I burned out trying to be an extrovert online
until I discovered the power of marketing as an introvert.
We need to talk about something many of us feel but rarely say out loud: how we sometimes sacrifice parts of ourselves to look, sound, or act like someone we’re not on social media. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying you’re a completely different person online. But for many, there’s this nagging feeling that we have to show up a certain way if we want to reach our goals.
For many years, I worked as a journalist, comfortably hidden behind my microphone. I was practically invisible online, no one knew the person behind the byline. But then I started a blog, and something terrifying happened.
I made a grammar mistake in a blog post, and a reader sent me an angry email. Yes, addressed directly to me. It was something I had never experienced before as part of a team. Suddenly, I was the only one responsible, the only one being called out, and the only one who could respond.
That moment was both terrifying and liberating at the same time.
My blog took off quickly, and before I knew it, I was thrown into the world of personal branding and marketing. Suddenly, I had to learn everything the hard way, with no guide but my own mistakes. As an introvert, all I wanted was one simple thing: to create quietly, in my own space. But the world had other ideas. It demanded I be louder, bolder, someone I wasn’t. And slowly, I began to shape myself into the person I thought it wanted, leaving pieces of my true self behind.
Interviews, TV appearances, public speaking, videos, sponsorship deals… it all piled up faster than I could handle. And then, the massive burnout.
I looked at my content, searching for myself, but all I saw was a version of me I didn’t recognize. I had learned exactly what I didn’t want.
That turning point taught me one of the most valuable lessons of my journey: the power of embracing who you truly are. For introverts like us, this means leaning into our natural strengths instead of fighting to fit into a mold that doesn’t suit us.
Marketing doesn’t have to feel like a performance; it can feel like an extension of who you already are.
The Introvert’s Marketing Advantage
Introverts have strengths that are often overlooked in a world that values extroverted energy. But these strengths are what can make your marketing powerful, sustainable, and truly aligned with who you are.
Deep thinking is your superpower
As an introvert, you have a natural ability to process ideas thoughtfully. That means your content doesn’t have to be loud or flashy to make an impact. Well-crafted, thoughtful posts or articles will resonate with people who are seeking depth and meaning, not just noise.Listening creates better content
Introverts are often great listeners, and that’s a huge advantage. You don’t just hear what your audience says; you understand it. By truly listening to the needs, challenges, and desires of your community, you can create content that feels tailor-made for them.Quality over quantity in relationships
While extroverts may thrive in big networks, introverts excel at building deep, meaningful connections. Focus on quality over quantity, whether that’s through heartfelt emails, 1:1 interactions, or comments that spark genuine conversations.Success by leaning into your strengths
, for example. Her book Quiet became a worldwide phenomenon not because she tried to mimic the loud, extroverted voices in the self-help space but because she leaned into her perspective as an introvert. She showed us that quiet voices can be just as powerful.
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How I Use My Introversion as a Strength
Over the years, I’ve built my marketing and business approach in a way that honors my introverted nature. Here are some things I’ve learned along the way: