So naturally, I’m intrigued by how these ‘it’ girls go from being an everyday gal – to having 59 thousand people following their every move. Now, we’re seeing these people with huge followings and strong personal brands moving to establish their own blogs, resulting in product placement opportunities, media calls and brand endorsements *red flag PR’s*.

People like Australian fitness model Sophie Guidolin, who until 48 weeks ago did not have a single photo on her Instagram account, now has a mass social media following with 62 thousand Instagram followers, 50 thousand facebook followers and a fully established blog which has become a hub for all things fitness related – including brands, products and events. Or how about Rozalia Russian the wife of Melbourne Eve nightclub owner Nick Russian, who was until a few years ago barely recognisable – she’s now a constant on the A-list social scene with an envious wardrobe to match and 10 thousands Instagram followers viewing her every post (which normally includes at least one brand mention). She’s also just created her own blog Rozalia which is sure to be a hit! Check it out here www.Rozalia.com.au.

Firness

So why are certain people inspiring such huge followings, what makes that person’s brand successful?

I think it’s important to remember whether we like it not people around us, consciously or unconsciously, are making mini assessments about us. What do they think about our style? Do they trust us? Is our page providing them with enough of a hit to come back? Are we worth clicking the ‘follow’ button? How we are perceived by others plays a significant role in creating our personal brand and more importantly, determining its success.

Here are my favourite top tips for creating strong personal branding;

Content is key – Keep your content fresh, relevant and engaging;  whether your blogging, Instagraming, Pinning or Tweeting, make sure you’re constantly creating, distributing and sharing content with your followers.

Keep it consistent – Pick your style and stick to it. Maybe you’re right into health and fitness, or you’re obsessed with having the latest technology, or you’re a savvy budget traveller; find a field you’re interested in and post about it. This way, your page will eventually become a go-to place for the latest information, deals, products and brands.

Give relentlessly – Produce good, relevant content and plenty of it. Go above and beyond for your followers by providing a constant stream of relevant information and interacting with them about it. Make sure you reply to as many followers as you can, this may even be a simple “thanks for the RT” or a “thanks for the feedback, I love that style too”. This is will make people want to keep coming back as they’re instantly a part of your ‘clique’.

Bring your best self – Brand You is about creating the best you. It’s about understanding yourself – your best self – and sharing it with the world. People love to be inspired so make sure you’re always on your A-game, but stay honest. If you’re having an off day share it, but share it in a positive way that still reflects your best self. My favourite example of this is TV personality Zoe Marshall (nee Balbi) who is honest with her posts and emotions, yet   shapes them in a way which aims to inspire her followers. If you’re feeling like some social media love visit her on Instagram @zoebmarshall.

kayla blog

So for those of you working on your personal brand – I hope this helps! For everyone else, have a look at who you think is doing it well and try to find out why. For the PR’s, keep an eye out on these new ‘it’ girls gaining huge followings. Most of them already have a dedicated target market and are posting about their favourite brands and products – if you’re able to appeal to them, you just may appeal to tens of thousands!

15 Years of Fame