Want to build a personal brand but not sure how or where to start? Here at Kartra, we’ve seen thousands of coaches, creators, and experts use our all-in-one platform to grow their online brands.
In this guide, we’ll look at 25 successful personal brands to see what’s working for them and what’s worth incorporating in your own personal brand. Pay particular attention to their personal brand statements and the consistent message these individuals share in everything they do.
Examples of powerful personal brands
As you look through these personal brand examples, notice that while the people behind these brands have a wide variety of skills, interests, personality traits, and experiences — they’ve each found a specific problem that they solve for a specific audience… and they built their personal brand on that message.
Your message will need to be just as clear — and just as consistent — for your personal brand to stand out.
Dr. Kim Foster — Health Coach, Business Coach
Dr. Kim Foster is a physician turned health coach who advocates holistic wellness for high-achieving women and helps health professionals like her build successful wellness coaching businesses.
Personal brand statement
- “As an MD-turned-coach and wellness expert, I help high-achieving women build limitless energy and unstoppable confidence.”
What stands out
- Kim’s brand proves that you can convey professionalism and credibility while connecting with the audience on a personal level. Notice how her tagline speaks directly to potential customers: “hi, lovely! I’m Kim and I’m on a mission to help you live a healthy, beautiful, vibrant life.”
- From a helpful YouTube channel to intensive coaching programs, Kim offers resources for every stage of the customer journey.
Learn how to package and price your online coaching services in our guide!
Sohee Carpenter – Fitness Coach
Sohee Carpenter is a fitness coach and content creator who specializes in evidence-based approaches to training and nutrition, empowering clients to build sustainable health and fitness habits.
Personal brand statement
- “I’m here to help you improve your relationship with food, fitness, and your body”
What stands out
- In a highly competitive industry, Sohee has carved a niche for herself as a fitness coach and influencer who combats misinformation, offers research-based advice, and helps people have a positive relationship with their health.
- Sohee gives away a lot of her expertise for free — allowing her to build trust and reach a wide audience.
James Clear — Author, Speaker
James Clear is a best-selling author and speaker known for his expertise in habits and decision-making — helping people achieve better results through small, incremental changes.
Personal brand statement
- “I write about building better habits”
What stands out
- James’s personal brand has remarkably simple messaging, presented with a minimalist design, that makes it clear exactly what he wants to be known for.
- This example demonstrates why it’s important to stay true to your brand regardless of the platform you’re on. James’ Instagram, for example, has 1.4M followers and he almost exclusively features written content — not personal photos or videos.
Jenna Kutcher — Online Business Coach, Marketer
Jenna Kutcher is a digital marketer and coach who helps entrepreneurs build profitable businesses while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Personal brand statement
- “I’m an online marketing expert, author, podcaster, educator, and my obsession is teaching others how to make a living doing what they love.”
What stands out
- Jenna’s personal brand has a consistent message — helping people love their work – while expressing her full range of interests, hobbies, and roles.
- More than many of the examples on this list, Jenna leverages graphic design on her website and social media profiles to make a bold statement about who she is.
Need a personal brand website that reaches your audience? Check out these tips on how to build a compelling personal website (examples included)
Louise Henry — Business Strategist, Course Creator
Louise Henry is an online business strategist and course creator who shows entrepreneurs how to simplify and automate their businesses using digital tools.
Personal brand statement
- “Teaching entrepreneurs how to create a simple, highly scalable online course business so they can create more fulfillment & flexibility in their lives.”
What stands out
- Louise’s personal brand does a great job of connecting the dots for her audience — establishing a clear link between what she teaches and how it will positively impact her clients’ lives.
- Louise uses content creation to share her expertise and give people a glimpse into her lifestyle, both of which are necessary to build trust in her message.
Justin Welsh — Solopreneur, Coach
Justin Welsh is a solopreneur and content creator who helps other solopreneurs grow their online businesses by sharing what he’s learned from his own successful journey.
Personal brand statement
- “I help internet solopreneurs own their work and life”
What stands out
- With over 600K LinkedIn followers, 495K Twitter followers, and 215K email subscribers, Justin is a thought leader who has grown his personal brand through the channels that are most relevant to his audience.
