The Hustle: Ways to Make Online Branding Feel Organic
Hey!
This edition of the Hustle comes from our founder, Kim Hoyos. Kim is a filmmaker and digital strategist who has experience with online branding both from her own work and from helping guide others. Below she’s breaking down some of her top reasons why branding online is important and how to make it your own!
- the Light Leaks
Hi!
I’m so excited to share my tips on online branding. By using platforms that are already in your day to day life, you can share your art and continue to grow in your career. I’ve found posting work online immensely helpful with getting more work and different kinds of work! I never expected to be asked to do speaking engagements but through posting my work online, I’ve been able to open the doors to more opportunities than I ever thought possible. The below is just for some thought starting, but no matter where your branding leads: always let your creativity shine.
Why use the internet to spread your work?
The internet allows barriers to be broken down for marginalized groups and aspiring creator! There are so many resources out there for marginalized groups to connect with each other for supportive networks of growth.
You can reach wide audiences - beyond your classroom or workplace!!
It's free to make social media platforms and post your work.
People will begin to root for you as you post your work :’) Below is a screenshot of young latina filmmaker who found me through IG. We’ve stayed in touch and she’s since written for TLL various times and has been able to grow her network through social media!! It’s possible, these stories are everywhere.
You have a brand no matter what, it's the way you interact with others, present yourself, and show your personality. Branding isn’t about not being yourself- it’s about translating YOU to other realms.
Tips on what to post
Shout your skills, tell your followers what you do! I can’t tell you how many times someone has sent me their IG or Twitter as their ‘business card’ and when I look there’s no indication of their creativity or work…. not even in their bio!! So many job applications and recommendations rely on sharing your portfolio and your social handles, make sure yours count!
Post about new projects, accomplishments, upcoming art etc. A good rule of measurement is when you’re able to talk to someone offline and they reference recent work you’ve posted, that’s when you know you’re a PRO at branding.
Document your work flow and show your creative process. It’s not just about finished products or the A+ work, people are able how art comes together. Whether it’s your edit space or your backyard set, document how you’re creating.
Don’t feel pressure to create JUST for social media. This one is a biggie!!
Diversify what you post - videos, gifs, pics, oh my!
Share what you care about. Post industry articles, work from friends, favorite snacks, or anything that makes you who you are!
Don't hide your personality!!
Branding will look different for everyone and really depend on a person’s work, comfort levels, and more. It’s normal to have to push out of your comfort zone a bit when beginning to post on your feed, but remember you can make your feed anything you want. Some opt for the same filter on every post while others love to post inspo quotes and mood boards- guess what? Both (and anything in between) are awesome because they show who YOU are.
Good luck on the web <3
Kim
The Hustle is The Light Leaks’s newest resource tailored to YOU! Ask us questions, if we can’t answer from our own experience, we’ll find someone who’s able to. From creative block to actionable career steps, hit us up with your questions at kim@thelightleaks.com with “the Hustle” as the subject line. We got you.