#66 Personal branding for researchers

Hey friends,

When I published my first paper, I thought it would speak for itself
That the work would get noticed, and people would just find me.

But that’s not how it works

Publishing is only part of the process
Getting your research seen, used, cited, and remembered, that’s another story.

The truth is: your name matters as much as your work.
And no one can talk about your work if they don’t know who you are.

That’s where your researcher brand comes in.

It’s not about being famous
It’s about being findable
Being known for something
Being linked to your field and your ideas

One simple way to start?
Build your researcher profile

Here’s why it matters:

• It connects all your papers, even across journals or fields

• It helps others find and cite you correctly

• It shows your research focus and strengths

• It makes you visible to collaborators, editors, and funders

Platforms like Web of Science and ORCID, Google Scholar, or LinkedIn are not  random websites, they’re how people meet your work.

If someone Googles your name, what will they find?
That’s your brand

After a few years, here’s what I do now:

1. Set up (and update) your ORCID profile
This is your universal ID as a researcher
Add your publications, keywords, and affiliations
Use the same ORCID across all your submissions so databases can link your papers with your identity

2. Create a Web of Science profile
Visit https://webofscience.com/ to register for your free Web of Science profile. Web of Science will look for publications that match your name or email and add them to your profile. You can also add publications yourself. You can also update your profile to include your published names, main organization, peer review settings, and connect it to your ORCID account.

3. Create a Google Scholar profile
It’s easy. Add your name, field, and email
It updates your citations automatically and shows your full research list

However, Google Scholar tends to make mistakes in adding random items to your profile. So curate as you go

4. Share a simple summary of what you do
One or two clear lines that explain your focus

5. Add your profiles to your papers and slides
Mention your profiles links in your CV, talks, and even posters.
This helps people connect your name with your work.

6. Keep your profiles active
Update them once every few months. Add new papers
You don’t need to post daily. Just stay present

Remember: your researcher brand is built over time.
It’s not about self-promotion, it’s about clarity on what you do

You’re already doing the work.

Set up your profiles once.
Maintain them over time

Then let your research speak with your name right next to it.

For now, take 30 minutes this coming week to update your profile.

That’s all for this week

Let me know how you promote your research

As always, if you need clarification or assistance with your research projects, feel free to reach out to me, and I will respond

See you next Sunday!

Jamal