Golin’s CEO Impact Index shows that top leaders aren’t just growing their companies – they’re accelerating them. CEOs with strong personal brands saw their companies’ share prices increase 80% faster than others in the Fortune 250.

For startup founders and business leaders, reputation is more than a buzzword—it’s your secret weapon. In a competitive market, a strong personal brand doesn’t just open doors; it builds trust, attracts talent, and drives growth.

After helping 74 founders of startups and established companies enhance their reputation and increase awareness, I am ready to share 8 steps to help you develop your personal brand in 2025.

1) Define your goals

Before diving into personal branding, take a moment to think – what do you actually want from your personal brand?

Are you trying to influence your industry’s thinking, attract talent to your team, or maybe build more trust with your stakeholders? For instance, 36% of our clients at BECOME strive to expand to new markets, while 23% want to attract investors. Founders with strong personal brands signal credibility and leadership, as well as awareness that they need to have this presence to inspire those around them – something that will serve them well whatever challenges they may face.

As one of our clients says, it is imperative to startups, given it is such a nascent industry. Early-stage companies have a little reputation at inception, so founders leveraging their personal brand can be incredibly helpful. Founders need to take advantage of these opportunities to grow their personal brand and capture mindshare, as it can add a layer of social proof, which makes it easier to attract capital.

Personal branding isn’t just about being seen – it’s about being remembered for the right reasons. When you know what you’re aiming for, every step brings you closer to building your desired reputation. 

2) Analyze your target audience and their needs

Who are you talking to, and what do they care about? Understanding your audience is key to building a personal brand that resonates.

This means learning which social media platforms they use, the type of content they engage with, and their online habits. Do they prefer quick updates or detailed articles? Most importantly, focus on their pain points, as these will be the fundament for constructing the message box for your personal brand strategy.

Take investors, for example. Many prefer platforms like X (formerly Twitter) for real-time updates and LinkedIn for professional insights and networking. They consume data-driven content, like market analysis, growth metrics, and success stories with measurable results. What they don’t have time for is fluff or poorly structured information. 

Investors are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of pitches and posts competing for their attention. They value entrepreneurs who can communicate clearly, back their claims with data, and provide relevant insights. A strong example would be a founder sharing a short thread on X about how their product reduced costs by 30% for clients in just six months, supported by real numbers and testimonials. On LinkedIn, the same story could be reframed within a broader industry context to highlight market potential.

By focusing on where your audience is and addressing their challenges, you can position yourself as a trusted and valuable voice in their crowded digital space.

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