How to build a personal brand as a marketing leader

The key to building a marketer's personal brand? Starting with a clear goal and a plan. In this guide you will learn what a personal brand is, why it matters, and how to build one in five simple steps. 

What is a personal brand?

A personal brand is the image people form when they see your work or hear your name. It reflects your skills, style, and values. You shape your brand through your online presence, your events, and the way you interact with peers. A successful personal brand makes it easy for others to know what you stand for personally and professionally.

Why is personal branding important for marketing leaders?

A clear personal brand helps you stand out among peers. In fact, 70% of hiring managers say that a strong personal brand is more important than a strong LinkedIn profile. Marketing leaders with a clear brand win more speaking invites, job offers and network faster.

How to build a personal brand in five steps

In a recent poll* of our LinkedIn followers, just 19% of respondents said they were actively building their personal brands by creating content and growing their networks at events. More than a third told us they were struggling with consistency.

Here are five steps to build an effective personal branding strategy.

*Conducted on 8th September, 2025

1. Engage on key platforms

Choose two platforms where your target audience spends time. This could be LinkedIn and TikTok, for instance. 

Here, you can join groups for marketing leaders, comment on posts with thoughtful insights and answer questions. These small actions show off your expertise and help you reach decision-makers.

2. Clarify your unique value

Decide what you do best. Whether you focus on data-driven campaigns or creative strategy, make this your one-line statement that sums up your strength. 

For example: “I create campaigns that grow leads by over 30% in three months.” Share that statement on your profile and in your LinkedIn bio.

3. Create consistent content

Post once a week on your chosen channel. This might be a personal website or social media platform. 

Top tip: Try mixing formats. For example, a how-to article one week, a short video the next. Over time this builds your authority and keeps you visible. Did you know that LinkedIn videos get five times the engagement of text posts?

4. Network actively

Set a goal to attend one industry event each quarter, whether online or in person. 

Top tip: After each event send a brief note to the people you meet, mentioning a key takeaway you discussed. This simple step opens the door to continue the conversation and continue building your brand.

5. Measure and adapt

Track metrics such as follower count, post views, and comments.  If a topic drives high views, write more on it. If video performs best, plan more video content. 

Top tip: Adjust your plan monthly. This data-driven approach keeps your brand relevant and growing.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is a personal brand?

A: A personal brand is your public image based on your work, values, and how you share your story.

Q: How long does it take to see results?

A: You can see early signs - like new followers - in six to eight weeks. Strong growth often takes three to six months of consistent effort.

Q: Is personal branding important for marketing leaders?

A: Yes. It helps you win projects, attract speaking invites, and get noticed by recruiters.

Key takeaways

• A personal brand reflects your skills, style, and values.
• Recruiters and consumers value strong personal brands.
• Five steps - clarify value, post content, engage, network, and track—build your brand.
• Consistency and data-driven tweaks keep your brand growing.