How to Build a Personal Brand That Stands Out in 2024

Newsletter by Zentara

Introduction

Why Now is the Best Time to Focus on Your Personal Brand

You know, we keep hearing it—2024 is the year of personal branding. And you’re probably thinking, “Great, but how do I actually do that?” Trust me, I get it. The digital world feels more crowded than a New York subway at rush hour. Every day, you see the same advice floating around—post consistently, be authentic, blah blah blah. But here’s the deal: just being out there isn’t enough anymore. What if, instead, you approached building your personal brand like a detective hunting for hidden clues, uncovering things that others have missed?

1. Discover Your Real Identity—Go Deeper Than Just “Passion”

Find the Hidden Gaps in the Market

Okay, so here’s something people rarely talk about—finding the gaps. Instead of going after the obvious (like personal branding in 2024 being all about TikTok dances or another lifestyle blog), let’s think about the underserved niches. For example, have you thought about branding yourself as the go-to expert for a micro-niche, like ethical hacking for startups or minimalist travel for families with young kids? Sounds super specific, right? But that’s the point. These are the areas that have high engagement but low competition. Tools like Exploding Topics can show you what’s about to pop. I once stumbled upon a tiny niche around eco-friendly packaging solutions—who knew that was a thing? But it had a super engaged audience and hardly any creators!

Embrace What Makes You Uncomfortable

Here’s a thought: What’s one opinion you have that goes against the grain? Think of something that makes you a little nervous to share. When I started, I had some strong opinions about the downsides of digital nomad life (the constant moving is exhausting!). It wasn’t a popular take, but it brought in a whole new audience who felt the same way but didn’t see it represented. Don’t be afraid to step out of the “safe zone” because that’s where the magic happens.

2. Create a Brand Experience That’s Multi-Sensory

Go Beyond Just Visuals—Engage All the Senses

You’ve heard about creating a brand “look” and “feel,” but what about the other senses? Imagine incorporating sound, texture, or even smell into your brand. Here’s a wild idea: if you’re hosting live events or sending out physical products, what if they had a signature scent? There’s a coffee shop in my town that does this; they have this cinnamon-vanilla scent that you instantly recognize when you walk in. That’s branding! For your online content, why not add soundscapes or ASMR elements? Think about creating videos that not only look good but sound and feel good, too.

Experiment with AR and VR

Look, augmented and virtual reality are not just for gamers anymore. You could create a VR tour of your home office, a day-in-the-life AR experience, or an interactive course where people can “experience” your expertise first-hand. I know this sounds out there, but brands that think outside the box are the ones that get remembered. If this sounds too techy, don’t worry—tools like Spark AR Studio are super beginner-friendly!

3. Leverage Hidden Features on Social Platforms

Use the Secret Weapons of Social Media Platforms

Here’s the scoop: most people are using social media at the surface level, but every platform has secret features that are criminally underused. Let’s take LinkedIn, for instance. Did you know you can share documents as carousel posts? They’re like PowerPoint slides, but way cooler. It’s an easy way to share valuable content without directing people off-platform. Or take Instagram’s Close Friends feature—perfect for creating an exclusive feel for your most loyal followers. It’s like having a VIP club without the velvet ropes.

Go Beyond Mainstream Content Formats

If everyone is making 30-second videos, why not start a long-form podcast or host live “behind-the-scenes” sessions? If everyone’s blogging, try a gamified content series where readers get to choose their path. The more creative you are with the content format, the better your chances of standing out. Have fun with it!

4. Build Deeper Connections, Not Just Big Numbers

Cultivate Micro-Communities Instead of Mass Following

Forget about growing a huge following overnight. What really matters is building a community where people feel they belong. Have you thought about starting a small, dedicated group on platforms like Discord or Slack? A friend of mine did this with a tiny group of writers who love 90s grunge music—sounds random, right? But that’s what made it special. The key here is intimacy and connection, not size.

Give More Than You Get

Here’s a mindset shift: Instead of asking for likes, shares, or follows, start by giving. Offer free advice, mini-courses, exclusive content, or even just share your personal journey—the raw, unfiltered version. It’s a bit scary to give so much away without asking for anything in return, but trust me, this builds a foundation of trust and loyalty. You’re showing people you’re in it for the right reasons.

5. Use Unconventional Growth Strategies

Think Outside the Usual Marketing Channels

Most people think personal branding in 2024 is just about mastering Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok. But have you considered other platforms like Reddit or Quora? These places are packed with engaged users who are often overlooked. I once answered a few questions on a niche subreddit, and it led to a whole stream of new followers. It’s not always about where everyone else is—it’s about where your unique audience already hangs out.

Collaborate Creatively

Instead of always trying to collab with influencers who have big followings, look for those with smaller, highly-engaged audiences. Micro-influencers or community leaders are gold mines. They often have a more loyal audience because they engage more personally. Plus, they’re way more accessible and usually more affordable to work with.

6. Measure What Matters and Keep Evolving

Focus on the Right Metrics

Everyone loves to obsess over follower count, but in reality, those numbers don’t always tell the full story. What’s more important are the metrics that show true engagement—like how many people are saving or sharing your content, how much time they spend on your site, or how many people are subscribing to your newsletter. This is where tools like Mixpanel and Google Analytics come into play. Don’t get caught up in the vanity metrics trap.

Stay Agile and Ready to Pivot

You know how everyone talks about staying consistent? Well, sometimes it pays to be flexible instead. When something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to switch things up. Try new formats, topics, or platforms. A couple of months ago, I noticed my usual content wasn’t hitting the mark, so I pivoted to a more interactive format, and it made all the difference.

7. Overcoming Challenges Like a Pro

Embrace the Messiness

Building a personal brand that stands out in 2024 isn’t always a smooth ride. You’re going to face doubts, criticism, and those moments when you wonder if you’re doing it right. That’s normal! The trick is not to let these bumps stop you. Treat them like feedback, not failure. Reflect, adjust, and keep moving forward.

Conclusion

Your Brand, Your Rules: Time to Stand Out

Look, there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy for personal branding in 2024. It’s about experimenting, finding what feels right for you, and being willing to take the path less traveled. This isn’t just about building a brand that people remember—it’s about building a brand that they can’t forget. Ready to get started? Zentara is here to help you break the mold with personalized guidance and resources.

Call to Action

Feeling inspired? Let’s get to work! Zentara has all the tools and support you need to bring your unique brand vision to life. Reach out to us today!

Your Zentara Team

To Your Success,

- Emran Ahmed | Founder & CEO of Zentara

PS: If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with your friends and family. Let’s help more people achieve their business goals

Emran Ahmed, CEO of Zentara, leads the company with a vision to empower businesses through innovative digital solutions. With a strong focus on cutting-edge strategies in AI, marketing, and automation, he drives Zentara to deliver exceptional value and growth for clients.