How to Build a Strong Online Presence Without Feeling Like a Used Car Salesman
There’s a fine line between promoting your business and making people want to hit “unfollow” faster than you can say limited-time offer.
And if the thought of “selling yourself” online makes you feel a bit ick, you’re not alone.
Good news though: building a strong online presence does not mean you have to turn into a human pop-up ad.
Here’s how to show up with confidence (and a lot less cringe).
1. Focus on Being Helpful, Not Just Salesy
Your audience is not waking up thinking, Gee, I hope someone sells me a package today.
They are thinking about their own problems, their own goals, and their never-ending to-do list.
If you can position yourself as the person who helps, not just sells, you instantly build trust.
Share advice, tips, resources and real stories. Help first, sell second. (The sales will happen naturally.)
2. Build Trust Through Realness
Skip the shiny, fake stuff.
People want to work with real humans who get it, not perfect robots who look like they live inside a Canva template.
Share your wins and your challenges.
Talk about why you started your business. Show the person behind the brand.
A little honesty goes a long way, and it feels a lot better than faking it.
3. Showcase Your Work, Not Just Your Offers
Instead of shouting “Buy my thing!” every week, show the value of what you do.
This could be:
Behind-the-scenes glimpses of projects
Before-and-after transformations
Client success stories
Testimonials
When you show real results, you do not have to push people. They will see the proof for themselves.
4. Talk to Your People, Not “Everyone”
The fastest way to sound like a cheesy salesman is trying to appeal to everyone.
The fastest way to sound like a trusted expert is speaking directly to your people.
Be clear about who you help and how you help them.
Tailor your content, language and examples to that group.
When the right people see themselves in your content, the connection happens naturally.
5. Remember: You’re a Guide, Not the Star of the Show
You are not here to distract people with flashing lights.
You are here to walk alongside them and help them climb.
Position yourself as the guide, not the hero.
Your clients are the heroes of their own story. You are the smart, strategic, coffee-fuelled human who helps them get there faster.
Final Thought:
You do not need to turn into a sleazy salesman to build a strong online presence.
You just need to show up, be real, and focus on helping your audience climb higher.
If you want a hand building a brand and website that helps you grow your business the right way, we are ready to collaborate with you.
About the Author
Ashleigh is a website and marketing expert with a double degree in Journalism and Marketing and over 10 years of experience designing websites. She has built and worked on over 400 websites and is constantly upskilling in SEO, UX, and AI to stay ahead of the game. When she’s not creating high-performing websites, she’s juggling life as a business owner, twin mum, and coffee enthusiast.
