Building your personal brand for success: tips for authenticity & strategy

Personal branding: not just what you show, but what people feel

Most people think of personal branding as something visual: a photo, a logo, a polished profile. But it starts much earlier.

It begins with clarity.

Clarity about who you are, what you stand for, and how you want people to remember you, especially when you're not in the room.

So if you’re in a moment of transition, building something new, or simply feel like your current photos or profile don’t match who you are anymore… this post is for you.

Let’s break down what actually goes into a personal brand and how to start shaping one that feels real and works for you.

Why personal branding matters for career success in Amsterdam?

Your personal brand is your first impression.

But more than that, it’s the feeling people associate with you - before they speak to you, and long after the conversation ends.

It can open doors. Or quietly hold you back.

When done with intention, it helps you:

• Attract better-fit clients, collaborators or job offers

• Build trust faster, especially online

• Show up confidently, even in high-stakes spaces (LinkedIn, pitches, interviews)

  
  

The biggest mistake I see?

Photos that look neat and clean, but feel empty.

No emotion, no energy, no story. Just another profile picture that people scroll past.

What makes a strong personal brand

The strongest personal brands are grounded in a few clear things:

• Your values: What do you care about? What do you not compromise on?

• Your strengths: What comes naturally to you? What are people always asking for your help with?

• Your story: What brought you here? What’s the next chapter?

• Your presence: How do you speak, write, move? Are you showing up as you or a version you think others expect?

• Your visuals: Do your photos actually feel like you?

For many of my clients - business owners, consultants, job switchers - that last part is the hardest.

They know what they want to say. But their brand fotografie says something else.

Tips for crafting your identity:

1. Choose a consistent color palette and style that reflects your personality.

2. Develop a clear and engaging bio for your social media and website.

3. Share your expertise regularly through blogs, videos, or talks.

4. Invest in professional photos that show your authentic self. Check out personal branding photography services in Amsterdam to capture your essence.

   
   

The role of images in your brand

The right image doesn’t just “look good.”

It shows direction. It reflects confidence. It makes people stop scrolling because it feels aligned with everything else they’ve seen or read from you.

If you’re in Amsterdam or Amstelveen, and you’re in a season of building or re-positioning - this is exactly where my work comes in.

My branding sessions aren’t just about nice lighting and clean edits. We spend time getting clear on the message first - so the photos speak for you even when you’re not there to explain.

The 5 E’s of a memorable personal brand

This framework helps you stay consistent and connected across all platforms:

• Engage: Connect with your audience genuinely. Don’t just broadcast. Start conversations. Show interest.

• Educate: Share what you know. Be generous with your insights.

• Empower: Help others see what’s possible. Be the reminder they needed.

• Entertain: Keep your content lively and enjoyable to maintain interest. Personality matters.

• Enrich: Add value consistently, making your brand indispensable. Leave people better than you found them.

  
  

If you’re stuck on what to post or to do - these five cues are a great starting point. 

For example, if you’re a consultant, you might engage by responding to comments, educate through blog posts, empower by sharing success stories, entertain with light-hearted content, and enrich by offering free resources.

5 practical personal branding tips to build your personal brand

Here’s where to start if your current online presence doesn’t reflect where you’re going:

1. Google yourself - especially if you’re a job seeker in the Netherlands, employers often check LinkedIn and other platforms before interviews.

2. Update your bio. Make it simple, real, and focused on who you help or what you do best.

3. Plan new content. Think: 3 topics you care about. 3 stories from your experience. Start sharing.

4. Ask for testimonials. Other people’s words build credibility fast.

5. Book a photoshoot. If your visuals are outdated or generic - this step alone can shift your brand overnight. - *LinkedIn profile photo in 2025

   
   

And if you're not sure what your photos should say about you?That’s what I help with: from the strategy call to the final edit.

One last thought

You don’t need a perfect brand.

You need an honest one.

One that feels like you, but also shows where you’re heading.

Want to align your visuals with your story? Book a personal branding photoshoot in Amsterdam with Ol Brand to build a photo bank that reflects who you are.

→ Branding sessions

→ Free intro call if you'd prefer to start there.

Your photo is the start of a story - make sure it’s the one you want to tell.