The Power of Personal Branding for Video Business Owners
Your personal brand is essentially what you stand for as an individual and the value that you bring. It’s the public identity you create for yourself, a way of demonstrating your trustworthiness and credibility. However, many video production business owners neglect their personal brand, choosing instead to focus solely on their company brand. This is often built up to appear larger than it actually is, missing out on the significant benefits that come with a strong personal brand.
Why Personal Branding Matters
In the video production industry, personal branding is distinct from the brand of your business. It’s about your image, reputation, style, and approach as an individual. Unfortunately, many business owners misunderstand or resist the idea of building their personal brand. A quick look at video production company websites often reveals no mention of the founder, even when it’s a one-person operation. Instead, these websites speak in broad, impersonal terms about a team of professionals and resources, sometimes even including stock images of people who aren’t actually part of the company.
This approach stems from the belief that presenting as a larger company will make clients take the business more seriously. However, in reality, many clients prefer knowing who they are dealing with. Large brands and corporations are often more comfortable working with a small business when they can see that the founder is personally involved and committed to quality.
Overcoming the Fear of Looking Small
One major reason production company owners hesitate to build a personal brand is the fear that it makes them appear smaller or less professional. However, this is a myth. Many successful entrepreneurs embrace their personal brand and use it to their advantage. Clients value authenticity and want to work with someone who stands behind their business and its values. When you attach your name to your work, it acts as a stamp of quality and commitment.
Another common concern is that tying a business too closely to the owner’s name will make it harder to sell in the future. While this is a valid consideration, the reality is that most video production companies that do get sold are acquired for specific assets, such as client lists or SEO rankings, rather than for the overall brand. Unless a company has developed proprietary systems or technologies that differentiate it from competitors, the perceived value of a generic production company brand is often limited.
The Cultural Reluctance to Self-Promotion
In countries like Australia, self-promotion is often seen as boastful or self-indulgent. This mindset can hold business owners back from establishing their personal brand. In contrast, in markets like the U.S., self-promotion is more culturally accepted as an essential business practice. However, this is changing, and it’s becoming increasingly important for business owners everywhere to confidently showcase their expertise and experience.
Rather than viewing personal branding as self-indulgent, think of it as a way to provide value to your audience. If you believe in your company and the quality of your work, why wouldn’t you want to share that with potential clients?
Practical Steps to Build Your Personal Brand
If you’re ready to strengthen your personal brand, here are some practical ways to get started:
Optimise Your Website – Ensure your About Us page includes a personal story, explaining why you started your business and what makes you different. Consider adding a video introduction to make a stronger personal connection with visitors.
Leverage Blog Content – Use your blog to share industry insights, experiences, and expertise. This helps position you as a thought leader and builds trust with potential clients.
Enhance Your Social Media Presence – On LinkedIn, maintain both a company page and a personal profile. Your personal profile should showcase your unique insights, opinions, and experiences, while your company page can focus more on general business updates.
Engage in Public Speaking and Media Opportunities – Speaking at industry events, appearing on podcasts, and being featured in relevant publications can further establish your authority in the field.
Create YouTube Content – Video is one of the best ways to build a personal brand, particularly for video production business owners. Sharing behind-the-scenes insights, tutorials, and case studies can help potential clients see your expertise in action.
Leverage AI Thoughtfully – While AI can help generate content, what sets your brand apart is your personal touch. Share unique experiences, opinions, and perspectives that AI-generated content can’t replicate.
Embrace Your Personal Brand
Personal branding is a golden opportunity that many video production business owners are not fully leveraging. By bringing your personality, values, and expertise into your business marketing, you can differentiate yourself in a competitive industry. Rather than blending into the sea of generic video production companies, your personal brand allows you to stand out and build deeper connections with potential clients.
So, take the time to evaluate how well your personal brand is integrated into your business. Are you making yourself visible? Are you leveraging your personal experiences and insights? If not, now is the time to start. Your personal brand is one of your most valuable business assets—use it to your advantage.
Take Action Today
If you’re ready to start building your personal brand but aren’t sure where to begin, I can help. Through my coaching program, I work with video production business owners to refine their brand, attract more clients, and grow their business. Get in touch today to discuss how we can work together to strengthen your personal brand and take your business to the next level.