3 Tips on what to share, or not share, online when building a personal brand
Let’s have an honest chat about sharing our personal stories online while building a personal brand. 📲 Sharing personal stories online is a tricky line to walk.
On one hand, you can build a supportive community that relates to you and trusts your work by sharing about who you are and what you are passionate about. (yay!)
On the other hand, you open yourself up to unwelcome trolls, criticism, and potential privacy risks (ick!)
Despite the challenges of opening up your personal life to the world, when it comes to building connections, your stories are powerful and worth telling. “The reason is that stories have the power to grab attention, connect with emotion and persuade others to take action.” Forbes, 2023
Which is why I L-O-V-E helping my clients share their stories through visuals. Finding the balance between vulnerability and privacy is usually key.
With that in mind these are 3 things I would ask myself or ask my clients before sharing a story online:
1️⃣ Get quiet and clear on your intention.
Ask yourself why you want to share your story. Is it to help others, align with your mission, or raise awareness?
For example I recently shared that I have a chronic health condition, ulcerative colitis, on IG, however, I was diagnosed with it well over a decade ago & I shared because I wanted other female entrepreneurs, with similar issues in my community to know they weren’t alone…and it’s okay to take a break and care for yourself when you need to.
Being honest with yourself will guide the outcome.
Personal Brand Photo taken by: NicholeMCHPhotography
2️⃣ Make sure you’re in a healed place before sharing a vulnerable story.
When I was going through my divorce I didn’t feel comfortable talking to anyone other than close friends and family, years later though I realized the story held less weight for me and I felt more at peace with sharing.
Sharing too soon could impact your mental health. Take your time and wait until you feel ready.
Feeling free and confident to tell your story! Personal Brand Photo taken by NicholeMCHPhotography
3️⃣ Consider whether you’re comfortable with your family, clients, and the world knowing the story forever. Once it’s online, anyone can access it.
For example: some of my clients are not comfortable posting photos of their children’s faces online and want to keep that part of their lives private. That is perfectly okay. And if you are building your personal brand with an experienced professional, they will know there are also ways to incorporate your children into your story (if you want to) without putting them at risk or making you uncomfortable.
So, think about the whole audience before hitting that post button.
Brand Photo taken by: NicholeMCHPhotography
Remember, sharing personal stories can be powerful, but it’s essential to prioritize self-care and protect your privacy
Share your thoughts in the comments: How do you strike a balance between sharing personal stories and preserving your privacy online?
I can’t wait to hear your insights, beautiful souls! ✨
Nichole Howard is a published Luxury Personal Brand Photographer who has a passion for telling her clients visual stories, with over 8 years of experience. She built her heart centered business from the ground up - from building her first website which served her for the first 5 years of her business to personally funding her first events for female entrepreneurs and business women.
She loves to work with ambitious women, so they feel motivated and confident to serve their communities and confident about achieving their dreams and goals. She also is the host of the Joymakers podcast, a certified project manager (PMP) and holds a masters in Strategic Communications.
She is based in Haddon Heights, New Jersey, where she lives with her partner and pup but supports clients from New York to Spain!
Her has been featured in local and national media outlets from Philadelphia Style, the WSJ to MTV.