- Justin’s personal brand demonstrates the power of using your own story — failures and successes — to build trust with your audience and maintain their interest in your brand.
Brianna Doe — Founder & CEO, Content Creator
Brianna Doe is the founder and CEO of a digital marketing agency for startups and small businesses. She’s also a podcast host and content creator who shares insights from her career journey and industry expertise.
Personal brand statement
- “Sharing what I learn about entrepreneurship, marketing & leadership”
What stands out
- Brianna’s online presence demonstrates the value of building a personal brand alongside one’s career.
- While Brianna’s personal brand is primarily focused on marketing and entrepreneurship, she uses her platform to share insights on a wide variety of topics that reflect her varied interests and experiences.
Dr. Stephanie Ridgway — Physical Therapist
Dr. Stephanie Ridgway is a physical therapist who helps her clients improve their strength and mobility to overcome injuries.
Personal brand statement
- “I help people get out of pain & get back to doing the things they love!”
What stands out
- Stephanie’s brand messaging gets beyond her clients’ immediate problems to the heart of their goals — living the life they want to live!
- While Stephanie has built a significant personal following (over 900K Instagram followers!), her brand — from her content to her programs — is all about her audience and the results they can expect.
Lindsay Ostrom – Food Blogger
Lindsay Ostrom is the author and cook behind one of the internet’s most successful food blogs, Pinch of Yum.
Personal brand statement
- Simple recipes made for real, actual, everyday life
What stands out
- Lindsay created a lasting personal brand in a very competitive space by filling a specific need for wholesome recipes that taste good and are simple enough to be cooked for everyday meals.
- As the creator economy grew and changed, Lindsay successfully adapted her brand to meet her audience’s needs — while staying focused on her mission.
Jon Acuff — Motivational Speaker, Author
Jon Acuff is a motivational speaker and author who inspires individuals to achieve their goals by providing practical advice on overcoming challenges and taking action.
Personal brand statement
- “The future belongs to finishers” / “I want to help you cross the finish line of whatever goal you care about.” / “I believe in you and I believe in your goals.”
What stands out
- Jon may not have a specific personal statement, but his mission is clear and consistent wherever you encounter his brand.
- Jon is a speaker and author who uses his personal brand to promote a wide variety of resources — including a podcast, community, and email newsletter.
Tobi Oluwole — Entrepreneur, Content Creator
Tobi Oluwole is an entrepreneur, content creator, and coach who helps people build successful careers and businesses through content marketing, particularly on LinkedIn.
Personal brand statement
- “I help founders & solopreneurs drive inbound leads using content”
What stands out
- Tobi uses his platform to cover a lot of topics related to entrepreneurship, career growth, and business growth. But his central message about the power of content creation as a marketing strategy keeps his personal brand focused and effective.
- This personal brand proves that you don’t have to be everywhere at once. Tobi’s laser-focus on creating LinkedIn content has resulted in a large following and made him a trusted voice on how to leverage the platform to its full potential.
Discover the 6 secrets of strong personal brands in our guide on How to Brand Yourself.
Mark Manson — Author, Blogger
Mark Manson, three-time #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, is known for his no-nonsense approach to self-help and personal development. He tackles life’s big questions with a blend of humor, research, and practical advice.
Personal brand statement
- “I write life advice that doesn’t suck.”
What stands out
- Mark’s brand stands out for its refreshing honesty and unconventional wisdom. He’s not afraid to challenge popular self-help narratives and encourages his audience to embrace life’s difficulties.
- His style and counterintuitive advice have garnered him a dedicated following, with his book “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” even being turned into a feature film.
Gary Vaynerchuk — Entrepreneur, Social Media Expert
Gary Vaynerchuk, also known as “Gary Vee,” is a renowned entrepreneur, social media expert, and motivational speaker who inspires people to pursue their passions and build successful businesses.
Personal brand statement
- “Legacy is greater than currency.”
What stands out
- Gary’s is characterized by his high-energy personality and raw, unfiltered communication style. He’s known for his early adoption and promotion of today’s social media platforms, growing his family wine business from a mom-and-pop shop to a global brand using the power of digital marketing and social media.
- His brand extends beyond marketing, encompassing his media company, professional sports, and various entrepreneurial ventures.
