Let’s get real: social selling is crowded. Everyone and their dog (literally—have you seen those pet influencers?) is trying to grab attention.
So, how do YOU stand out? The secret sauce is personality—your unique, magnetic, oh-so-you vibe that makes people stop scrolling and start engaging.
If your personal brand is feeling a little... vanilla, let’s add some spice. And here’s the thing—embracing your authenticity is an act of bravery. Showing up exactly as you are—whether that’s with pink everything, a Diet Coke obsession, dog memes for days, or juggling mom life like a circus act—is what makes you stand out. People don’t just buy products, they buy from people they know, like, trust, and connect with. Personality isn’t just about content; it’s a mindset shift. The more you you are, the more your people will find and love you.
It’s easy to overthink what to post, wondering if people will care about your daily life or your weird obsession with office supplies (trust me, they will). But your brand is YOU—your humor, your quirks, your interests, your family chaos, your love of reality TV or 90s pop hits. The more you narrate your daily life, the more people will feel like they know you. And when people feel like they know you, they want to buy from you.
If I had a dollar for every time someone said, "Brenda, your love of Diet Coke is basically a personality trait," well... I'd be drinking my soda on a private island by now. But that's the point—people remember me for it. It’s not just a drink; it’s a vibe. Your personality quirks, your catchphrases, your "Brendaisms"—they make your brand memorable.
And while personality is the sparkle on the cupcake, it’s just one part of the 3Ps content mix—Personality, Purposeful, and Promotional. Personality content grabs attention, builds connection, and makes people want to stick around. Purposeful content teaches, inspires, or solves a problem. Promotional content sells—but it works best when backed by the first two. If all you do is post promotions, people will scroll right past. The magic happens when you blend them together seamlessly.
How the 3Ps Work Together:
- Personality Content (40%) – Shows who you are, builds trust, and makes people want to engage with you. Think: behind-the-scenes, humor, daily life, and stories.
- Purposeful Content (40%) – Educates, entertains, or solves a problem. Think: tutorials, tips, Q&As, and value-driven content.
- Promotional Content (20%) – Showcases what you sell and makes an offer. Think: product demos, testimonials, and calls to action.
Want to dive deeper into the 3Ps and build a balanced content mix that keeps your audience engaged and buying? Grab my free Ultimate Guide to Social Selling for Women Over 40!
Define Your Brand Personality (and Own It!)
Your brand personality is what makes people feel like they know you, even if they’ve never met you in real life. It’s how you talk, the energy you bring, and the little quirks that make you, well, you.
And the best part is, you get to decide exactly how you want to be known! Don't want to show your kids online? Not part of your personality or brand. Want to amplify your love of ice cream? Weave it into more content!
Ask Yourself:
- If my brand were a cocktail, what would it be? (Sweet and bubbly? Strong and bold? Spicy with a little kick?)
- How do I want people to feel when they interact with me? (Like they just got a warm hug? Like they’re at a girls’ night with their besties?)
- What phrases or catchphrases do I use naturally? (Do you say “Y’all” or “OMG” or "You Guys!" like it’s your job?)
- What’s something people ALWAYS associate with me? (For me, it’s Diet Coke, pink, and my dogs being the real boss of this operation.)
Examples:
- If you’re a beauty consultant, your posts might include phrases like, “Listen, bestie, this foundation will have your skin looking like an Instagram filter—but in real life.”
- A fitness coach might use “Sweat, sparkle, repeat” as their tagline in posts, live videos, and product recommendations.
- A candle seller could say, "Bringing the cozy vibes, one candle at a time! If self-care had a scent, it would be THIS."
💡 Action Step: Create a list of five adjectives that describe your brand. Use them as a guide for all your content!
Overcoming the Fear of Showing Personality
I get it—putting yourself out there can feel weird. What if people don’t like me? What if I embarrass myself? Here’s the truth: The more real you are, the more people will connect with you.
Steps to Ease into Showing Personality:
- Start small—share one personal story per week.
- Narrate what you’re doing in real time.
- Use humor to lighten up your content.
- Lean into what makes you you—it’s what your audience will love most!
Show Your Face, Show Your Life
People don’t just buy products; they buy from people. If you’re only posting stock photos, or what I call "product on counter photos", you’re missing the magic: YOU.
Ways to Infuse Personality:
- Selfies with Sass: Make a funny face or write a sassy caption.
- Behind-the-Scenes: Let them see the real process.
- Narrate Your Day: Post about daily life moments that make you relatable.
💡 Action Step: Post a selfie this week with a caption that feels 100% YOU—whether that’s cheeky, inspiring, or just plain real.
Final Thoughts
Your personality is your superpower in social selling.
The more you lean into what makes you unique, the more you attract the right people—your people. And that? That’s where the real magic (and sales!) happen.
So go on, be bold, be fun, and sell with sass. The world needs more YOU.
Want a proven framework to keep your content balanced and engaging? Grab my Ultimate Guide to Social Selling for Women Over 40, right here. I provide a TON more examples to find your personality content - including using AI to help!