How to Brand Yourself in 10 Easy Steps – Lessons from W2RE, the Ham Radio 24-7 Pioneer

Branding isn’t just for big companies—it’s for individuals who want to stand out, be remembered, and create lasting impact. Whether you’re in ham radio, technology, or any other field, branding yourself is the key to opening doors and getting recognized worldwide.

Take Ray Higgins, W2RE, for example. Known as the man behind Ham Radio 24-7, Ray built a powerful personal brand that resonates across the amateur radio community. From his early days building world-class contest stations to pioneering RemoteHamRadio (RHR), Ray has become a household name in ham radio. His story is proof that when you commit to branding yourself, the world will see you.

Here’s how you can do the same—in 10 easy steps.

🔥 The Hat Isn’t Just a Hat—It’s a Brand! 🔥

HamRadio 24-7 isn’t just what Ray does—it’s who he is. That worn-in, sweat-stained hat? That’s authenticity in action. People can sense fake branding a mile away, but this hat tells a story: Ray lives and breathes Ham Radio, 24/7.

Branding yourself isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing who you really are. The sweat, the wear, the real-life moments make a brand relatable, memorable, and trusted. When you brand yourself authentically, you don’t just stand out—you connect.

💡 The lesson: Don’t just create a logo—live your brand. The world will notice, and people will remember YOU.

1. Define Who You Are

Branding starts with clarity. Who are you, and what do you stand for?
Ray W2RE defined himself early on: a builder, a DXer, a contester, and most importantly—a visionary who lives and breathes ham radio.

I bet you guessed—I’m W2RE. 📡 That’s the power of branding! When you type “W2RE” into Google, my entire story unfolds: ham radio, towers, RemoteHamRadio, and HamRadio 24-7. One call sign. One brand. One identity that speaks louder than words. And judging by this photo, you already know—I must have something to do with towers, right? 🏗️ But here’s the real question… do you know the story behind the towers? 👀

2. Create a Signature Identity

Every strong brand needs an identity. For W2RE, it’s Ham Radio 24-7. The phrase is simple, powerful, and instantly recognizable—it tells you exactly who he is and what he’s about.

A great brand doesn’t need to be complicated—sometimes the most effective names are the simplest. A simple brand name is easy to remember, easy to share, and instantly recognizable. It sticks in people’s minds because it cuts through the noise without confusion. The best part? Simplicity builds trust and authority faster than any flashy gimmick ever could.

3. Share Your Story

Stories connect people. Ray’s journey from Pepsi delivery driver to ham radio entrepreneur inspires thousands. Your story doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be real.

4. Be Consistent Everywhere

Branding isn’t a one-time effort. W2RE consistently promotes ham radio through social media, blogs, YouTube, and live events. Wherever you find him, the message is the same: Ham Radio is a lifestyle.

🚀 Don’t Be Afraid to Explore New Platforms! 🚀

Ray was hesitant to try TikTok at first—but within three months of posting authentic content, his following grew from 0 to 5,000. Being real, showing your passion, and connecting with people works—no gimmicks required.

The media landscape is massive, and Ray’s brand has grown so much across multiple platforms that he now has a full-time media professional helping expand the reach even further.

💡 The takeaway: Branding isn’t just about showing up—it’s about showing up consistently, authentically, and where your audience is. Explore new platforms, be yourself, and watch your brand grow!

5. Showcase Your Expertise

If you know something valuable, share it. Ray became an authority by teaching, writing, and showing others how to succeed in ham radio—whether it’s installing towers, mastering FT8, or competing in major contests.

6. Build a Visual Presence

Logos, photos, videos—visuals make your brand stick. W2RE’s imagery of towers, antennas, and radios reinforces his identity and makes his content instantly recognizable in the ham radio world.

Branding isn’t just about a logo or a name—it’s about moments that define who you are and what you stand for. One of those signature moments for me was standing with my tower crew in front of the iconic ARRL Headquarters in Newington, CT after completing tower work. 📡 That image wasn’t just a photo—it was a statement. It told the ham radio world exactly what my brand represents: innovation, teamwork, and a passion for building the future of radio. The visual was powerful, the message was clear, and the branding was unforgettable. The only question left is—what’s the next signature moment? 👀

Step 7: Collaborate and Network

• Photos with other well-known hams, contest teams, or youth operators.

• Reinforces your credibility and influence.

Here’s another signature moment that speaks to the heart of our brand. At Dayton, the Bouvet 3Y0J team presented the RHR team with an award and even a rock from Bouvet Island—the most remote location on Earth. 🌍 Why? Because we believed in their mission and supported their cause. Giving back isn’t just about writing a check—it’s about creating lasting memories, building community, and leaving a legacy that goes beyond ourselves. This photo of the RHR team standing proudly with members of the 3Y0J expedition captures the essence of collaboration and impact. When you invest in others, you’re not just helping a project—you’re shaping the future of ham radio.

That’s the power of branding—every moment tells your story. Want to know how to build a brand that speaks louder than words? Stay tuned. 👀

Step 8: Provide Value First

• A screenshot or demo video of RemoteHamRadio in action.

• This directly connects your brand to solving problems.

9. Stay Authentic

People can spot fake branding a mile away. W2RE’s passion is real—he truly lives HamRadio 24-7. Authenticity builds credibility far faster than any marketing campaign ever could. In this video, you can’t fake what he does; it’s impossible to fake working on a radio tower in 30 mph winds! 🌬️📡

Authenticity isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of a brand that lasts. Are you ready to show the world what your brand truly stands for? 👀

10. Keep Evolving

A strong brand never stops growing. Ray continues to write blogs, build new stations, and launch products like the DX Launcher. He adapts with the times while staying true to his core identity.

Check out this photo—two brands in one shot! 📸 The DX-Launcher in action and the RemoteHamRadio hat front and center. This is what branding looks like in the real world—powerful, visual, and unforgettable. Every detail tells a story, every element reinforces your identity.

The real question is—are you creating moments that make your brand impossible to forget? 👀

Final Thoughts

Branding yourself isn’t about being flashy—it’s about being clear, consistent, and authentic. If Ray Higgins, W2RE, could go from local ham to an internationally recognized leader by living his brand—so can you.

So, what’s your “Ham Radio 24-7”? Define it, share it, and commit to it. The world is waiting to see you.