Attraction vs. Promotion: How Creative Entrepreneurs Can Grow Their Business by Showing Up Authentically

Attraction vs. Promotion: How Showing Up Authentically Can Grow Your Creative Business

Running a small business is a wild ride, right? One minute, you’re a creative genius, and the next, you’re trying to figure out marketing strategies, sales funnels, and how on earth to get more clients without sounding like a walking ad. If that sounds like you, don’t worry, you’re not alone!

Here’s the deal: constantly *promoting* yourself can feel exhausting. You’ve got a great product or service, and it deserves to shine, but shouting about it all the time? Not exactly fun. The good news? There’s another way to grow your business that feels less like yelling and more like… inviting. Enter *attraction* marketing.

Instead of trying to push yourself out there, attraction marketing is all about being real, showing up authentically, and letting your ideal clients come to *you*. It’s magic—and it all starts with being present in your brand. Yep, I’m talking about showing your face, sharing your story, and creating a vibe that makes people say, “I *need* to work with this person!” Let’s dig into why that works and how you can make it happen.

Being Authentic Makes People Trust You (And They Want to Work With People They Trust)

Okay, let’s get real for a second: Would *you* want to work with someone if you didn’t have any clue who they were? Probably not, right? It’s the same for your clients! They want to feel like they know who you are before they even think about booking a session or buying your product. And how do they get to know you? By seeing you and hearing your voice.

Now, I get it. Showing up on your website or social media can feel like stepping into the spotlight, and not everyone loves being in front of the camera. But let me tell you something—people are *craving* authenticity. They don’t want perfection; they want real. They want to know the person behind the service or product they’re considering, and showing your face is the first step in building that connection.

**How I See It:** In my personal branding sessions, I work with a lot of small business owners—everyone from creatives and makers to wellness coaches and beauty pros—and one thing I always hear is, “I’m not sure if I should put myself out there.” But once we capture those beautiful, authentic photos that show off their personality, it’s like a lightbulb goes off. They see the impact of *being seen*. It’s not about vanity; it’s about connection.

Stop Screaming “Buy From Me!” and Start Telling Your Story

Here’s where things get fun: Attraction marketing is all about storytelling. Instead of constantly shouting, “Look at what I do! Buy from me!” (which can honestly feel kinda icky), you get to *share* your story. It’s softer, more inviting, and way more fun for both you *and* your audience.

Picture this: Instead of posting just another product shot or a bland promo, you post a photo of you in action—maybe creating that custom jewelry piece or getting your studio ready for the next client. You share a little behind-the-scenes look or a snippet of why you love doing what you do. Boom! You’re not just another business; you’re a person with a passion, and people love that. They’re drawn to that.

**In My Studio:** I work with so many amazing business owners in Phoenix—like makers and wellness experts—who want to *show* their clients what they’re all about. We create images that tell the story of who they are and why they’re passionate about their work. For example, if you’re a beauty expert, we’ll capture those little moments of you prepping for a client or working your magic behind the chair. It’s real, it’s raw, and it invites clients to be a part of your world.

People Want to See YOU (Yes, YOU!)

If you’ve been hiding behind your brand or feel like your work should speak for itself, I totally get that. But here’s the thing: People are way more likely to trust you and invest in your services if they can see the person behind the business. Your face is part of your brand, and it’s a powerful tool for creating a personal connection.

Think of it like this: You’re a maker creating something beautiful, a wellness coach helping people reach their goals, or a beauty expert making clients feel amazing. You are *so* much more than just the service you offer. By showing your face—on your website, social media, or even in your email newsletters—you’re giving clients a sneak peek into who you are, and that’s what makes them excited to work with you.

Fun Fact: One of my clients (a fabulous beauty professional in Phoenix) started showing her face more on Instagram, and the response was incredible. Her followers started DM’ing her, saying they loved her energy and couldn’t wait to book with her. It wasn’t just about the service anymore; it was about connecting with *her*. That’s the power of putting yourself out there!

Consistency is Key: Keep Showing Up

Okay, so you’ve shown your face once. Now what? Keep doing it! Consistency is *everything* when it comes to attraction marketing. You don’t need to show up every single day (who has time for that?), but being regular and reliable helps build trust. The more you show up—whether it’s through blog posts, Instagram stories, or fresh photos on your website—the more your audience gets to know you. And that’s when the magic happens.

When people see you showing up consistently, they start to recognize you, remember you, and—most importantly—trust you. And trust leads to bookings, sales, and loyal clients who can’t wait to work with you.

Confidence Is Your Superpower

At the end of the day, showing up authentically isn’t just about posting photos of yourself—it’s about being confident in who you are and what you offer. Confidence is magnetic. When you show up and own your space, you’ll attract clients who are excited to work with *you* because they believe in what you’re doing.

**Pro Tip:** If you’re feeling nervous about showing up, start small. Post a behind-the-scenes shot or share a quick story about your journey. The more you practice, the easier it gets, and soon you’ll be showing up like a pro. And trust me, your audience will *love* it.

Ready to Attract Your Dream Clients?

If you’re ready to stop chasing clients and start *attracting* them, it’s time to put yourself out there. Let’s work together to create stunning, authentic brand photos that make you feel confident and excited to show up in your business. Because when you show up authentically, your dream clients will find you—and they’ll be ready to book.