. As Bezos so eloquently put it, it’s not just about being seen; it's about being seen as someone worth listening to. Whether you’re a seasoned professional vying for attention in a crowded market or a green corporate player aiming for a seat at the table, your chances of being listened to are slim if the right people aren’t aware of you.
But in this digital landscape, being visible isn’t enough. You also need to be credible. In a world where opportunities favour those perceived as authorities, standing out is paramount.
So, what makes you stand out? Your personal brand, of course. And just like your resume or LinkedIn profile, your brand needs the occasional audit to ensure your equity stays high. At Personal Brand Project, we understand the importance of these evaluations. Read our guide on self-auditing your personal brand so you can be heard.
What is a personal brand audit?
A personal brand audit involves closely examining your professional image and evaluating how effectively you present yourself to the world through platforms like social media, your resume, and your networking efforts.
The aim is to cross-check that the way you portray yourself aligns with who you truly are, what you believe in, and where you aspire to be in your career. Personal brand audits ensure that your personal brand accurately reflects your values, goals, and aspirations, helping you build a strong and authentic professional identity.
Why do I need to audit my personal brand?
Your personal brand can impact both your personal and professional lives. So making sure your personal brand authentically reflects who you are and what you stand for is essential. It also enhances your personal brand equity. By auditing your personal brand, you’ll:
Identify areas for improvement: An audit highlights gaps or inconsistencies in your online presence that need attention.
Ensure consistency: A thorough assessment helps you maintain a cohesive message across all platforms to strengthen your brand identity.
Align your content with your goals: Review your personal brand to ensure your content reflects your goals accurately.
Examine your online presence: By reviewing your website, social media profiles, and digital content, you’ll gain a deeper insight into how you're perceived online.
Elevate your profile: A personal brand audit refines your digital footprint so you can stand out in your field and attract new opportunities.
How to self-audit your personal brand equity
Step 1: Reflect on your personal brand strategy
The heart of your personal brand strategy lies in defining who you are and what you stand for. It allows you to delve into how you're perceived within your industry and the value you bring. Defining your personal brand is instrumental in creating a strong reputation and carving a niche in a competitive market.
To define your brand effectively, consider your:
Unique qualities. What sets you apart from other professionals? Identify the distinct attributes and strengths that differentiate you from the crowd.
Vision and goals. What is your vision for your career or business? How do you aspire to be recognised within your industry? Having clear goals helps match your personal brand with your objectives.
Once you've clearly defined your personal brand, you can then assess if it aligns with your business goals, strategy and offerings.
Step 2: Receive feedback from others
Conducting a brand perception audit allows you to pinpoint the differences in how you see yourself versus how others see you. Here's how you can collect valuable feedback on how people view your personal brand:
Ask directly - Conduct surveys, interviews or gather testimonials from clients, partners, or employers. Their insights provide valuable perspectives on how people see you.
Ask for feedback - Speak to colleagues, customers, and mentors and ask for feedback on your personal brand. Ask them about areas where you could improve.
Review your online presence - Assess your social media profiles, website, and articles or publications featuring you. Consider whether they align with your brand and the image you wish to convey. Identify areas for improvement to better align with your personal brand.
Use brand perception tools - Use tools like Google Alerts, Sprout Social, or BrandYourself to monitor your online presence and reputation. These tools help you understand how you're perceived in the digital sphere.
Maintain consistency - Your personal brand isn't just about what you say about yourself but what others think of you. Ensure that your actions align with your brand values, presenting yourself authentically and consistently in all interactions.
Step 3: Review your personal brand assets
Once you've assessed your personal brand, it's time to evaluate the assets that bring it to life:
Personal brand statement
Ensure your statement aligns with your personal brand strategy both internally and externally.
Assess if it clearly defines your target audience, explains the equity you provide, and offers social proof of your credibility.
Regularly revisit and refine your statement to ensure it effectively communicates your qualities.
Personal brand photography
Ensure your headshot reflects the vibe of your personal brand consistently across all channels.
Evaluate if your current headshot accurately represents your brand and if it needs updating.
Check if your headshot aligns with the attributes you associate with your personal brand.
Visual personal branding
Evaluate if the colours, fonts, and imagery used in your graphics across different platforms are consistent and reflect your personal brand.
Determine if your visual assets accurately represent the soul of your personal brand and align with your brand words.
Consider adjusting your graphics to better align with your personal brand. Don't hesitate to experiment with different styles until you find what resonates best with your identity.
Taking time for deep self-reflection is key to understanding your personal brand. But it's not just about what you see in yourself - it's also about getting input from others. After all, your brand is how people perceive you, and their thoughts matter.
Your brand identity is an invaluable asset that grows through consistent nurturing. Rather than leaving your reputation to chance, take charge of it by regularly self-auditing your personal brand. With an action-oriented approach, you can thoughtfully craft your brand narrative on your own terms.