Authentic Personal Brand Website: Discover 10 Tips To Stand Out
So... you need a strong personal brand website that's as fabulous as you are?
As a website designer and brand strategist, I've seen my fair share of bland sites that could use a bit of pizzazz.
Your website is usually the first interaction potential clients have with your brand and it’s not just about aesthetics. It’s about creating an experience that conveys WHO you are and WHAT makes you stand out.
First Off, What is a Personal Brand?
It's the combo of:
Your values
Approach to work
Brand personality
Expertise
Visual identity
It's the ongoing process of marketing yourself as a brand, consistently maintaining an image tailored to resonate with your specific audience.
The goal is to make a lasting impression on your ideal clients (and others) while leaving room for growth and evolution as your business evolves.
Growing Demand for Consistent Brand Presentation: Consistency in personal branding efforts can increase brand awareness by 3.5 times. This includes using cohesive design elements, colours, and messaging across all platforms, which can also boost revenue by nearly 23% for businesses that prioritise it. TrueList
Let’s explore 10 actionable tips to infuse your unique personality into your personal brand website.
1. Tell Your Story (and Make it Juicy!)
Your brand story is your brand magic – it's what makes you, well, you!
Share in brief, why you started your biz, what gets you out of bed in the morning (besides coffee), and any lightbulb moments that shaped your journey. Don’t be afraid to open up and be more vulnerable. And, if you’re not sure, read my blog post, on Authentic Brand Storytelling for a Great Website About Page.
Because of your openness, your dream clients or customers will feel more connected to you as a person. It’s not just about what you do, it’s also about ‘who’ you are.
Do pop this onto your 'About' page or create a snazzy video intro. The whole thing should give your visitors the warm fuzzies and make them think, "Yep, this is my kind of person!"
Tip: Throw in some quirky details or funny anecdotes. Did you start your coaching business after a disastrous date? Spill the deets (that make sense to share).
2. Ditch the Stock Photos (Unless They're Majorly You)
Look, we've all seen those naff, generic stock photos! It's time to get real!
When possible, use photos of yourself, your team, your workspace, or even your cat/dog (if they're your unofficial CEO). Real photos help build trust, offer a glimpse into your world and create a sense of familiarity.
A natural picture of you working behind the scenes or interacting with clients can instantly add warmth and relatability to your website.
Tip: If you're going for warm and approachable, opt for photos with natural light and genuine smiles. For a high-end feel, look for sleek and modern shots with minimalistic elements. Just make sure it's authentically you!
On this website, there’s a great variety of images that show the brand in action.
3. Write Like You Talk (Yeah, Really!)
Authentic brand Storytelling. The way you communicate is part of your brand identity. Your website copy should mirror how you speak.
Perhaps this sounds like you're chatting to a client over a cuppa, professional yet friendly. This is called Conversational Copy.
If you're prone to using a little local slang, embrace it (you may need to explain what you mean lol)! If you're more polished, that's great too. The key is consistency – your website should sound like it was written by the same person as your blog post (plot twist: it was!).
Here’s a post I’ve written with tips for Copywriting: Writing Authentic Web Copy That Feels Like You and another- Why Your Brand Voice Matters More Than Ever.
Why?
Because in the digital world, we find ourselves in, we all want to know that we’re still working with and connecting with HUMANS. This approach fosters a sense of connection, allowing others to relate to you on a personal level. It brings out your human side, steering clear of robotic AI web copy that has an impersonal feel.
Tip: Imagine you're explaining your services to a friend. Would you use jargon? Probably not. Keep it simple and let your personality shine through!
4. Show Off Your Values (Without Being a Show-Off)
Your values are at the heart of your brand personality.
Whether you're all about sustainability or on a mission to help women improve their health, make sure your website visitors know what you stand for. It's a great way to attract clients who share your values and they will be more likely to become raving fans.
Don’t be afraid to share your values upfront. Use your homepage, about page, or even your footer to showcase what you stand for.
Tip: Creating a "What We Believe In" or “Our Core Values” section (or weave your values into your service descriptions), can make a strong impression and help visitors understand what drives your brand. For example, if you're big on work-life balance, mention how your services help clients "earn more without slogging their guts out".
5. Design with Personality (No Boring Allowed!)
Your website design (and brand) should be like your favourite outfit – it should make you feel like the bee’s knees and reflect your style.
Choose colours that align with the emotions you want to evoke (eg. calming blues or greens for wellness brands, neutrals for outdoorsy), with fonts that match your tone and represent your personality. Consider incorporating hand-drawn elements, unique icons, or playful touches that represent your style for a more personal feel. Remember to be consistent with your messaging, colour, fonts etc. throughout your website (and social platforms).
Here’s a post on Showing Off Your Brand Personality on Your Website.
Why?
If there’s no consistency, your audience might get confused. For instance, if you use organic shapes on your website’s home page and then triangles on another page, it’s pretty confusing, right? Yep.
