From Zero to 18K: How to Start a Personal Brand in 2026

If you had told me two years ago that sharing my career-switching journey online would grow into a global community of over 18,000 people, lead to brand deals, speaking opportunities, and friendships I now couldn’t imagine my life without… I wouldn’t have believed you for a second.

I didn’t start personal branding because I thought it would “work.” I started because people kept asking me how and why I transitioned from pharmacy into tech, and I wanted a place to share the truth beyond the short answers I was giving in DMs. What I didn’t expect was how many people were quietly dreaming about doing the same, exploring new careers, learning to code, or simply wanting a space where they could be themselves and grow.

Fast forward, and building a personal brand has been one of the most fulfilling decisions of my life. It’s taken effort, consistency, and a whole lot of courage, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

So let’s talk about how you can build a personal brand in 2026 - practically, intentionally, and without losing yourself in the process.

What is a personal brand, anyway?

A personal brand is simply the story you choose to tell about who you are and what matters to you. It’s the way people experience you online, your voice, your values, the topics you talk about, and the impact you make when you show up consistently.

It’s not about being polished or perfect.

It’s not about becoming an influencer overnight.

It’s about being recognisable, intentional, and useful.

Your personal brand is already inside you; building it is just the process of giving it language, structure, and visibility.

1. Start with clear content pillars

You can’t talk about everything, and you shouldn’t try to. The strongest personal brands are built around three core themes, things you genuinely care about and can speak on consistently.

For me, those pillars became tech, wellness, and mindset.

They gave me a way to bring together my healthcare background, my love for software engineering, and my passion for self-improvement. And because they were authentic, I never ran out of things to say.

If you’re unsure of your pillars, ask yourself:

• What conversations energise me instead of draining me?

• What topics could I talk about for hours?

• What do people come to me for advice about?

Your pillars should feel familiar, natural, and deeply aligned with who you are becoming.

2. Choose your platforms with intention

One of the fastest ways to burn out is trying to be everywhere at once. TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, newsletters, LinkedIn, podcasts… it’s too much to juggle when you’re just beginning.

I keep it simple. I anchor everything in long-form content: my blog, where I can slow down, think deeply, and share full stories. From there, I repurpose those ideas into short-form videos on TikTok and Reels to reach a wider audience. This structure lets me stay present without feeling stretched thin.

If you’re starting in 2026, I recommend choosing:

• one long-form platform (blog, YouTube, or a newsletter), and

• one short-form platform (TikTok or IG Reels).

Let the long-form guide the short-form.

It keeps your voice consistent and your creativity flowing.

3. Post before you feel ready

I still remember posting my first TikTok video. The lighting wasn’t great, the audio was questionable, and I was so nervous that I hit “post,” locked my phone, and went straight to bed. I was terrified of being seen, especially by people I knew. But something surprising happened. The world didn’t end. And the next time I posted, it felt a little easier.

Most of the fear lives in our heads. We imagine people laughing, judging, or cringing at us — but the reality is, anyone who’s uncomfortable with your growth was never your person to begin with. Posting is an act of bravery, and like any skill, it gets smoother with practice.

Don’t disqualify yourself before anyone even has the chance to support you.

Just close your eyes and POST IT!!!

4. Stay consistent - even when it gets hard

There’s no way around it: building a personal brand takes consistency. Not perfection. Not daily posting. Just steady, intentional showing up.

You’ll have busy weeks. You’ll have low-energy seasons. You’ll have posts that land quietly. But your job is simply to keep going.

Create a rhythm that works for your life - whether that’s once a week, twice a week, or whatever feels sustainable. Remember your why, because that’s what will carry you through the quiet seasons.

For me, the “why” has always been the same: I want career changers and curious learners to feel seen, supported, and less alone. That purpose has kept me grounded on the days when motivation was nowhere to be found.

You can absolutely build a personal brand in 2026

You don’t need perfect equipment, or even the perfect message. You just need honesty, intentionality, and the courage to show up consistently.

People are waiting on you to share their story so they can begin to truly write theirs! And 2026 is a beautiful year to start.

Until next time,

Ruth