The recent TikTok bans and platform changes on X and Meta have left many professionals questioning their reliance on social media for building their brands. While platforms have made it easier than ever to reach large audiences, they’ve also fostered a sense of dependency. But what happens when a platform changes, disappears, or no longer aligns with your values?
The good news is that building a personal brand has never been confined to social media. Timeless strategies like public speaking, networking, and referrals remain some of the most powerful ways to get yourself out there. Here’s how to reclaim control of your visibility using proven techniques that transcend the digital world.
1. Speak Your Way to Influence
Public speaking is a cornerstone of thought leadership. Sharing your expertise from a stage allows you to establish credibility, connect directly with your audience, and position yourself as a go-to expert. Start small by joining local panels, pitching yourself to speak at industry conferences, or offering to teach a workshop.
Refine your message and uncover your core expertise by asking yourself a few reflection questions. What problems do you solve? What advice do people thank you for most often? When you step onto a stage, you create moments of resonance that leave an impression that may last longer than a fleeting social media post.
2. Let Referrals Do the Talking
Your reputation is your most valuable asset, and word-of-mouth referrals can amplify your reach without a single post. Build your referral network by nurturing existing relationships. Reach out to past clients and colleagues to let them know what services you currently offer.You can also create an incentive system when you offer rewards or discounts for referrals to encourage your advocates to spread the word.
People trust recommendations from those they know. By cultivating a strong referral network, you turn your advocates into ambassadors for your brand.
3. Build Your Email and Text Lists
If social media is the rented land of personal branding, your website is the home you own. Beyond that, email and text lists are your landline and offer a permanent way to get in touch. These tools allow you to communicate directly with your audience on your terms. Consider starting an email newsletter where you offer value by sharing exclusive insights, resources, or behind-the-scenes updates that deepen your connection with subscribers. If text messaging is more of your thing, grow your text list and use SMS to send timely updates, event invitations, or promotions that land directly in your audience’s hands.
Every personal brand should have a list. It’s the most reliable way to reach your followers and ensures you stay connected no matter what happens on external platforms.
4. Leverage Mainstream Media for Credibility
Appearing in trusted publications or on TV provides third-party validation that strengthens your authority. Pitch your expertise to journalists, editors, and producers who cover topics related to your industry.
It may feel daunting to pitch the media, but start local. Offer commentary or tips to your local newspaper or radio station.
Build relationships with media professionals by sharing ideas for timely, helpful stories that align with your expertise.
Remember, one strong feature in a respected publication can carry more weight than months of social media posts.
5. Network with Intention
Attending events and conferences allows you to build genuine connections that go beyond likes and follows. Be strategic about where you spend your time by choosing events aligned with your goals. Identify conferences or gatherings where your ideal clients or collaborators are likely to be. Then show up prepared with a clear elevator pitch, and specific goals for what you’d like to accomplish and how people can support you.
6. Host Your Own Events
When you create your own platform, you take control of the narrative. Hosting a workshop, retreat, or networking event not only positions you as a leader but also deepens your connection with your audience. Don’t overthink an event; start small by inviting a few trusted peers over for a brainstorming session or roundtable discussion. Then scale as you grow. Expand to larger events or virtual offerings to reach a broader audience. By curating meaningful experiences, you ensure your message resonates in ways that are more personal and impactful than digital interactions.
7. Market in Physical Spaces
Offline marketing is often overlooked but remains highly effective. Depending on your expertise or what you offer it may make sense to utilize flyers and posters in community hubs like libraries, coffee shops, or coworking spaces. Or you can form collaborations with local businesses like shops or restaurants that may be willing to promote your brand in their physical spaces. You can take public speaking a step further by hosting talks or workshops locally at a bookstore, community center, or college.
Remember that social media is just one tool in your branding toolbox, but it was never mean to be the whole kit. By embracing timeless strategies like email lists, public speaking, and referrals, you can build a brand that endures regardless of current state of social media. Having a diversified approach to your visibility is a smart insurance policy as the future of the internet remains unpredictable.
