Building a Personal Brand with Media Psychology

Have you ever seen an influencer or brand post on social media and thought “that’s easy, I could do that!” What if we told you there’s a lot more to it than just “posting fun content”? Building a personal brand with media psychology takes practice and planning. But not everyone knows about media psychology, so we’re here to explore what it is and why you need it. 

These days, personal branding isn’t just for influencers or entrepreneurs. It’s for anyone who wants to stand out, build trust and connect with others. Whether you’re launching a side hustle or just want your voice to be heard, media psychology is important. It helps you know HOW to build the brand you want to portray to others. 

At UT San Antonio Online, you’ll dive deep into media psychology in our 100% online Digital Media Influence degree. You’ll use it to build a personal brand that’s authentic, strategic and impactful. 

The best part? You’ll learn from faculty members who are experts in their field while enjoying the flexibility that is available to all our students. You can build the future you deserve around your own schedule. 

Now, let’s dive in. First, we need to review what media psychology is. Then we’ll go over how it connects to personal branding. And finally, we’ll examine how you can use both to grow your influence online.  

Understanding Media Psychology in Personal Branding

What Is Media Psychology?

Media psychology is the study of how media and technology influence human behavior. Sounds simple, right? You look at how people process information, form opinions and make decisions based on what they see and experience online. 

Here’s the tricky part. Whether we’re talking about today’s most popular platform or the way that platform looks, media is always evolving. So is the psychology behind it. 

With media constantly changing, it’s important to understand how media psychology relates to personal branding. In our 100% online Digital Media Influence program, you’ll learn how to apply these principles to your own brand.  

We don’t want to just help you grow your presence online. We’re here to help you understand the “why” behind what works. This way, you’ll be set up for success no matter how media platforms change. 

The Psychology of Digital Influence

Now let’s look at some examples of media psychology at work. A person may appear more credible in their posts if their title includes “CEO” or “Author.” You’re also more likely to believe a post from someone who has thousands of followers compared to someone with a few hundred.  

In psychology terms, these are cognitive biases. We tend to trust someone more if they’re an authority on the subject because we trust experts (authority bias). We follow the crowd (social proof), and respond to stories that make us feel something (emotional triggers). 

Consider some of the largest brands you can imagine. For example, Nike uses storytelling and social proof. They tend to have endorsement deals with real athletes (think Michael Jordan) so they can show the athlete’s “hero’s journey.”  

You may be wondering why storytelling is so powerful. From food prices to the news and radio, we are inundated with data and facts every day. Stories are 22 times easier to remember.  

In our 100% online Digital Media Influence program, you’ll learn how to use these media psychology tools to shape your own story and connect with your audience. 

Core Components of a Personal Brand

Identifying Your Brand Identity

Now let’s dive a little deeper and discuss your unique value proposition (UVP). In a nutshell, your UVP is what makes you, you. It should clearly communicate your strengths, values, and what you bring to the table.  

In our program, you’ll explore your own brand identity. You’ll answer numerous questions – like “What do I care about?” and “Who do I want to help or reach?” – to determine your UVP.  

Through hands-on projects that are tailored to your interests, you’ll learn how to set your own brand apart. After all, the goal is to create a personal brand that reflects who you are.

Crafting a Compelling Brand Narrative

We’ve discussed how storytelling is one of the most powerful tools you can use in your personal branding journey. It helps people connect with you, so it’s important to understand the media psychology behind the different types of storytelling. 

Here are a few examples: 

• Linear Storytelling – You start at the beginning and walk your way through the story until the goal is reached.  
• Overcoming the Monster – You share how you overcame a big obstacle (like going back to school while working full time!). 
• Rags to Riches – You go from humble or challenging beginnings and gradually rise to success.   

Stories help people remember your message and differentiate your brand. Did you know 63% of consumers are more likely to buy from a brand if they resonate with a story that company tells?  

At UT San Antonio Online, we’ll help you craft a compelling brand narrative so your story will connect with the right audience.  

Visual Identity and Brand Perception

Another key part of using media psychology for your personal brand is through your visual identity. Think colors, fonts and images, which affect perception and recall. Using a consistent system improves recognition and accessibility.   

We may see between 4,000 and 10,000 ads per day. Whether you see a billboard while driving or a commercial, advertisements are everywhere. This makes consistency in your visual identity crucial to a successful personal brand. When people see a piece of your content, you want them to know it came from you. 

Don’t worry, though. In our program, you’ll learn how to use visual psychology to create a brand that feels cohesive and intentional.  

Leveraging Digital Media for Brand Growth

Social Media and Psychological Engagement

Different types of content work better on different platforms. Some cater to beautiful pictures and sharp video. Others work best with thought leadership and professional storytelling. Still other platforms focus on community and conversation. 

Regardless, engagement is driven by the same concepts: 

• Emotionally resonant content (stories, quotes, personal wins) 
• Interactive formats (polls, questions, videos) 
• Consistency (posting regularly builds trust) 

In UT San Antonio’s 100% online Digital Media Influence program, you’ll learn how to tailor your content to each platform so you can drive engagement. 

Media Psychology Content Strategy

You want to be remembered on social media, right? Use media psychology and think Association, Connection and Empathy. To easily remember these, use the acronym ACE. 

• Association – You want your audiences to associate specific ideas and visuals with your brand, even if they are in different formats.  
• Connection – Emotional content creates a connection. Sometimes you’ll have happy content, other times you’ll inspire. Tapping into feelings will help people engage and remember. 
• Empathy – Show that you relate to your audience’s challenges and/or goals. 

By using these concepts, you can create a strategic plan that resonates with your audience. We know you’re juggling a lot, and this can seem daunting. We’ll help you create a strategic plan that achieves your goals and fits your life. 

The Role of Trust and Credibility in Digital Branding

Trust is possibly the most important part of your personal brand on social media. Let’s think about it in terms of media psychology.  

In your personal life, you are more likely to buy something if a friend you trust suggests it, right? You can be that “friend” to people through your personal brand. People follow and engage with brands they believe in. 

Here are three types of content you can share to help build your credibility: