Are you an introvert? What is an introvert and why would you market your business online differently than anyone else?
What is an introvert?
An introvert is not just someone who is shy. A introvert is a person who is energised by spending time alone. Often found in their homes, libraries, quiet parks that not many people know about or other secluded places; introverts like to think and be alone.
Contrary to popular belief, not all introverts are shy. Some may have great social lives and love talking to their friends but just need some time to be alone to “recharge” afterwards.
So basically, shyness is a fear of social judgment while introversion means you are more energized and at your best in less stimulating and quieter environments.
My journey
Part of me is a little introverted, part of me is shy and part of me is a little crazy fun. Sometimes, I need a little time out to recharge, sometimes self-promotion does not come easily and sometimes I am just bubbling over with excitement but if you ask any of my friends and acquaintances, they will probably tell you that there is no way I am an introvert. NO WAY! The truth is that there is a part of me that is and so I have to understand this in order to market my business online.
If you are an introvert, you may have felt a little overwhelmed when reading advice on how to market yourself / your business online because that advice generally comes from extroverts and while much of the advice you can follow, you also need to remember to be true to who you are.
Tips on how to market your business online (for introverts)
Often, people see being introverted as a disability, which is simply not true. It is just a different way of being and we all have different strengths and abilities. I have put together some tips and ideas which you can implement using your strengths as an introvert.
1. Keep Reading & Writing
If you ask any good online marketer how to become a trusted authority in any niche, they’ll tell you this – you need to build expertise by reading, researching and obsessing over everything in your niche.
Trust grows when you support your writing with knowledge and understanding of your audience’s needs. The more you know, the more you can blog with authority and credibility…and guess what!? Blogging and writing is something that most introverts are naturally good at and is excellent for SEO (search engine optimisation) and increasing traffic to your website!
2. Be quiet and listen
Most introverts do this quite naturally – this is where I brake the mould sometimes – but most introverts do prefer to listen more than talk. When introverts do speak, it’s only when they think they have something useful to say.
By listening, you understand the minds and needs of your readers. And when you know what’s on their minds, you can craft more focused content to solve their problems.
“Listening” online is just like what you’d do in reality. You observe where the conversations on your topic are happening. This can be on your favourite social media platform (like Twitter or Facebook), your website comments or forums.
Listening deeply takes patience and understanding. Do it well and your readers will be sure to lend you their ears eyes.
But if you don’t have anything useful to say, don’t say anything. This in some ways breaks the “rules”. Often, it is suggested that you have constant content streaming through your website and social media pages and while content is still king, I would like to think of quality content as the crown.
However, as you read and listen you will naturally be inspired as to what you can share and offer to fill the needs of your clients – it just doesn’t need to be every Wednesday at 9am (for example) but rather as you are inspired.
As a introvert you need to be authentic to who you are. Be the same person you are online and offline and the right kind of people and clients will be naturally drawn to you.
3. Try to see “being sensitive” as what it really is, a strength!
Often introverts are sensitive souls. You may be considered a sensitive soul if you frequently reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. If you get started on a topic you’re passionate about, you may occasionally surprise yourself and others with your emotional firepower.
Of course, many will say that being emotional makes you too “delicate” whereas it is actually a strength and a gift. Your website visitors will be drawn to a real human being with heart and emotion. They want someone sensitive and empathetic. Someone who “gets” them. Someone with great passion for what they do and great passion thrives on intense emotion.
Be sensitive, be vulnerable but do it as you feel inspired. Your natural passion will draw others to you.
Wokie Nwabueze
Wokie Nwabueze is a first-generation American child of Liberian parents. She was brought up in a culture of quiet. She learned to model the gentle, quiet nature of her parents. She is now a communications strategist and coach from New York who works with many introverted, shy and highly sensitive women leaders. She says:
“There is an important difference between feeling energetically drained by self-promotion and being uncomfortable with visibility. The former requires a balanced game plan, while the latter requires deep self-reflection, confidence building and courage.”
George Stephanopoulos
George Stephanopoulos, a well-known anchor and political correspondent whose job is to talk to people, is a self-confessed introvert but he is one of the most successful television journalists, having hosted some of the most compelling interviews of our time.
George’s introverted nature allows him to empathise with his guests naturally and create a deeper connection that makes his interviews rich and unique.
Like him, you can channel the skills that come naturally to you as an introvert towards your marketing goals.
What has been your experience? Share it in the comments below!