Staying ahead in personal branding is essential for professionals looking to stand out. Insights from an Operations Manager reveal the importance of following industry leaders on LinkedIn and X, while the latest advice from an owner emphasizes attending local and virtual workshops. This article compiles eighteen invaluable insights from top experts to keep your personal brand on the cutting edge. Discover the full spectrum of strategies to ensure your brand remains relevant and impactful.
- Follow Industry Leaders on LinkedIn and X
- Use Instagram for Real-Time Trends
- Listen to Insightful Personal Branding Podcasts
- Invest in Mentors for Personal Branding
- Stay Updated Through Twitter and Newsletters
- Connect with Social Media Branding Leaders
- Curate Newsletters on Substack
- Engage with SEO and Content Strategy Network
- Use TikTok and Pinterest for Trends
- Follow Industry Blogs and Network
- Rely on Harvard Business Review Insights
- Join Industry-Specific Discord Communities
- Engage in Niche Online Communities
- Adapt Trends to Your Personality
- Use HubSpot’s Marketing Blog
- Stay Connected to Your Audience
- Listen to Branding Podcasts
- Attend Local and Virtual Workshops
Follow Industry Leaders on LinkedIn and X
Being in the B2B space, I keep up with personal branding trends by following industry leaders on the major social platforms that professionals inhabit, like LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter). I also subscribe to EDM newsletters from the heavyweights in our sector and prominent voices with large followings.
LinkedIn is beneficial since it brings together real-time insights from experts and showcases how other professionals approach their own branding strategies. I pay close attention to the kinds of case studies and branding updates shared by individuals I respect, which keeps me in the loop on best practices.
By focusing on a few trusted sources and curating my LinkedIn feed with what’s proven useful to emulate, I get a consistent stream of fresh perspectives that directly influence how I shape my own personal and professional brands.
Alex Ugarte
Operations Manager, London Office Space
Use Instagram for Real-Time Trends
I rely a lot on Instagram to keep up with personal branding trends because it’s where you really see what’s hot in real-time. Trends come and go quickly, and Instagram lets you see what’s catching people’s attention right now. It’s like having your ear to the ground—people are sharing ideas, opinions, and challenges directly, often way before traditional news or industry sources pick them up.
When I spot a trend, I think about how I can make it my own instead of just jumping on the bandwagon. Adding my unique perspective helps me stay genuine and true to my brand, which is important in building trust and standing out in a crowded space. I want people to know they’re connecting with me, not just some echo of what everyone else is saying. This method helps me stay relevant without losing my voice, and keeps my brand fresh and relatable to my audience.
Talyn Rahman-Figueroa
Personal Brand Consultant, Boss Diplomat
Listen to Insightful Personal Branding Podcasts
I actively use various methods to keep up with the latest trends in personal branding. I enjoy listening to insightful podcasts and following key personalities in personal branding, such as Jenna Kutcher. Rather than relying on a single source of information, I cultivate my own perspective and take inspiration from other points of view.
This enables me to remain ahead of growing trends and generate new ideas, ensuring my work is true and distinctive rather than simply imitating what is popular. Embracing this way of thinking enhances my creativity and allows me to assist my clients in developing their own individual brands.
Jemma Wiltshire
Business Owner, Jemma Wiltshire Design
Invest in Mentors for Personal Branding
I stay updated on personal-branding trends by investing in mentors already where I want to be. Paying for guidance from these individuals has been invaluable. They offer first-hand insights and strategies that aren’t always found in books or articles. This method fast-tracks my learning, keeps me aligned with evolving best practices, and provides real-world examples of success that I can apply to my own approach.
Carson Spitzke
Founder, Vision Management
Stay Updated Through Twitter and Newsletters
I rely heavily on Twitter to stay updated on personal branding trends. It provides real-time insights and access to conversations among top SEO and digital marketing experts. Following thought leaders and participating in industry chats gives me a direct view into what resonates in personal branding, from storytelling techniques to the rise of video content in brand-building.
In addition, I subscribe to newsletters from key influencers in digital marketing. These resources provide curated, actionable tips on personal branding trends and best practices. By combining insights from Twitter and expert newsletters, I can ensure our brand evolves in line with current trends, particularly in how we engage clients and present our expertise.
Sahil Kakkar
CEO & Founder, RankWatch
Connect with Social Media Branding Leaders
Leaders in social media branding are the trendsetters. They create everything from eye-catching LinkedIn banners to personalized websites, establishing the standards for the business and entrepreneurial landscape. By connecting with these pioneers on social media, I can quickly learn from their approaches, allowing me to present myself as a branding leader ahead of my peers simply by following them via their socials and watching them in action.
