Personal Brand for Founders: A Practical Start
How founders can build visibility that supports the company without it becoming a second job.
Buyers and investors increasingly look up the founder before the company. A modest, consistent presence helps.
Pick one channel
LinkedIn suits most B2B founders. Do one well before adding another.
Decide what you talk about
Three themes are enough:
- What you are building and learning.
- Your view on the industry.
- Useful advice for your customers.
Be specific
Stories and numbers beat general wisdom. "We lost a deal because of our website" is more interesting than "brand matters".
Keep it sustainable
One or two posts a week, written in your own voice, is plenty.
Align with the company
Your personal presence and the company brand should feel related. Similar values, not identical graphics. See founder-led branding.
Basics
A clear headshot, a headline that says what you do and a link to the company.
Advertising rules still apply
If you promote your own business, make the connection clear. The ASA's guidance on recognising ads is worth a read.
For our shortlist of agencies, see 8 of the Best Branding Agencies for Startups Raising Investment at https://bestbrandingagencyforstartups.com/.