Tip: Pick one accent colour that really stands out as ‘yours’ and use it consistently across your website. It could be the colour of your signature lipstick or your favourite mug – make it yours!
Colour and fonts on this website are bold, modern, confident with a touch of feminine.
6. Testimonials That Pack a Punch
Client testimonials are a great way to build credibility on your personal brand website, but they can also be a place to highlight your personality and let potential clients see the real you in action.
Instead of standard text quotes, consider asking clients for video testimonials. This not only adds a human element but also allows the client’s genuine appreciation to shine through. Display these gems in a way that complements your brand style, such as bold speech bubbles or sleek, minimalistic quotes.
Tip: Ask clients to mention specific aspects of working with you. Did your sense of humour make strategy sessions a laugh? Did your attention to detail save the day? These personal touches can seal the deal for potential clients.
7. Get Interactive (Because Who Doesn't Love a Good Quiz?)
Interactive elements such as quizzes, polls, or interactive timelines can make your website more engaging and offer insights into your brand personality that act like the cherry on top of your website trifle.
They're fun, and engaging, and can show off your personality by the bucket load. For example, a coach could create a “Find Your Coaching Style” quiz, while a designer might offer a fun “Colour Mood Finder.” These interactive features help visitors memorably engage with your brand. If you're a Life Coach, how about a "What's Your Life Path?" quiz? Interior designer? Try a "Find Your Dream Room Style" tool.
These little touches can keep visitors on your site longer and give them a taste of what it's like to work with you.
Brand: Coaching For Men - Fiona Ross UK. An example of a quiz that works very well for this brand.
8. Calls-to-Action with Pizzazz
Forget boring old "Submit" buttons. Your Calls to Action (CTAs) should have as much personality as you do!
Instead of "Contact Us", try "Let's Chat Over a Cuppa/Coffee" for a relaxed, friendly tone. Rather than "Learn More", go for "Discover How We Can Work Together" for a more collaborative feel, or “Let’s Go!” or “I’m Ready!”.
These little tweaks can make a BIG difference in getting visitors to take that next step. The same principle could be applied to form instructions and error messages.
9. Flaunt Your Superpower (AKA Your USP)
What makes you different from every other coach/designer/educator out there?
Is it your unique process, a particular service, or a unique experience you offer clients? Your ability to make complex ideas simple?
Whatever it is, make sure it's front and centre on your homepage, preferably in the hero section. This is your chance to show potential clients why you're the bee's knees!
Tip: Consider adding a short video or audio clip introducing yourself and your USP. It's a great way for visitors to get a feel for your energy and personality right off the bat. Keep it light and conversational. Let your quirks show rather than strive for perfection.
Get your Free Brand Magic Guide, today! How To Discover Your
Unique Selling Proposition USP
10. Define Your Ideal Client (and Speak Directly to Them)
Knowing your ideal client is like having a secret weapon for your website. It's not just about demographics – it's about understanding their hopes, fears, and dreams.
Once you've nailed this, you can tailor your entire website to speak directly to them. Use language they resonate with, address their specific pain points, and show how you're the perfect solution to their problems.
A generalist mentality isn’t great for personal branding. You’re more memorable when you have a unique niche. If you’re not sure, keep plugging away and bit by bit you’ll figure out what you truly do best and who you serve at your highest level.
Also, people love to see the real, unfiltered version of a brand. Include an Instagram feed or a dedicated section that shares behind-the-scenes moments. Whether it’s a photo of your creative process, a day in your life, or a peek at your latest project, this kind of content shows authenticity and gives visitors a deeper understanding of who you are.
Tip: Create a detailed ideal client avatar and keep it in mind when writing every piece of content. Would your ideal client giggle at that joke? Would they appreciate that pop culture reference? Tailor your personality to connect with theirs!
Wrapping It Up: Authentic Personal Brand Website for Small Business Owners
Your website is your digital home, and just like your actual home, it should feel like you. By following these tips, you'll create a site that not only looks great but feels authentically you. Remember, it's all about building relationships and connecting with your ideal clients. So don't be afraid to let your true colours shine through – quirks, a little local slang, humour, and all!
What To Do Now?
If you feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start with your website, I'm here to help!
For help:
Contact me via my Contact page.
Or, click the button below to schedule an informal, no-pressure online chat 😊 to ask any questions.
Thanks 🌟 for being here, and if you’d like more tips, tools, and tricks [without the overwhelm], to help YOU grow your small business, I’d love to have you join my twice-monthly HeartBiz 💌 Letter.
Subscribe here for Free downloads:
5-Step Web Design Checklist PDF
Uncover Your Unique Selling Proposition USP
Ideal Customer editable Canva Template
SEO Checklist for all platforms (including Squarespace)
If you liked this, Pin to Pinterest, or save for later👇🏼.