Sam Panitch
Co-Founder and CEO, Elevation Nation
Curate Newsletters on Substack
I have a morning ritual I really look forward to: reading through newsletters that I’ve curated as a collection on Substack that’s filled with industry thought leaders who are genuinely breaking new ground in their thinking.
What’s awesome about Substack is its organic discovery process. One great writer leads you to recommendations of another, creating this interconnected web of insights. I also keep tabs on trends by people I follow on Twitter, which, together with the Substackers, means I’ve built this incredibly valuable network of influencer perspectives with fresh insights.
Dennis Sanders
Founder, Burning Daily
Engage with SEO and Content Strategy Network
I stay updated on personal branding trends by immersing myself in the digital marketing ecosystem. One invaluable resource I rely on is my network of fellow SEO and content strategy professionals. We regularly exchange insights on emerging trends and share case studies through private Slack channels and virtual meetups.
This collaborative approach allows me to tap into a diverse pool of expertise and gain real-world perspectives on what’s working in personal branding across various industries. It’s not just about following thought leaders or reading reports—it’s about engaging in ongoing discussions with peers experimenting and innovating daily.
By combining these peer insights with my own testing and analysis, I can stay at the forefront of personal branding best practices in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Yoyao Hsueh
Founder, Topical Maps
Use TikTok and Pinterest for Trends
I regularly use platforms like TikTok and Pinterest to stay updated on personal-branding trends. These spaces offer a constant stream of creative ideas and real-time insights into emerging design trends. Pinterest is great for gathering visual inspiration, while TikTok allows me to discover new strategies and techniques shared by other creatives. Since I’ve followed several other creators who share trends on TikTok, my algorithm is tailored to help me find even more design inspo.
Tanya LeClair
Graphic Designer, So Swell Studio
Follow Industry Blogs and Network
I stay updated on personal branding trends through a mix of industry blogs, networking with fellow entrepreneurs, and paying close attention to consumer behavior. In the e-commerce space, especially with a niche business like ours, staying aligned with what resonates with customers is critical. One of my go-to methods is subscribing to newsletters from thought leaders in the branding space, like Neil Patel and Seth Godin. Their insights keep me informed and help me understand how to build a brand that feels authentic and trustworthy.
One resource I rely on consistently is LinkedIn. It’s a powerful platform where I follow key branding influencers, join relevant groups, and read case studies. It’s great for real-time trends and discussions, which helps me keep my finger on the pulse of what’s changing in the branding world. Staying engaged in these conversations allows me to continually refine how we present GroomsDay, ensuring our brand evolves with both trends and customer expectations.
Chris Bajda
E-Commerce Entrepreneur & Managing Partner, GroomsDay
Rely on Harvard Business Review Insights
I stay updated on personal branding trends and best practices through consistent research, professional development, and real-world experience. One resource I particularly rely on is the Harvard Business Review. Their case studies and insights on leadership, branding, and customer engagement have been incredibly valuable in shaping how I approach personal branding.
For example, when I worked with a tech entrepreneur who struggled to position himself as an authority in his niche, I drew on my years of business coaching experience and the latest insights I’d gathered from HBR articles on storytelling and authenticity in branding. We revamped his online presence, focusing on aligning his values with his target audience’s needs while leveraging his unique backstory to build trust.
Within six months, he saw a 35% increase in client inquiries and doubled his speaking engagements due to effectively implementing modern personal branding strategies. My qualifications, particularly my MBA in Finance, helped me structure his brand’s financial and operational side, ensuring he could scale as demand increased. This blend of theory, real-world application, and ongoing education is key to staying ahead in personal branding.
Ronald Osborne
Founder, Ronald Osborne Business Coach
Join Industry-Specific Discord Communities
I’ve found that joining industry-specific Discord communities has been an unexpected goldmine for staying current with personal-branding trends.
Unlike traditional resources like blogs or podcasts, these real-time communities provide instant feedback and insights from professionals across different markets. For example, I’m part of a branding professionals’ Discord server where members share their A/B testing results of different personal branding strategies in real-time.
Last month, a discussion about LinkedIn carousel posts led me to completely revamp my content strategy. A community member shared data showing that carousels with hand-drawn illustrations were outperforming designed graphics. After implementing this approach, my engagement rates increased by double.
What makes Discord valuable is the mix of perspectives from different countries and industries. You get to see how personal-branding trends vary globally before they become mainstream. The best insights come from informal conversations rather than polished publications.
