3 Simple Ways to Start Building Your NIL Brand Today

Building your brand doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start where you are.

If you’re a student-athlete trying to figure out how to grow your NIL brand, it can feel like there’s a long list of things to do. Photoshoots, logos, sponsorship deals—it’s easy to get stuck thinking you’re not ready.

But the truth is, you don’t need a big following or fancy content to get started. You just need a plan and a few small steps you can take today.

Here are 3 ways to build your NIL brand—no stress, no fluff. 

#1: Clean Up and Claim Your Social Media

#2: Create a Personal Hashtag

#Post with Purpose Once a Week

#1: Clean Up and Claim Your Social Media

Your social profiles are often the first place coaches, brands, and fans go to learn about you. Make sure you’re telling the story you want them to see.

Start by:

• Updating your bio to include your sport, school, and a few words about who you are

• Removing old posts that don’t reflect your current goals or character

• Making your profile photo clean, confident, and recognizable

Even if you don’t post often, your page should reflect who you are and what you stand for.

#2: Create a Personal Hashtag

This might sound small, but a personal hashtag is a great way to group your content, track your growth, and make your brand easier to find.

Your hashtag could include:

• Your name or nickname (ex: #TeamTay)

• Your jersey number and sport (ex: #No5OnTheField)

• Your motto or phrase (ex: #BuiltDifferent or #LockedIn)

Use it in every post and encourage your supporters to use it too.

#3: Post with Purpose Once a Week

Consistency matters more than perfection. One intentional post a week is better than five random ones with no message.

Content ideas to try:

• A “day in the life” carousel

• Game day photos with a short caption

• A quote that inspires you

• A video showing how you train or prepare

• A shoutout to your teammates, school, or community

Use what you have. You don’t need professional edits. What matters is showing up in a way that feels true to you.

Your Brand Starts with You

Your NIL journey is personal, and it doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. What matters most is that you’re building something that reflects who you are and what you care about.

At Rise Ready Academy, we’re here to give you tools, templates, and tips to make the process easier. You don’t need to go viral. You just need to get started.

→ Download our free post planner

→ Watch our YouTube series for content ideas

→ Tag us in your next post using #RiseReady