Not Just a Coder: The Importance of Being Seen in Tech

In the fast-evolving landscape of technology and business, being highly skilled is just the baseline. To sustain a career of growth, influence, and opportunity, you must do more than simply excel at your craft—you need to establish a presence and demonstrate your authority in the field. This involves not just what you do, but how you show it to the world. In today's digital age, your online presence is as crucial as your resume, if not more so.

"Your personal brand is your reputation. And your reputation in perpetuity is the foundation of your career."
— Gary Vaynerchuk

Your personal brand is what sets you apart in an increasingly crowded field. It’s no longer sufficient to be just another coder or designer; you must actively build your brand to stand out.

The Power of Process and Point of View

One of the key ways to establish this brand is by showing your process, your way of thinking, and your unique point of view.

"Show the hackers how to do something new."
— Paul Graham

This advice transcends the startup world—it’s about demonstrating your expertise in a way that others find valuable.

By documenting and sharing how you solve problems, you not only highlight your skills but also provide insights into your approach and thought process. This can be done through:

• Blogging: Write about your projects, challenges, and how you overcame them. Share lessons learned and insights gained.
• Creating Videos: Show your workflow, explain complex topics, or provide tutorials.
• Podcasts: Discuss industry trends, interview other professionals, or share your journey.
• Newsletters: Curate valuable content, share your latest work, and engage with your audience directly.

The Opportunities That Arise from Content Creation

Content creation is not just about building a brand—it can open doors to new opportunities that might have seemed out of reach. Many people who have embraced this approach have seen tangible benefits:

• Landing Jobs: Sharing your work publicly can lead to job offers from companies that resonate with your values and appreciate your expertise.
• Building a Community: For some, the process of creating content has led to building a vibrant community and audience, which itself becomes a source of income and influence.
• Launching Companies and Apps: A strong personal brand can also serve as the foundation for launching successful startups. By building an audience, you create a ready market for your products or services.

"The opportunities that have come my way because of my blog and newsletter are incredible. From job offers to speaking gigs to simply connecting with amazing people—content creation has truly opened doors."
— Steph Smith

By putting yourself out there, you invite opportunities to come your way. The act of sharing your expertise publicly positions you as an authority and attracts others who value your insights.

Why You Need a Public Home for Your Content

In the 21st century, having a digital home—your own website—is essential. More than half of all tech job postings now include a field for your website or portfolio. It’s a place where recruiters and potential clients can see what makes you unique, how you think, and how you communicate.

"Your website is your real-world home, but your internet presence is your digital home. And in today's world, your digital home is as important as your real-world home."
— Shaan Puri

Your website is where you control the narrative about who you are and what you offer.

Authority Matters

Consider this scenario: You receive an email from someone offering to edit your videos. The email comes from an anonymous Gmail address, and there's no website or portfolio linked. How likely are you to take this person seriously? Probably not very.

"Out-teach your competition. Show what you know, because the more you teach, the more you learn and the more you earn."
— Jason Fried

Authority comes from visibility, and visibility comes from consistently sharing your knowledge and expertise.

Playing the Bigger Game

Your website or blog is not just a portfolio; it’s a business asset. It’s the first step in shifting your mindset from being an employee to being a business. Think of your employer as a customer of your business—the business of you.

"You need to start treating yourself like a media company."
— Gary Vaynerchuk

This mindset shift is critical in positioning yourself for long-term success.

Building your brand is a long-term strategy. It’s about playing the bigger game, where every piece of content you create, every blog post, video, or podcast, is an investment in your future. It’s about establishing yourself as a voice in the industry—someone who is not just seen but heard and respected.

Real-World Examples

Let’s look at a few real-world examples of individuals who have done this successfully:

• Kunal Kushwaha: Known for his presence in the tech community, Kunal has built his brand through consistent content creation across multiple platforms, including YouTube and Twitter. His website serves as his digital home base, showcasing his projects and thoughts.
• Francesco Ciulla: With a rapidly growing YouTube channel and a strong social media presence, Francesco has established himself as a thought leader in the tech community. His domain is a hub for his content, further solidifying his authority.
• Arvid Kahl: Author of The Embedded Entrepreneur and founder of The Bootstrapped Founder, Arvid has created multiple online homes for his content, reinforcing his authority in the startup space.
• Steph Smith: A prominent voice in tech, Steph has built her brand by sharing in-depth articles on her blog, contributing to major tech publications, and authoring the popular book Doing Content Right. Her work consistently demonstrates her expertise in content creation, remote work, and the tech industry, making her a respected figure in these spaces.
• Theo Browne: Founder of Ping and known for his deep dives into web development topics, Theo has created a strong following on YouTube. His content offers valuable insights into advanced coding practices, which has positioned him as an expert in the tech community.
• Lee Robinson: Head of Developer Relations at Vercel, Lee has built a substantial following on YouTube and Twitter, where he shares his knowledge on web development, Next.js, and more. His consistent content output has helped establish him as a key voice in the tech industry.
• Sara Soueidan: An independent front-end developer and UI engineer, Sara is known for her deep expertise in web accessibility and design systems. Through her speaking engagements, blog posts, and workshops, she has established herself as a leading voice in front-end development.
• Cassidy Williams: A prolific content creator and a key figure in the developer community, Cassidy has used platforms like YouTube, newsletters, and social media to share her insights on coding, tech career growth, and the software industry. She has built a strong personal brand that resonates with a wide audience in tech.
• Tracy Lee: Co-founder of This Dot Labs and a prominent advocate for diversity in tech, Tracy has built her reputation through public speaking, organizing conferences, and creating content that emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in the technology industry.

These individuals are not just employees—they are businesses in themselves. They have built communities, established their expertise, and positioned themselves as leaders in their respective fields.

"One of the best things about sharing what you know is that it opens up opportunities you never even knew existed. Whether it's a new job, launching a product, or simply connecting with like-minded people, content creation can be a game changer."
— Lee Robinson

Conclusion

In today’s competitive tech landscape, it’s not enough to be quietly skilled. You need to be visible, articulate, and authoritative. Building a personal brand through blogging, video creation, podcasting, and other forms of content is crucial. As more recruiters and employers look for unique voices and clear communication skills, your digital presence becomes a key factor in career growth and opportunities.

"Live in the future, then build what’s missing."
— Paul Graham

In the future, what’s missing is often a strong personal brand. Start building yours today.