Is Your Online Presence Holding You Back? It’s Time for an Audit!

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As a fellow creative entrepreneur, I know you’re not just dabbling in this business stuff. You’re all in, pouring your heart, soul, and probably a few too many cups of coffee into your craft. This isn’t just a hobby or a side hustle for you – it’s your passion and your purpose.

You’ve got a distinct gift to share with the world, but is your online presence doing it justice? 

If you’re feeling stuck, struggling to attract your dream clients, or just not making the impact you know you’re capable of, a scattered digital footprint might be holding you back.

Can you relate to this? 

You’re hustling hard, creating content, showing up on every social media platform, and trying to keep up with all the latest trends. But despite all that effort, you’re just not seeing the growth, engagement, or sales you deserve. 

  • Your message is getting lost, 
  • your unique voice is drowning in the sea of noise, 
  • and you’re starting to wonder if it’s worth all the effort you’re pouring into this digital juggling act.

It’s enough to make you want to throw your phone out the window and run off to join a traveling circus (at least there, you’d get some applause for your efforts).

I’ve been there too! 

And so many other creative entrepreneurs are right there with you, feeling overwhelmed and unsure about how to make their online presence work for them. 

But here’s the thing: An online presence audit can help you finally turn things around.

By taking a strategic, in-depth look at your digital footprint, you can pinpoint exactly what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change. 

You’ll be able to create a powerful online presence that authentically represents your brand and attracts your ideal clients like a magnet. With a clear roadmap in hand, you can focus your time and energy on the platforms and strategies that truly move the needle, saving you precious resources while expanding your impact.

So, if you’re ready to take charge of your online presence and unlock the full potential of your creative business, keep on reading! 

In this blog post, I’ll dive into the game-changing magic of an online presence audit and walk you through exactly how to do one for your own brand.

The Content Formula: Quality + Consistency 

When it comes to creating content for your website, social media, and email marketing that actually converts, quality is non-negotiable. 

I know that you don’t want to churn out post after post just for the sake of meeting some arbitrary quota. In fact, the idea of sacrificing quality for quantity probably feels completely wrong to you, even though it seems to be what the algorithm rewards and what so many gurus out there tell you to do to grow and succeed online.

You’re not alone in feeling conflicted about this. It’s frustrating to feel like you have to choose between staying true to your values and creating meaningful content or playing the game and cranking out mediocre posts just to keep up. 

But the truth is, your intuition is RIGHT:

Your dream clients are craving high-quality content that speaks directly to their pain points, offers them real value, and showcases your one-of-a-kind expertise. They don’t want fluff or generic posts that could have been written by anyone.

But quality alone isn’t enough. You also need to be consistent. 

Showing up sporadically with a few brilliant posts isn’t going to cut it. Your ideal clients need to know they can count on you to deliver the goods on a regular basis.

It’s essential to find the sweet spot where you can consistently show up with quality content across multiple platforms where your ICA likes to spend time and consume content. It’s best embraced as a multi-faceted approach: website, different social platforms, email, etc. 

Each space should have its own consistent rhythm, and they should all fit together seamlessly, allowing you to maintain top-of-mind presence, grow the know/like/trust factor, and position yourself as a thought leader or market leader in your niche.

So, how do you achieve this perfect balance of quality and consistency in your online presence? 

You’ll likely need to experiment a bit to find your true capacity – a balance where you’re not overwhelmed by the quantity of content creation, but not sharing so infrequently that your efforts appear inconsistent or sporadic. 

Your audience should be able to recognize and anticipate your consistent, valuable content just like you look forward to your favorite podcast dropping each Wednesday morning or just have to pop on to see Sara Blakely’s #MondayMugShot post on Instagram each week.

When you combine quality and consistency, that’s when the magic happens. That’s when you start building real authority with your audience. That’s when you start attracting dream clients who are ready to invest in what you have to offer.

And this is precisely where an online presence audit comes in – a powerful tool to help you assess your current digital footprint, identify areas for improvement, and create a strategic plan to elevate your content game.

