📖 Read Time: 3 minutes
📩 What you’ll get out of this newsletter: a simple strategy on how to define your digital identity with intention.
You’re not a brand. You’re a point of view.
But when you show up online, you only get a few seconds to prove it.
Most people default to posting what they think they should post. Others over-polish or under-share. The result? A blurry, forgettable presence.
Your online persona isn’t just a highlight reel or a personal diary. It’s a living, breathing compass. It should signal who you are, what you care about, and why anyone should pay attention.
So how do you figure out what that looks like for you?
Here’s the breakdown.
The Building Blocks of an Intentional Online Persona
1. Pick your Archetype
Every standout persona fits a pattern. Not a stereotype, but an archetype:
The Teacher (clear, generous, insightful)
The Rebel (bold, anti-status quo)
The Guide (trusted, grounded)
The Friend (relatable, honest)
The Craftsman (mastery, detail-obsessed)
These aren’t boxes. They’re lenses. Start with the one that feels most like home.
2. Define Your 3-Word Brand
What are the three words you want someone to feel after visiting your profile? (Example: Bold, Honest, Generous.) Be ruthless about consistency here. If your content isn’t reinforcing those words, it’s confusing your audience.
3. Get Clear on What You’re Not
Knowing what styles or personas to avoid is just as powerful. Hate guru energy? Skip the hustle quotes. Loathe performative vulnerability? Keep your tone real but respectful. Your “anti-brand” is part of your brand.
4. Solve One Core Problem
Instead of trying to be “interesting,” be useful. The best personas solve a clear problem over and over. That’s how trust and traction grow.
5. Decide What You’re For
You don’t need a niche. You need a point of view. What are you building toward? What feels broken that you want to fix? What makes your work matter?
Genius Tips
Play the long game. Don’t optimize for claps, optimize for clarity.
Pick a voice and stick to it. If your tone jumps between LinkedIn bro and TikTok chaos, people will bounce.
Write like a person. Pretend you’re texting a smart friend. No jargon, no fluff.
Audit monthly. Would you follow yourself based on your last 10 posts? If not, edit.
How Marques Brownlee Built a Digital Persona That Scales
Marques Brownlee (aka MKBHD) started making YouTube videos as a teenager. He didn't have a “content strategy.” What he had was a clear lens: tech reviews, done with integrity.
He picked his archetype early—The Craftsman—and never wavered. His tone is calm, thoughtful, and precise. He doesn’t chase trends. He builds trust.
Today? Millions follow him not just for gear insights, but for the way he approaches the world. That’s a persona. Consistent. Distinct. Rooted in value.
Genius Takeaways
A strong persona makes you memorable before you go viral.
If you're for everyone, you're for no one.
Clarity beats charisma. Every time.
Your vibe isn’t a costume, it’s a mirror.
What’s your biggest struggle with personal branding?
Most people struggle online not because they lack content but because they lack conviction about who they’re trying to be.
If you're figuring this out, you're not behind. You're ahead…because you're thinking intentionally.
I'd love to hear… what archetype do you resonate with?
Talk soon,
Alex (@Heyalexfriedman)
P.S. are you looking for help with content strategy?
We have one spot left for our next four-week advisory cohort. Whether you’re an experienced founder, aspiring founder, or simply figuring out your side hustle, if you’re in the process of building your social media or personal brand, schedule some time and let’s chat!
