Recently, I’ve been working more and more as a web designer and graphic designer for coaches, mental health professionals, massage therapists, and movement therapists. These are all wonderful people and highly skilled professionals. Besides their dedication, a common trait among them is their reluctance to commit to an online presence for the following reasons (and here come the quotes):
- “I don’t want to put myself out there.”
- “I don’t want to push.”
- “I’m creeped out by marketing manipulation.”
- “I can’t write well.”
- “I have no idea how to make myself visible without being annoying.”
As I continued talking with them, it became clear that they instantly recognize when someone is in trouble and are almost invisibly present as helpers. They live their vocation, but because of their invisibility, few people reach them.
Let’s dispel a few myths
PUTTING YOURSELF OUT THERE
Being visible doesn’t mean you have to follow the trend of exposing every detail of your life on Facebook or Instagram if that’s not your style.
PUSHING
What exactly do you feel is pushing? I’m sure you also read valuable articles and follow certain people without feeling they are pushy. However, when you see the same aggressive ad seventy-six times, you get fed up. You don’t want to push your services in this way because it creates aversion in you, which is completely understandable.
Think about who you follow! You immediately recall their faces, right? What they post feels genuine and touches you. You sense the deep belief and pure intention behind their writings. There is a kind of passion that permeates everything and generates positive energy within you.
You should know that this is also manipulation, which literally means handling or treatment. It’s manipulation when, as an acupressurist or massage therapist, you press certain points. It’s manipulation when, as a therapist, you suggest a homeopathic remedy. When you affect someone through movement, touch, scents, or sounds, you’re helping them overcome difficulties.
THE TWO-FACED MANIPULATION
Like everything else, manipulation has another side. When you’re put under emotional pressure, when fear or anxiety is deliberately instilled in you for someone’s selfish gains, that’s the negative side of manipulation. Those who resort to this typically don’t choose their means. This is precisely why I left my job at an advertising agency in 2008. I didn’t want to manipulate people in this way, even though that was my job. I was in conflict with myself when I received praise and pay for doing things that went against my principles. I resigned and decided not to take on work or clients whose goals conflicted with my values.
When you become more aware, you also spot selfish, manipulative tactics and rightly reject them. However, you can’t avoid their damaging effects entirely. The oppressive feeling stays with you for a while, and since you encounter this influence often, a misconception forms that advertising, marketing, visibility, and online presence are all about selfish manipulation.
ONLINE PRESENCE = SELFISH MANIPULATION?
Think about how much you enjoy talking about what you believe in and consider valuable. Your belief and passion come through in your words. In those moments, people hear and embrace what you say. You connect, and a deeper relationship begins, bringing values to the surface.
WHY COULDN’T IT BE THE SAME WITH ONLINE PRESENCE?
I believe it can be, and my clients all agree with me after their “turnkey” websites are completed. As a graphic designer and web designer, I work to build authentic appearances and trust between my clients and their ideal customers. Through my work, I shape visual communication by showcasing real values.
In the next article, I’ll discuss the 9 practical steps you should take.
Want a Well-Functioning Online Presence?
Contact me for a free online consultation! a free online consultation! During this session, we’ll discuss your needs, goals, and possibilities. The free consultation will give you a comprehensive picture of how we can collaborate, and I will prepare a personalized quote for you.
Wishing (and creating) an outstanding online presence for you!