Aaron Whittaker
VP of Demand Generation & Marketing, Thrive Digital Marketing Agency
Engage in Niche Online Communities
I stay updated on personal branding trends by actively engaging in niche online communities rather than relying solely on mainstream sources.
These communities—on platforms like Reddit, Slack groups, or specialized LinkedIn forums—provide real-time insights from people dynamically experimenting with their brands. These discussions are unfiltered, which helps me stay focused on what’s working rather than just best practices in theory.
One strategy I practice is following emerging influencers as they establish their own brands from the ground up. Compared to well-known figures, they frequently adopt new trends more quickly and take more creative risks.
Watching their moves, analyzing their strategies, and engaging with their content gives me fresh perspectives that I can apply or test in my work. It’s a constant loop of learning and real-world application that keeps my approach to personal branding relevant and adaptable.
John Beaver
Founder, Desky
Adapt Trends to Your Personality
You have to see what is working for others and then adjust that for your own personality and style. There seems to be a recipe for personal branding, but it’s never set in stone—with trends dying and new ones being born. It’s about staying ahead and paying attention to what is currently working, and finding a way to incorporate that into your own strategy.
Gavin Berry
Founder, Drunken Monkey Members Club
Use HubSpot’s Marketing Blog
To keep up with the fast-evolving world of personal branding, I focus on a combination of quality resources and continuous learning. Staying informed means following thought leaders and engaging with branding-focused content on platforms like LinkedIn. Many branding professionals share insights, upcoming trends, and valuable advice that often give me a fresh perspective.
One of my main go-to resources is HubSpot’s Marketing Blog. I regularly turn to their articles on digital marketing, SEO, and social media best practices because they cover both foundational techniques and emerging strategies in personal branding. HubSpot also dives into how branding ties into customer psychology, something that’s particularly useful as personal brands become more about connecting authentically with an audience.
I also explore online courses and attend branding webinars whenever possible. Learning directly from experts, whether it’s through live Q&A sessions or new research, helps me apply new techniques effectively. It’s this combination of in-depth articles, industry-expert insights, and real-time learning that keeps my approach to personal branding both fresh and adaptable.
Vaibhav Kamble
CEO, CloudOptimo
Stay Connected to Your Audience
Personal branding is so important if you want to break through. People don’t have the time to be aware of everything about someone they may need, so controlling what you’re known for is critical. Discover a thread that is unique and will instantly feel beneficial. To stay updated on trends and best practices, it starts with staying connected to your audience and potential audience.
Concentrate on their needs, concerns, and goals.
Watch your audience’s social-media posts and hear what solutions they need. While you’re on social media, start following personal-branding influencers (especially on LinkedIn) for tips, trends, and tricks. There will be lots!
Mark MacDonald
Sr Brand Strategist, Founder, Be Known For Something
Listen to Branding Podcasts
Listening to podcasts about the latest branding trends and practices helps me retain information a lot better than reading them in the news. The bonus is I can stay updated while doing other tasks. I listen to “Let’s Talk Branding” by Stef Hamerlinck to gain practical insights, hear opinions from think tanks, and explore case studies about successful branding strategies. This helps me adopt current demands and trends in building a personal brand that appeals most to the masses and brings the most return.
Steven Mena
CEO, AAA Fence and Deck Company
Attend Local and Virtual Workshops
I stay updated on personal-branding trends and best practices by consistently engaging with industry leaders and tapping into both gardening and business communities. One resource I rely on is attending local and virtual workshops focused on small-business branding and customer experience. I find that workshops and seminars led by seasoned professionals offer insight into not only current trends but also evolving customer expectations, which is key in our line of work.
Networking with other business owners in my field and beyond has given me a valuable look at how others shape their brand, which I then tailor to reflect our values. This approach helps me ensure that my brand reflects a commitment to quality and personalized service, something clients now seek out and trust in my business.
My years of experience as a certified horticulturist and my early years of working under knowledgeable mentors really shaped my brand’s foundation. Winning a customer-service award highlighted the importance of connecting with clients on a personal level, so I emphasize clear communication and reliability in every interaction.
For example, I revamped my website to better showcase my expertise, integrating client testimonials and project examples, which lets potential clients see the depth of my experience and feel confident in choosing us. It’s this blend of practical knowledge, qualifications, and a constant pursuit of better branding that ensures my business remains both trustworthy and approachable in the eyes of my clients.
Andrew Osborne
Owner, Ozzie Mowing & Gardening
