In today’s digital world, being different is no longer a choice — it’s a necessity. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a freelancer, or a career executive, it’s important to establish a powerful personal brand. But the reality is that older techniques such as resumes and business cards are rapidly going out of style. Rather, video is becoming one of the most potent vehicles for personal branding and networking. Why? Because nothing conveys sincerity more than video.
The Power of Video in Personal Branding
Video has a different sense of connection. It enables you to convey your style, values and knowledge more effectively than any single photo or text could. Consider — when someone talks directly to you, you can feel their vibrancy, their voice, their movements. It feels personal. That’s why brands and professionals are using video to entice and entertain their followers.
In India, we’ve seen this trend accelerate over the past few years. From seasoned brands such as CRED and Zomato, to influencers such as Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps), videos are the preferred means of communication with consumers and audiences. These are the brands and individuals who have made use of YouTube, Instagram, and even LinkedIn videos to become thought leaders.
But how can you do the same? Let’s unpack the process of utilizing video for branding and networking.
Video Marketing Strategies for Personal Branding – Why Do You Need It?
Before getting into the how, let’s take a brief look at why video works so well for personal branding
1. Authenticity and Connection
Video lets you express your personality the way words don’t. We buy from people that we know, like and can trust, and video helps us build that confidence easily. Speaking directly to the camera allows your audience to see, hear, and truly experience your personality.
2. Wider Reach
YouTube, Instagram Reels, LinkedIn — Video means your message has a much larger audience. ‘You don’t have to worry about knowing who you know anymore, it’s about knowing whom you know. Video brings you visibility – you get to interact with people you might never otherwise see in person.
3. Better Engagement
Video tends to get more attention than text or photos. According to a HubSpot study, 54% of consumers want to see more video content from brands they trust. And the same is true of humans. Be it a business pitch or a product demonstration, people respond better to videos.
4. Boost in Credibility
When you’re posting videos about your knowledge and expertise, you become a thought leader in your field. When you’re teaching an idea or giving advice, video allows you to put your expertise on display in an approach that is easy to understand and consume.
How to Develop High-Quality Video Content For Your Personal Branding?
Now that we’ve discussed why video is important, let’s dive into how you can create videos that strengthen your personal brand and enable you to network.
1. Start with an Introduction Video
Your first video should be a short introduction — who you are, what you do, and what you believe in. Consider it your online sales pitch. Stick to the minimum (2 minutes) and keep it fun. For instance, you might begin with an intro that reveals your background or interest in your field.
Pro Tip
Make sure that your intro video can answer these 3 questions:
- Who are you?
- What do you do?
- Why should someone care?
Kunal Shah, the Founder of CRED, provides a perfect example. His LinkedIn videos are very concise and engaging, with an often familiar story enticing you to watch before getting into business. These videos made him not only a successful entrepreneur, but an opinion leader in the Indian startup landscape.
2. Share Your Expertise
Once you’ve introduced yourself, you get to talk. Make videos that provide value to your audience. When it comes to explaining a concept, giving a tip, or talking about your industry, your videos should help people. This makes you not only an expert but also gives credibility to your followers.
Ranveer Allahbadia, for example, has built his brand around personal development and entrepreneurship. His YouTube channel BeerBiceps combines content with anecdotes to create both a learning tool and a personable one.
Content Ideas
- Videos: Show what your audience should know.
- Questions and Answers: Provide answers to industry-standard questions.
- Industry insights: Provide your opinion on the trends or problems in the industry.
3. Leverage Social Media Platforms
Different platforms demand different kinds of videos. The following are the top India-based platforms that you can leverage for personal branding:
YouTube
YouTube is the perfect medium for longer pieces. You can use it to explore deep content, tutorials, or share insider industry knowledge. For instance, comedian-turned-content-creator Tanmay Bhat has established a brand on YouTube with humor, games and business advice.
Instagram Reels
Instagram is ideal for short, digestible videos that draw attention quickly. Use Reels to deliver small-medium-sized advice, in-depth stories, or quick fixes. Companies such as Zomato create wacky, funny Instagram Reels with less than 30 seconds of attention.
You should publish your professional content on LinkedIn. Post videos that reflect your skill set, be it a client case study, project spotlight, or an insight. Zerodha’s founder Nithin Kamath uses LinkedIn frequently to express his opinion about finance and business and his open videos allow him to connect with professionals in different fields.
4. Network with Your Audience
Video is not merely a transmission — it’s an interaction. Be sure to answer comments, questions on your videos, and invite your audience to give you feedback. This reciprocal exchange builds trust and community around your personal brand.
For instance, Ankur Warikoo (entrepreneur, Educator) began sharing his life experiences and insights on LinkedIn and YouTube around the time of the pandemic and it led to meaningful discussions with his audience. Because he made himself available to his audience in an open format, he developed a solid community of industry experts who read him closely.
5. Collaborate with Others
Sharing content with other experts or writers can expand your audience. This might be in the form of interviews, panels, or collaborations. Working in partnership means you have the reputation and reach of someone you are working with which can boost your development.
BeerBiceps, for instance, has also teamed up with professionals, fitness models, and even Bollywood stars, giving him access to a range of different types of audience.
Tips for Creating High-Quality Videos
When it comes to making high-quality videos, you don’t have to spend a fortune on equipment. Here are some tips for making your videos professional:
- Lighting matters: Try to get natural light whenever you can, or buy a ring light.
- Clear sound: You want to ensure that your microphone captures crisp sound. Bad sound quality can turn audiences away.
- Background matters: Select a clear, minimalist background that doesn’t obscure your message.
- Edit wisely: You don’t need slick editing software. You usually just want a few clean cuts and simple transitions.
Real-Life Success Stories from India
Let’s take a look at some Indian entrepreneurs and professionals who have perfected the use of video for their personal branding.
1. Kunal Shah (CRED)
Kunal Shah’s unobtrusive and insightful videos on LinkedIn have made him one of the leaders of the Indian startup scene. He often shares his personal journey and perspectives on being an entrepreneur, which is relevant for emerging professionals and entrepreneurs.
2. Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps)
Through YouTube, Ranveer has developed a multi-dimensional personal brand over the years. His videos range from fitness and self-help to entrepreneurship, and his unapologetic style has made him a devoted following.
Conclusion – Go the Video Way!
Video is no longer a luxury — you must have it for anyone who takes personal branding and networking seriously. It lets you engage with your audience authentically, passionately, and effectively.
If you’re interested in starting to create your personal brand on video but don’t know where to begin, Reset Media can assist. We work with professionals and businesses to produce compelling videos of the highest quality. No need to worry about strategy, production or distribution — we’ve got you covered.
Are you ready to elevate your personal brand? Call Reset Media now and let’s get to work creating something incredible.