How to Market as an Introvert
Every year since I was in my early-to-mid 20s, I have struggled with seasonal allergies. I don't know exactly which tree or flower triggers the allergies, but it generally lasts from end of April to early June. I sneeze, my eyes puff up and itch terribly, and my nose runs like there's no tomorrow. Also, I always forget that this happens to me, so it's always a surprise!
And do I take allergy meds? No, I do not, because I am a) stubborn, and b) not interested in taking medication as a personal choice.
However! I am an alternative option person, preferably an alternative healthy option, and so I began researching how to combat seasonal allergies naturally. One of the options I read about was taking a tablespoon of locally produced raw honey daily. So I picked up a jar of honey from a local farmstand and have been trying to remember to take a tablespoon every morning. So far? I haven't noticed a huge difference, but I am definitely not sneezing like crazy anymore!
Another option that was sent to me by a friend suggested keeping a snake plant in my bedroom, so I moved one of my little snake plants to my bedside table. Again, I haven't noticed any big results, but I do seem to be less runny-nosed when I go to sleep!
This annual experience made me think about how I like to find alternative options for my small business, too. It must just be part of who I am as a person! I sometimes like to do things the non-traditional way, especially when it comes to marketing. One way I think outside the box with marketing is by reflecting on my personality and gifts, how I connect best with people, and how I can make that work with my marketing strategy as a small business owner.
Some people choose to attend networking events regularly, or join a Facebook group where they post and connect with others. For me in the season I am currently in, and with my more introverted personality, I choose to market my small business through:
email newsletters (though I need to send them much more regularly – I'm working on that part!)
blog posts
Instagram
Pinterest
Google
I thought I’d briefly touch on how I use each of these methods to market my business (in my own small way). Don’t expect to find anything groundbreaking here, but I do hope this inspires you to start small and don’t be afraid to try new things! Anything is better than nothing when it comes to marketing. It could also be said that these methods are perfect for introverts – which is very true!
EMAIL NEWSLETTERS
I will be honest, I am still learning how to write and send these regularly. I love sharing new and old blog posts and new portfolio work, as well as life updates and what I’m currently interested in or working on – but I am not very good at sending these regularly! However, I DO have opt-ins set up, as well as automatic email flows that go out to my new subscribers, so I recommend researching what kind of free downloads or incentives might work best for your business when it comes to connecting with new people. Maybe that’s a sale for your best selling product, or a free cheat sheet for the service you offer! Next, I would see if the email marketing service you use has an automatic flow that you can set up, and I would follow this flow pattern:
After the initial freebie or offer goes out, set up a welcome email with a little bio about you and who you are. Include some fun facts, and invite your new friend to connect with you on social media.
Send a check-in email to see if they need help either using the discount/sale or the cheat sheet/freebie.
Send an email with a link to a helpful blog post or video that you think your new subscriber would appreciate.
Finally, invite them to take next steps with you by either booking a call, inquiring about a service, browsing your beautiful shop, or attending your next market.
I currently use Flodesk, which has some really beautiful email templates and automations. This link will get you 50% off your first year when you join!
BLOG POSTS
Blog posts are never a bad idea, no matter what type of business you run! Whether you are a service provider or a product-based business, there are always blog posts to be written for your customers or clients. Take an afternoon or morning to write down your customers’ top pain points and see if you are able to write up some quick but helpful blog posts to offer as a free resource for your customer or client! This brings me to the next marketing option:
Get on Canva, start designing cover graphics for your blog posts, and get pinning! Pin your blog posts until you’re blue in the face – you will not regret it. Pinterest is still one of the top ways to get traffic to your website and market your business, and the best part? It’s fairly passive! All you need to do is create pins on a schedule that works for you (try researching pinning schedules or methods, there are lots of resources out there!) and pin your content regularly. Pinterest acts like a search engine tailored to its users, and you are sure to start seeing results quickly!
I’ll be honest, Instagram is a hit-or-miss for me these days. Since becoming mainly a video-centric social media sharing app, it has been harder and harder for small businesses to keep up with the ever-changing trends and algorithms. However, it never hurts to keep on keepin’ on, and looking at alternate ways to keep up with the trends! Whether that means creating very simple videos with call-to-actions (“buy now” or “learn more”), or continuing to share beautiful still images of your product as well as informational graphics about your service, anything is still better than nothing. Do a little research on a posting method that will work for you, and start small.
If you don’t have a business profile on Google, you’re missing out! Here’s how to set one up. And make sure you are using SEO best practices throughout your website! Squarespace has a great checklist that works for other website providers as well, and gives a great jumping off point when it comes to getting found in search.
I hope these methods are fun for you to try out! Even though running a small business can seem stressful at times, I encourage you to just have fun. Try a little bit of everything, and see what sticks. Do a little reflection to see where you connect best with others, and what your gifts are that you can leverage to connect with people – especially if you are introverted. Business is about connection, after all! Enjoy it!