Neil Patel — Digital Marketing Expert
Neil Patel is a renowned digital marketing expert, entrepreneur, and author who helps businesses grow their online presence and increase their revenue through effective marketing strategies.
Personal brand statement
- “I help you grow your business through digital marketing.”
What stands out
- Neil’s personal brand is built on his reputation for providing in-depth marketing advice, particularly in SEO and content marketing. He’s known for his data-driven approach and his ability to communicate essential marketing concepts.
- He’s developed several successful software tools, like Ubersuggest, which complement his educational content and reinforce his authority in the digital marketing space. He also owns NP Digital, a marketing agency that offers digital marketing services.
Tony Robbins — Life Coach, Motivational Speaker
Tony Robbins is a world-renowned life and business strategist, author, and philanthropist who empowers people to achieve personal and professional breakthroughs.
Personal brand statement
- “I help people achieve an extraordinary quality of life.”
What stands out
- Tony’s personal brand is characterized by his larger-than-life personality and his ability to inspire his audience to take massive action to achieve their goals. His high-energy seminars and interventions have become legendary in the personal development space.
- His philanthropic efforts, including providing meals to those in need, add depth to his brand and demonstrate his commitment to making a tangible impact beyond personal development.
Marie Forleo — Entrepreneur, Life Coach
Marie Forleo is a life coach, course creator, motivational speaker, and author who helps people create businesses and lives they love. She’s known for her upbeat personality and practical advice.
Personal brand statement
- “Everything is figureoutable”
What stands out
- Marie’s brand combines positivity with actionable strategies. She’s known for her ability to make complex business and life concepts accessible and engaging.
- Her B-School program has helped thousands of entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, demonstrating the practical application of her teachings.
Learn the essentials for creating your first online course
Brian Dean — SEO Expert, Content Marketing Specialist
Brian Dean is an SEO expert and the founder of Backlinko and Exploding Topics. He’s known for his data-backed content marketing strategies and was one of the first influencers in the search engine marketing space.
Personal brand statement
- “I help you get higher rankings and more traffic.”
What stands out
- Brian’s personal brand is built on his reputation for providing tested, actionable SEO advice. He’s known for his “less is more” approach to content creation, focusing on quality over quantity and adopting advanced search engine optimization tactics to drive website traffic.
- His SEO techniques, like the coined “Skyscraper Technique,” have become industry standards, further cementing his status as a thought leader. Brian’s success has led to both Backlinko and Exploding Topics being acquired.
Sara Blakely — Entrepreneur, Inventor
Sara Blakely is the founder of Spanx and a self-made billionaire who inspires entrepreneurs, particularly women, to pursue their business ideas and overcome obstacles.
Personal brand statement
- “I help women feel great about themselves and reach their potential.”
What stands out
- Sara’s personal brand is built on her journey from saleswoman to billionaire inventor. She’s known for her authenticity, resilience, and commitment to empowering women in business.
- Her commitment to women’s empowerment is evident in initiatives like the Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation, which supports female entrepreneurs.
Dean Graziosi — Real Estate Investor, Author
Dean Graziosi is a multiple New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, and investor who teaches people how to create wealth through real estate and business.
Personal brand statement
- “I help people create a better life through self-education.”
What stands out
- Dean’s personal brand is built on his rags-to-riches story and his ability to simplify complex business strategies. He’s known for his energetic personality and his passion for self-education.
- His collaborations with other thought leaders, like Tony Robbins, have expanded his reach and diversified his offerings in the personal development space.
Jon Goodman — Online Fitness Industry Expert
Jon Goodman is the founder of the Personal Trainer Development Center (PTDC), Online Trainer Academy, and QuickCoach and author of numerous books. He’s known for helping fitness professionals build successful online businesses.
Personal brand statement
- “I help fitness professionals succeed online”
What stands out
- Jon’s personal brand is characterized by his deep understanding of the fitness industry and passion for helping other fitness pros. He is considered the author of the “online training” business model which gave fitness professionals an innovative approach to growing their business.
- His ability to anticipate industry trends and help fitness professionals earn more money through marketing and sales knowledge has positioned him as a visionary in the fitness business world.
