3 Tips to Build a Brand That’s True to You

I’ve studied branding. I’ve worked in branding. I’ve built brands for companies, organizations, and other people my entire career.

But building a brand for yourself? That’s a whole different game.

When I stepped out of corporate life and started launching my own businesses, I realized something quickly: all the strategies and frameworks I’d used before still mattered — but now I had to apply them in a way that felt deeply personal. Suddenly, I wasn’t just creating a brand for someone else’s mission. I was creating one that carried my voice, my values, and my story.

These aren’t new tips. They’re the same foundations I’ve used for years — but they hit different when the brand you’re building is your own.

1. Embrace Your Story

Your story is your brand’s superpower. It’s what makes you relatable, memorable, and human. Don’t hide the messy middle or the parts that feel too small-town, too quirky, or too uncertain. That’s the good stuff.

When I launched Middle of the Field Media with my friend and creative partner Karen, we were standing in a literal soybean field talking about what we wanted to create. That name wasn’t just clever — it was personal. It was rooted in where we’re from and how we work: grounded, real, and not afraid to get a little dirt on our boots.

Same goes for Rural Changemakers. It started as a whisper in my spirit — a need to build something that helped rural dreamers feel seen, capable, and equipped. When I finally shared the full story behind it, people connected more deeply than I ever expected. Because the more honest I was, the more permission it gave others to do the same.

Try this:

• Write out your brand origin story — not just the timeline, but the why.

• What values shaped your journey? What challenges did you overcome?

• Share those pieces publicly, one story at a time. You’ll be amazed who it resonates with.

2. Find Your Voice

Your voice is how your brand sounds — not just in writing, but in energy. Are you warm? Quirky? Direct? Encouraging? The goal is to sound like you — not like a template or a marketing textbook.

For a long time, I tried to separate “business Alex” from “real Alex.” I thought I had to choose between being helpful and being the small-town girl who cracks jokes about motherhood chaos and rural life. But once I blended the two, everything changed. My people leaned in more. The content felt easier to write. The brand finally felt real.

Whether I’m writing a blog post for Rural Changemakers or creating a reel for Sweet Bliss Candy Company, I want the tone to reflect who I actually am — not who I think I’m supposed to be.

Try this:

• Scroll through your texts or voice memos to a close friend. How do you naturally talk when you’re excited, honest, or offering encouragement?

• Use that voice in your captions, emails, and web copy.

• Experiment and notice what feels natural. When it’s truly you, people feel it, and they’ll trust you more because of it.

3. Stay Consistent

Let’s be clear: consistency doesn’t mean boring. It means being anchored in your core message — the values, tone, and visuals that build recognition and trust over time.

When we narrowed the focus of Bat Sweet Crazy to just cotton candy, everything clicked. The name, the vibe, the visuals — it all became clearer and more aligned. Every flavor name, social post, and label became a chance to reinforce what the brand stood for: fun, bold, a little wild, and entirely joyful.

That same approach shows up in my personal brand, too. Whether I’m on Instagram, at a speaking event, or writing on this blog, my voice and message stay consistent. The platforms might shift, but the heart stays the same, and that’s what builds connection.

Try this:

• Choose three core values or personality traits you want your brand to reflect. Use them as a gut-check for everything you create.

• Keep your visuals, messaging, and tone cohesive across all platforms.

• Don’t be afraid to simplify. A clear brand is a memorable brand.

Your brand doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It just has to feel like you.

If something in your business feels off — too stiff, too disconnected, too hard to explain — take a step back and ask: Am I showing up as myself, or who I think I’m supposed to be?

Because the truth is, your story, your style, and your heart are what make your brand magnetic. And the more you lean into that, the more people will connect — not just with your business, but with you.

So here’s your permission slip: Be honest. Be consistent. Be real. And most of all? Be yourself. Your brand will thank you.