Have you ever felt like showing up online meant pretending to be someone you’re not? Copying extrovert strategies like dancing on TikTok or doing weekly LIVE Q&A’s? I used to think I had to be more outgoing and full of energy than I really am. If this resonates with you, this post is for you!
TL;DR (What You’ll Learn)
In this post, you’ll learn how being an introvert can actually be your biggest online advantage. We’ll talk about how to build visibility in a way that feels calm, genuine, and aligned with who you are; not who other people expect you to be!
By the end, you’ll walk away with a gentle plan for showing up online as yourself (without draining your energy or faking endless energy).
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Why Showing Up Feels Hard When You’re an Introvert
For so many introvert woman and introvert people, “being visible online” often feels like the opposite of who we are. We’re told we need to be on camera, every day, and share all aspects of our lives. But the truth is, that’s so far out of alignment with who we really are! It’s not easy to show up daily with tons of energy! As introverts, our energy is limited, and we need to spend that precious energy actually providing our services. Not trying to be someone we’re not!
If you’ve ever thought:
“I want to grow my business online, but I don’t want to pretend to be someone I’m not” – you’re not alone.
The truth is, being introverted isn’t a limitation. It’s a different kind of strength and superpower. Your quiet nature allows you to listen deeply, create intentionally, and build genuine connections, these are way more important than getting views from someone who’s not even interested in what you have to offer! Real connections are where you truly thrive.
I taught myself to be an extrovert
If you met me now, you wouldn’t think I’m an introvert. You would think I’m out-going and that I like spending time out; going to dinners with friends, etc. etc. The truth is, no matter how much I love my friends, by the time I get home my energy is zapped!
At the core of who I am, I’m a true introvert. I actually was so shy and introverted growing up, people used to ask my sisters if I ever talk… I was so embarrassed!
How I taught myself to be an extrovert was in Hair School. That’s right, I’m a professional hairstylist! I just don’t do hair anymore; I guess a retired hairstylist would be most accurate!
I started doing hair because it was my passion, I loved it! And in that job I had to talk to people! I had no choice, that would have been really weird if I didn’t. But I did day dream about doing hair with my headphones on while listening to music!
During that time in my life I learned to thrive as an extrovert. I had a lot of fun actually! But I would always secretly wish that no client booked in if I had spare time in my day. I didn’t want to talk to anyone new, I just wanted to talk to the people I was already comfortable with. In hindsight I was subconsciously sabotaging myself…
Anyways, I know that’s different from online business but it’s all relevant. Doing things that feel out of alignment always leads to burn out or over-whelm. At least if you do them long enough!
My attempt at being an extrovert in my online business
Now that I had “learned” to be an extrovert I thought I was a pro! I thought I could keep up with all these other extroverts showing up on IG and TikTok consistently! Ugh, was that ever a mistake! I did this on and off for almost 3 years. And I say on and off because I would go all in and then burn out and crash for months. Needless to say, I didn’t grow my business and it felt quit sh*tty!
When I finally listened to myself and started focusing on building my Blog – I finally felt in alignment! I was showing up as me! Aka writing on my couch, in my pajamas, with my cozy blanket! This is when magic started to happen and everything started to feel easier.
Maybe blogging won’t be the thing for you but I do encourage you to find what feels right. How can you show up in a way that feels authentic and in alignment?
Reframing Visibility: You can show up quietly
Visibility doesn’t have to mean noise. It can mean presence.
When you stop trying to “keep up” with everyone else and instead show up in ways that feel natural, you attract the kind of clients who value that same energy.
Here’s what that can look like when you’re being an introvert:
- Depth over volume: You’d rather create one meaningful piece of content than post five times a day.
- Listening over talking: You notice the details others miss. That awareness builds trust faster than any viral trend.
- Consistency over chaos: Introverts tend to be steady. You don’t need to be everywhere; just reliable where it matters.
- Intention over impulse: You think before you speak, and that translates beautifully into thoughtful, timeless content.
When you start seeing your introverted nature as your visibility strategy, everything changes.
And trust me when I say, finding the right clients is so powerful in preserving your own energy! When you show up authentically; the right people will find you. They’ll resonate with you and you will be the person they want to work with, because you get them!
Step-by-Step: How to Show Up Online Authentically as an Introvert
Step 1: Know Your Energy Patterns
- Start paying attention to your energy throughout the day?
- What times of day do you feel the most productive?
- What days of the week do you feel most productive?
- When do you feel the most creative or social?
- And if you are an introvert woman, how is your energy according to your cycle?
Be proactive and work with your energy, not against it. Personally, I work the best in the mornings, not too early because I like to wake up naturally (unless I have a meeting). I like slow mornings and then I move into my creative work around 10:30am. This is usually writing my blog or designing websites.
I catch up on emails or client communications towards the late afternoon. I take breaks throughout my day. I also don’t really work on a Monday-Friday timeline in my business. I work in accordance with my energy. Sometimes I work weekends, other times I don’t.
And yes, it won’t always work out that way. For example, when I’m working on a custom website design and I’m in that 2 week design period. My schedule is based around my client work and not just my energy or how I feel. So there are exceptions but trying your best to honour your energy is helpful!
Step 2: Choose Visibility That Feels Safe, Not Scary
You don’t have to be on video to be visible. Maybe your thing is blogging, podcasting, or slow, thoughtful posts on Pinterest.
