Marketing: Sleazy or Smart? How to Market Yourself Without Feeling Gross

Most business owners I know feel a bit "eeeeeep" about marketing. I get it—I used to feel that way too!

Marketing often gets a bad rap. I hear entrepreneurs, service providers, and creatives describe it as sleazy, overwhelming, scary, or sales-y. Maybe you’ve felt that way too?

But here’s the thing: Marketing with integrity is not about being a sleazoid desperado.

It’s not about tricking people. It’s not about pressure. It’s not about being loud for the sake of it.

Marketing is about being visible - so your future clients even know you exist.

And in a world where first impressions happen online, that visibility starts with how you present yourself. Your website, your social media, your LinkedIn - your personal brand matters.

Meanwhile… Enter Dodgy Don.

You can bet there are Dodgy Dons out there, marketing their butts off and getting attention from clients you know you could serve way better.

Dodgy Don has no problem showing up. He’s visible, confident, and everywhere.

And if your future clients don’t see you? They might think Dodgy Don is their only option. 😬

Marketing = Giving People a Choice.

Marketing isn’t about convincing people. It’s about helping them. And a strong personal brand - including professional photos - can make all the difference.

Think about it: When a potential client lands on your website or LinkedIn, what do they see?

A confident, approachable, polished professional?

Or a random selfie from 2017?

Your future clients deserve to see the real you - the expert who’s ready to help them. That’s where personal branding photography comes in.

The Bottom Line:

• Your future clients deserve to know you exist.

• They deserve the opportunity to choose someone they’ll love working with (you!).

• And marketing - including strong visuals - is how you make that possible.

So what do you reckon? How does this change the way you feel about marketing?