Top 10 Personal Branding Statistics to Watch Out for in 2022
In today’s fast-paced world, personal branding is no longer an option but a necessity. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a freelancer, or an employed professional, your personal brand is what sets you apart from the competition, helping you build trust, establish authority, and attract more clients and opportunities. But what exactly is personal branding, and why is it so important? In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 personal branding statistics that you should watch out for in 2022, so you can start building your own brand with confidence.
1. 78% of HR professionals use social media to vet job candidates
Gone are the days when your CV and cover letter were enough to land you a job interview. Nowadays, employers and recruiters are increasingly relying on social media to screen potential candidates, looking for clues about their personality, skills, and values. In fact, according to a survey by CareerBuilder, 70% of employers use social media to screen candidates before hiring them, and 57% have found content that has caused them not to hire a candidate. Therefore, by having a strong personal brand on social media, you can increase your chances of getting noticed and pave the way for your dream job.
2. 85% of business decision-makers believe that thought leadership builds trust
Thought leadership refers to the practice of sharing your expertise and insights with your target audience, positioning yourself as a credible and trustworthy source of information in your niche. According to a study by Edelman and LinkedIn, 72% of business decision-makers believe that thought leadership helps them identify new opportunities, and 50% say that it has led them to select a vendor they wouldn’t have otherwise considered. Therefore, by establishing yourself as a thought leader in your industry, you can attract more qualified leads, close more deals, and build stronger relationships with your clients.
3. 74% of consumers say that word-of-mouth recommendations are the key influencer in their purchasing decisions
Word-of-mouth recommendations refer to the insights and opinions that people share about your products or services with their network, either offline or online. According to a study by Nielsen, 92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family more than any other form of advertising, and 74% say that word-of-mouth is a key influencer in their purchasing decisions. Therefore, by creating a strong personal brand, you can leverage the power of word-of-mouth marketing, leading to more referrals, repeat customers, and positive reviews.
4. 83% of marketers use blog content to drive customer engagement
Blogging is one of the most popular forms of content marketing, allowing you to share your ideas, stories, and perspectives with your target audience. According to a survey by HubSpot, 55% of marketers say that blogging is their top priority for inbound marketing, and 83% use blog content to drive customer engagement, brand awareness, and lead generation. Therefore, by creating valuable and relevant blog content, you can educate your audience, establish credibility, and attract more traffic to your website.
5. 90% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find and vet job candidates
LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network, with over 740 million members in more than 200 countries. According to a survey by Jobvite, 90% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find and vet job candidates, and 63% have hired someone through the platform. Therefore, by optimizing your LinkedIn profile and creating a professional brand on the platform, you can increase your visibility, expand your network, and land more job opportunities.
6. 63% of consumers said they were more likely to buy from brands that offered personalized experiences
Personalization refers to the practice of tailoring your products, services, and content to the specific needs and preferences of your target audience. According to a study by Epsilon, 80% of consumers are more likely to do business with a company that offers personalized experiences, and 63% said that they were more likely to buy from brands that remembered their purchase history and preferences. Therefore, by creating a personalized brand experience, you can strengthen your relationships with your customers, increase loyalty, and drive revenue.
7. 70% of professionals say that online reviews and ratings influence their purchasing decisions
Online reviews and ratings refer to the feedback and opinions that customers share about your brand, products, and services on platforms such as Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor. According to a survey by BrightLocal, 91% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase, and 70% say that positive reviews and ratings influence their decisions. Therefore, by managing your online reputation and building a strong brand image, you can attract more customers, increase your sales, and enhance your credibility.
8. 60% of professionals say that a strong personal brand helps them stand out in a crowded market
Differentiation refers to the process of distinguishing yourself from your competitors, highlighting your unique value proposition and positioning. According to a survey by BrandingPays, 50% of professionals say that a strong personal brand has helped them command a price premium, and 60% say that it has helped them stand out in a crowded market. Therefore, by developing a distinctive personal brand, you can increase your perceived value, attract more high-paying clients, and build a reputation that precedes you.
9. 91% of consumers want to buy from authentic brands
Authenticity refers to the practice of being true to yourself and your values, communicating transparently and honestly with your audience, and building a brand that resonates with your personality and style. According to a study by Cohn & Wolfe, 91% of consumers want to buy from authentic brands, and 62% say that they would boycott a brand that they perceive to be inauthentic. Therefore, by staying true to your personal brand and being genuine with your audience, you can build a loyal following, increase your brand equity, and differentiate yourself from the competition.
10. 82% of professionals say that personal branding is important for career success
Finally, personal branding is essential not only for entrepreneurs and freelancers but also for employed professionals who want to advance their careers and achieve their goals. According to a survey by BrandingPays, 82% of professionals believe that personal branding is important for career success, and 56% say that it has helped them get a promotion or a job offer. Therefore, by investing in your personal brand and cultivating your professional reputation, you can unlock more opportunities, achieve more impact, and reach your full potential.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored the top 10 personal branding statistics that you should watch out for in 2022, so you can start building your own brand with confidence. From leveraging social media to focusing on personalization and authenticity, the key takeaway is that personal branding is no longer a luxury but a must-have skill in today’s competitive marketplace. By following these statistics and insights, you can create a unique and impactful personal brand that sets you apart, builds trust, and helps you achieve your career and business goals.