I recommend picking two platforms:
- One for long-form content (like a blog, youtube, podcast)
- One for short-form content (this is where you can share snippets of your longer form content. For introverts I recommend Pinterest!)
It’s very important to actually enjoy how you show up online. Choose a platform you enjoy creating for. For example, if you like writing then Blog. Or if you enjoy talking then start a Podcast.
Step 3: Create Once, Repurpose Often
This goes hand in hand with step two where I recommended having one long-form strategy and one short-form strategy.
Create your long-form content, whether that’s a YouTube video, your Blog or Podcast. And then repurpose that piece of content to share through short-form content. And remember, for introverts I recommend Pinterest. But you can still do this on IG, TikTok, etc.
I actually found it was much easier to show up on IG when I was repurposing my blog. I just created my posts in Canva and pre-scheduled them. Less facetime and I didn’t have to show up consistently everyday.
This is also a great way to stay consistent with your email newsletter if you have one. Share a snippet of your long-form content with your email list. You’re repurposing content and you’re driving more traffic back to that longer form content for them to read/listen/watch more!
You don’t have to reinvent your content, nor should you! Not everyone sees everything so you really should be repurposing to get the most bang for your energy!
Step 4: Build Connection on Your Terms
You don’t need to go viral to grow. Focus on genuine 1:1 interactions: replying thoughtfully to comments, DM’ing clients you admire, collaborating on small projects.
Nurture your audience and build real relationships. This is the best way for introverts to feel in alignment with our clients. Working with people who you truly connect with! These are also people who will want to talk about you and share your services because they’ll become real fans of you and your work!
Genuine connections compound overtime. And that’s how introverts build sustainable visibility.
Step 5: Protect Your Peace
Set boundaries around how often you show up and how long you spend online. Your energy is more important than non-introverts might realize. Once we run out of it we can’t just re-charge in an hour. We can be left feeling overwhelmed and burnt out! It’s so important for us to protect that energy!
And it’s not just with how you show up online. Set boundaries with your clients and even with yourself. Use your calendar to schedule tasks so that you aren’t over extending yourself.
What I learned the hard way was that I also had to set boundaries with loved ones. You have to have a full cup in order to pour into anyone else’s!
Mindset: You Don’t Need to Fake it to Make it
You don’t need to show up as anyone but your beautiful and wonderful self! Have confidence in being an introvert and showing up in ways that feel right to you. Be grounded in who you are!
The most magnetic thing about being an introvert is your presence; it helps others feel safe and seen.
When you show up as your real self, you automatically attract the kind of people who appreciate your energy. You don’t have to prove anything or show up like anyone else – just be you!
And to be honest, the best way to keep a positive mindset is by doing what you enjoy. Especially when you start to see results! I started consistently blogging twice a week and in less than 6 months I increased the impressions to my Blog from 3k to 50k! If you want the exact AI prompts I use, download them for FREE here: Plug-and-Play AI Prompts To Write Your Blog Posts!
FAQ
Q1: Do I have to be on camera to grow online?
No. You can build a thriving business through writing a blog, recording a podcast, creating Pinterest pins or email marketing. Pick a format that feels aligned and good for you to show up on.
Q: How can I stay consistent if I lose motivation easily?
Consistency for introverts doesn’t mean constant activity, it means creating workflows. Try batch-creating when you feel inspired, then scheduling content in advance. Let automation handle the “showing up,” so you can recharge without feeling guilty!
Q3: How often should I post or create?
Pick a schedule you can realistically stick to long-term. One thoughtful piece of content per week can do more for your brand than posting daily for a week and not again for a month.
Q4: What if I compare myself to more “outgoing” entrepreneurs?
Remember: the best way for you to grow online is by showing up in alignment with who you are! Not by trying to keep up with anyone else! Slow, steady growth is still growth; it’s actually better than viral content. Creating valuable content that grows over time will provide a greater ROI (return on investment) and continue to perform for a longer period of time!
Q: How can I network without forcing small talk or being “salesy”?
Focus on building real relationships. Leave thoughtful comments, share someone’s work you admire, or send a short message that’s genuine, not transactional. Introverts thrive on depth, not volume, so fewer but more intentional connections work best.
Here’s a blog I wrote about networking tips for introverts: Tips For Introvert Networking: How To Make Connections Online
Q: What’s the best platform for introverts to start with?
Start with what feels in alignment and what you enjoy doing. If you love writing, start a blog. If you like visuals, use Pinterest. If you enjoy conversations, try podcasting. There’s no one-size-fits-all, just the medium that matches your energy.
TL;DR – Recap & a Gentle Action Plan
Here’s how to show up online without faking it:
- Know your energy and protect it.
- Choose visibility methods that feel aligned (not forced).
- Repurpose instead of overproducing.
- Focus on small, meaningful connections.
- Build a calm, confident presence that reflects who you really are.
The best way to attract the perfect clients for yourself is to show up authentically, exactly as you are!
Your Next Step: Build a Website That Feels Like You
If you’re ready to start showing up online in a way that feels aligned and cozy, your website can be your quietest form of visibility.
Through my VIP Design Day, we’ll design your website in just one day, so it feels like you. It will tell your story and support your business growth – the introvert way!
👉 Book a call to see if the VIP Website in a Day service is right for you!
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