When most people hear the term “personal brand,” they think of influencers, social media, logos, colors, fonts, or even what they wear.
But personal branding is much bigger than that.
At its core, personal branding is simply the digitization of your reputation.
It’s not just about the creative elements—it’s about who you are, what you stand for, and how others perceive you online and offline.
Personal Branding = The Digitization of Your Reputation
And do you know what that means?
It means you can’t opt out of having a personal brand.
That’s like saying, “Should I have a reputation?”
You already have one.
The real question is: Do you have the reputation you want?
The Data Behind Personal Branding: Why It’s Here to Stay
To understand just how much personal branding matters, we invested over $100,000 into a national research study called the Trends in Personal Branding National Research Study.
This was a PhD-led, statistically valid study, weighted to the U.S. Census, to analyze how people perceive personal brands today.
The results were eye-opening:
- 74% of Americans say they are more likely to trust someone with an established personal brand.
- For older Millennials (ages 35-44), that number jumps to 85%.
This trend isn’t going anywhere.
Over the next 30-40 years, personal branding will remain a key factor in trust and credibility.
If you’ve ever thought personal branding was just a passing fad, the data says otherwise.
The ability to establish trust and credibility through your online presence is only going to become more important in the future.
Personal Branding Drives Business (and Even Your Love Life?!)
Trust is one thing, but does personal branding actually impact your bottom line?
The research says yes.
Here’s what the data reveals:
- 63% of people say they’re more likely to buy from you if you have an established personal brand.
- 57% say they’re more likely to recommend you to others if you have an established personal brand.
- People are also more likely to do business with you, work for you, and seek advice from you if you have an established personal brand.
And here’s a fun one: 29% of people say they’d be more likely to go on a date with you because of your personal brand!
The Professions Where Personal Branding Matters Most
If you’re thinking, well, this only applies to TikTokers and YouTubers, think again.
When we asked respondents who they want to have an established personal brand, the top answers were surprising:
- 61% of Americans want their doctor to have an established personal brand.
- 59% say the same about their employer.
- They also want personal branding from their lawyer, financial advisor, and other professionals who handle important aspects of their lives.
Why?
Because the higher the requirement for trust, the more important personal branding becomes.
If you’re in a field where trust is a key factor, your personal brand isn’t optional.
It’s essential.
What Does This Mean for You?
Personal branding isn’t about showing off or creating a social media persona.
It’s about intentionally shaping your reputation so that people trust you, want to work with you, and ultimately choose you over your competitors.
If you’re serious about building a business, growing your influence, or establishing yourself as an authority in your field, then you need to prioritize your personal brand.
Schedule a free brand strategy call with our team at Brand Builders Group and we’ll show you our entire system to create an influential brand that makes an impact and income.
