What Makes a Side Project 'Authentic'?
Forget the pressure to build the next unicorn startup. An authentic side project is born from genuine curiosity, not just a desire to impress recruiters. It's the blog you write about sustainable farming, the mobile app you develop to solve a personal
frustration, or the community event you organise for a cause you believe in. Authenticity comes from the alignment between the project and your core values and interests. This genuineness is what captures attention because it reveals who you are beyond a job description. It showcases your initiative, creativity, and problem-solving skills in a way that formal work experience often can't.
Choose a Project That Tells Your Story
The best side projects for personal branding are those that either deepen your existing expertise or build a bridge to where you want to go. If you're a software developer, contributing to an open-source project can showcase your skills. If you're a marketer aspiring to work in the green tech space, starting a podcast on environmental innovations demonstrates your commitment and growing knowledge. Don't overthink it or aim for a massive, releasable product from day one. The goal is to learn, experiment, and have something meaningful to talk about. The project itself is a vehicle for your professional story, so choose one that you'll genuinely enjoy working on and discussing.
Showcase, Don't Just List
Adding your work to the 'Projects' section on your LinkedIn profile is a good first step, but it's not enough. True personal branding happens in the feed. Instead of just a single entry announcing the project is complete, document the entire journey. This means creating a content strategy around your project. Plan to share insights, challenges, small wins, and key learnings. Think in terms of content pillars: one post could be about the 'Process' (how you overcame a technical hurdle), while another could be a 'Connection' post (a personal reflection on why the project matters to you). This transforms your project from a static resume line into a dynamic, engaging narrative.
Turn Your Journey into Compelling Content
You don't need to be a professional writer to create engaging content. Use a variety of formats to keep your audience interested. Share a text post with a strong hook about a lesson you learned. Create a simple carousel or document post (which LinkedIn's algorithm often favours) to break down a complex part of your project into easy-to-digest slides. Short videos or behind-the-scenes photos can humanise your brand and show the real effort involved. The key is consistency, aiming for two to four high-quality posts per week. This regular activity signals to both the algorithm and your network that you are an active, knowledgeable voice in your space.
Engage Your Network and Build Community
A personal brand isn't built in isolation. Use your side project as a conversation starter. When you post an update, ask questions and invite feedback. When people comment, respond thoughtfully. This two-way interaction builds a community around your work. Furthermore, seek out and engage with others in your field. Follow leaders and peers, and leave meaningful comments on their posts. This not only increases your visibility but also expands your professional network in a natural, value-driven way. Over time, your side project becomes a magnet for connecting with like-minded professionals, potential collaborators, and even future employers.
