As a side hustler, freelancer, or small business owner yourself, trying to market yourself online might look too hard. Maybe you heard people talking about “content strategy”, “SEO”, or “funnels” and thought, Do I really need to get the hang of this just to sell the candles I make or schedule hair appointments? Relax, you don’t.
The truth is, online marketing doesn’t have to be difficult. Marketing, in its simplest form, is actually about being present, sharing your story, and building trust with real humans. In this blog, we’ll walk you through easy-to-follow and new-to-you steps to help get you noticed online – no geek speak or advanced software required.
Let People See the Person Behind the Brand
One of the most powerful methods to connect with your audience is just to put your face out there. In an era of electronic bells and whistles and distraction, the most that resonates is something visible, a human being with a story, a voice, and a smile. No one just wants to buy a product; they want to feel good about who they are buying from. That connection is what turns a one-time visitor into a repeat customer or loyal customer.
You don’t need a professional photo shoot. A crisp selfie, a short video of you actually doing the work on your craft, or a raw behind-the-scenes shot can make a world of difference. Tell your readers why you started your business, what you’re passionate about, and even what problems you’ve faced along the way. Don’t be afraid to be honest; people like authenticity, and sharing the “real you” immediately builds trust much more effectively than a rehearsed ad ever will.
Share Something Small That Helps Someone
Another great way of self-promotion is through helpfulness. You don’t need to be an expert or instructor in order to offer value. Simply share what you have. Think of the little tricks or tips that you happen to know; those are typically most interesting to others.
If you’re a baker, maybe a tip on keeping cookies fresh longer would be applicable. If you have a fitness page, a two-minute stretch video for people who sit at their desk all day could be extremely helpful. Just because it may be easy for you doesn’t mean it’s been done before by someone else. The key is to keep it simple, specific, and actionable.
Value-added content is also really shareable. When people get something worthwhile from you, they’ll probably bookmark your post, send it to their friends, or follow you for more. That’s how you establish your reputation over time as someone who’s worth listening to, and spending money on.
Start Conversations with Simple Questions
One of the easiest but most powerful ways to drive engagement online is to ask questions. When you ask, people answer, and when people answer, platforms pay attention. Social media algorithms love engagement. The more that users like, comment, or react to your post, the more likely it is to be shown to other users.
Your questions don’t have to be businesslike or serious. They might be lighthearted, fun, or totally random — “Favourite morning coffee” or “Sweet snacks or savoury snacks — team sweet or team savoury?” These kinds of questions get folks weighing in without thinking too hard. And when they do respond, they’ll be more likely to be reading your other posts too.
You can also use Instagram Stories features like polls, quizzes, or emoji sliders to interact with your audience in a low-pressure, playful way. These tools make your followers feel like part of your brand, which increases loyalty over time.
Stay Consistent — Even If You’re Not Posting Every Day
Consistency is the most underrated marketing strategy. You don’t need to post daily, but you do need to post regularly. When people see your content regularly, they begin to recognise you. That recognition generates trust, and trust equals action, whether it’s a follow, a comment, or a sale.
A good rule of thumb is to make a simple posting rhythm that suits you. Maybe you post three times a week: one tip, one behind-the-scenes, and one fun or interactive post. The goal is to be seen enough that your audience will know you’re there and busy.
If you struggle to allocate time to posting, batching posts is an option. Set aside one day to write all your week’s posts and then set them to automatically publish using a free app like Meta Business Suite, Buffer, or Later. It saves you time and keeps you on schedule even on the busiest of days.
Celebrate Wins (and Share the Real Journey)
Don’t be afraid to show your victories. Whether you sold something for the first time or reached 1,000 followers, celebrate the experience with your followers. People love to see others succeed, especially if they’ve been witnessing you do it. Revealing victories not only makes your followers proud of you, but new visitors also get the message that you’re on the rise and doing something unique worth a peek.
As important as sharing your victories is being honest about your failures. Did you try something new and mess it up? It’s okay to talk about that too. Those are the things that make you human and likeable. They remind your audience there is a person behind your business, someone just like them, learning, growing, and figuring it out.
Last Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Keep It Real
Successful marketing at its core is about connection. It’s not about being viral or popular; it’s about presence, it’s about being human, and it’s about providing value in a manner that’s authentic to you.
You don’t require a large budget. You don’t require elaborate equipment. You just need to turn up, tell the truth, and treat people like human beings, not statistics.
Begin small. Begin simple. And above all, begin now.
