Building Your Personal Brand on Instagram: How to Show Up Authentically (Even as an Introvert) with Maddie Peschong

“You don’t have to share your whole life to build a personal brand. Just share the parts that matter to your audience.”

Personal Branding Doesn’t Mean Oversharing

If you’ve ever felt like personal branding on Instagram means revealing every detail of your personal life—good news: it doesn’t.

In a recent episode of the Social Goals podcast, I sat down with branding photographer and coach Maddie Peschong to explore how to build a personal brand that feels real without making you feel overexposed.

Whether you’re a service provider, product-based biz, or creative entrepreneur, this one’s for you.

What Is Personal Branding—And Why It Matters

Personal branding is the intentional way you present yourself online.

As Maddie put it, “Everyone has a personal brand—whether you choose to develop it or not.” When you lean into yours, you help people:

• Recognize your work
• Connect with your message
• Trust you enough to buy from you

Myth: Authenticity = Oversharing

Here’s the truth: you can be a private person and still build a standout personal brand.

Choose 2–3 personal content “pillars” that feel natural—maybe it’s your morning routine, your favorite band, or your love of baking. These touches humanize your content without opening up your entire life.

💡 Authenticity isn’t about giving everything—it’s about giving the right things.

You Are the Common Thread

Struggling with what’s “on brand”? Remember this: you are the glue.

Even if your content feels random (think: sourdough + brand strategy + Taylor Swift memes), it works because you’re the one tying it together.

Personal Branding for Introverts

Personal branding doesn’t require you to be loud or outgoing—it requires consistency and intention.

Try these beginner-friendly ideas:

• Post your coffee or morning walk in Stories
• Share a checklist of your day
• Mention a book, show, or task you’re loving this week

These small glimpses help followers feel like they know you—and that’s where connection starts.

Why It Works: Connection = Conversion

When people feel connected to you, they’re more likely to:

• Engage with your content
• Refer you to friends
• Buy your offers or products

And often, it’s the non-business content that sticks. A random story about a TV show or Target run can remind someone to book you. Seriously.

For Product-Based Businesses, Too

Not a service provider? This still applies.

We shouted out brands like Ivory Paper Co. and XXL Scrunchie Co. who use behind-the-scenes and storytelling to draw customers in. Their secret? A strong personal brand.

Show your process. Show your face. Show what makes your business yours.

Final Thoughts: Your Brand, Your Way

You don’t need to share everything. You don’t need to go viral. You don’t need to be an extrovert.

You just need to show up as you—consistently, intentionally, and in ways that feel good.

Try This Today

✨ Post a simple Instagram Story:

• Your coffee or breakfast
• A checklist of what’s on your agenda
• One random thing you’re loving right now

Then watch the conversation start. You’ll be surprised how often “me too!” leads to meaningful connection—and even business growth.

Listen to the Full Podcast Episode

🎙️ How to Build Your Personal Brand on Instagram (Even as an Introvert)
Now streaming on Apple, Spotify, and all major platforms!