Allison Maslan — Business Mentor, Author
Allison Maslan is a respected business mentor who teaches business owners how to scale their companies while maintaining a high quality of life.
Personal brand statement
- “Scale your way to freedom”
What stands out
- Allison’s personal brand is built on her experience building multiple successful companies from the ground up. She’s well known for her strategic approach to scaling businesses and her ability to inspire entrepreneurs to take control of their time and business.
- Her SCALEit Method®, which she teaches through her company, Pinnacle Global Network, has been adopted by major corporations, validating her scaling strategies beyond the entrepreneurial sphere.
Simon Sinek — Leadership Expert, Author, Optimist
Simon Sinek is a globally recognized leadership expert, bestselling author, and inspirational speaker who helps organizations and individuals discover and articulate their purpose.
Personal brand statement
- “Start With Why”
What stands out
- Simon’s personal brand is built around his “Golden Circle” concept and the idea that great leaders and organizations start with their “Why.” His calm, articulate speaking style and ability to distill complex ideas into simple, powerful messages are hallmarks of his presentations.
- His TED Talk “How Great Leaders Inspire Action” is one of the most-watched TED Talks of all time, cementing his status as a thought leader in the field of leadership and organizational behavior.
Learn how to create a webinar your audience will love
Lori Greiner — Entrepreneur, Inventor, Shark Tank Investor
Lori Greiner is an inventor, entrepreneur, and television personality known for her role as an investor on the hit show Shark Tank. She’s often called the “Queen of QVC” for her success in selling products on the QVC shopping network.
Personal brand statement
- “I can tell instantly if a product is a hero or a zero”
What stands out
- Lori’s personal brand is built on her track record of creating and identifying successful products. She’s known for her warm personality (She’s referred to as “The Warm Blooded Shark®”), sharp business acumen, and ability to connect with entrepreneurs and consumers.
- Her hands-on approach with entrepreneurs, both on and off camera, showcases her genuine commitment to fostering business success.
Alex Hormozi — Entrepreneur, Investor
Alex Hormozi is an entrepreneur and investor best known for his ability to scale businesses rapidly and his no-holds-barred approach to marketing and sales advice.
Personal brand statement
- “I help entrepreneurs make and keep more money”
What stands out
- Alex’s personal brand is characterized by his data-driven approach to business growth and ability to simplify complex business concepts. He’s best known as the author of “Million Dollar Offers” and “Million Dollar Leads,” both of which give proven systems and advice for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.
- Alex and his wife and business partner, Leila, now run acquisition.com, where they invest in and partner with select businesses to help them scale and grow.
John C. Maxwell — Leadership Expert, Author
John C. Maxwell is a renowned leadership expert, speaker, and author who has written over 100 books, primarily focusing on leadership and effective communication.
Personal brand statement
- “I add value to leaders who multiply value to others”
What stands out
- John’s personal brand is built on his extensive experience and insight into leadership principles. He’s known for values-based leadership concepts that cross-apply between fields.
- Through his company, Maxwell Leadership, John trains thousands of people to grow their leadership ability.
What makes these personal brands successful?
These personal brand statement examples look very different from each other, but each successful entrepreneur on the list has effectively distinguished themselves in their market.
Here’s one strategy they all have in common…
Each of these personal brands presents a clear and consistent message that resonates with their potential clients and sets them apart from their competitors. From their strong personal brand statements to the topics they cover on social media platforms, it’s easy to see the unique value they provide to their followers.
Ready to start building your personal brand?
Get started by crafting a personal brand statement (also called a value proposition or elevator pitch). This sentence or two captures exactly who you are, what you do, and for whom.
Personal brand statement template
I help [target audience] [goal-based verb statement] by [verb statement]
An effective personal brand statement will be tailored to your message and your audience. Use this template to get started, and make it your own – then put consistent effort into sharing that message across all your marketing channels.
Use a platform like Kartra to set up email sequences, sales funnels, online courses, and other automated systems that you’ll need to get your message out there and keep your audience engaged.
Kartra’s all in one platform makes it simple to set up automated systems that bring in clients and make sales on autopilot — so you can focus on creating valuable content and innovating new ideas that move your business forward.