Step 1: Audit Your Online Presence (Like You Mean It)

It’s time to put on your detective hat and take a thorough inventory of your digital footprint. This is your chance to assess what’s working and where you can make strategic improvements.

Take a long, hard look at all the places you’re currently showing up online – your website, social media profiles, email marketing, and any other platforms you use to connect with your audience.

Then, ask yourself these crucial questions:

  1. Are these platforms still relevant to my target audience? For example, if you’re a watercolor artist, you might find that TikTok is a goldmine for connecting with potential clients, while LinkedIn may not be the best use of your time and energy.

  2. Do I have the capacity to consistently show up and engage on all these platforms? Remember, consistency is key to building trust and growing your audience. If you’re spreading yourself too thin, your content quality and engagement may suffer. For example, as a solopreneur, you might decide to focus on just one main social media platform and an email newsletter, rather than trying to maintain a presence on every single channel. Start simple, you can always add on later.

  3. Where can I streamline my efforts for maximum impact? Look for opportunities to repurpose content, automate certain tasks, or let go of platforms that aren’t delivering results. For example if you’re a photographer, you might repurpose your tutorial videos from YouTube into shorter clips for Instagram Reels, saving you time and reaching a wider audience.

  4. Are there any new platforms or content formats I want to explore? Depending on your goals and target audience, you might consider adding a new platform to your mix or experimenting with a different content format. But only consider this if you have assessed your current capacity and have the bandwidth to add something new without dropping the ball anywhere else.

Remember, your online presence audit is all about making strategic, data-driven decisions. By taking the time to assess your digital footprint, you can create a more focused, effective online presence that truly resonates with your ideal clients.

So, open a fresh Google Doc (or a fancy spreadsheet, if that’s more your style) and start auditing! 

Step 2: Outline Your Ideal Rhythms (and Make It Realistic)

Now that you’ve audited your online presence, it’s time to get strategic about your content rhythms

Grab your favorite planning tool (whether that’s a physical calendar or a digital app like ClickUp) and let’s dive in!

Your goal is to map out a posting rhythm that feels both ambitious and achievable. Consider what works best for each platform, as well as how they can support each other as part of a cohesive strategy.

For example, here’s a peek at my current content rhythms:

  • Weekly blog post every Monday: This is the cornerstone of my content strategy. Each post dives deep into a topic that’s relevant to my target audience, providing valuable insights and actionable advice. Back in 2020, I was doing this on my own until it felt unsustainable. At that point I re-evaluated my capacity and circumstances and decided to bring on my copywriter and VA who help me get these blogs over the finish line every single week. 

  • Email newsletter every Tuesday: I leverage my email list to promote my latest blog post and share exclusive content that’s not available anywhere else. This helps drive traffic back to my website and nurture my subscribers to keep them engaged.

  • 3 Instagram posts per week: I use Instagram to visually showcase my brand and connect with my audience on a more personal level. My posts are a mix of blog-related content, behind-the-scenes snapshots, and engaging questions or polls to spark conversation.

Notice how all three types of content lean on and support one another.

I also have a few platforms that are currently on pause, but for a time I was also sticking to these rhythms:

  • 3 TikTok videos per week: I’ve found that TikTok is a great platform for reaching a wider audience and showcasing my personality. I created short, snappy videos that provided quick tips or insights related to creative businesses. 

  • 5 Pinterest Pins per blog post: Pinterest is a powerful tool that I’ve used in the past to drive traffic to my website. I would create multiple eye-catching pins for each blog post, targeting different keywords and audiences.

As you can see, content rhythms can change and evolve. While I would love to get back into consistently posting on TikTok and Pinterest, it’s just not in the cards for me in this season of life and business. Other things are taking priority. If and when it feels aligned, I can create the systems and rhythms to support these forms of content creation again in the future. 

And most importantly, I’ve chosen rhythms that feel realistic for me and my business. I know that I can consistently show up and deliver quality content without burning myself out.

It’s crucial to reiterate here that these rhythms and systems have the impact needed to help reach my current business goals. 

I say this because I never want you to do things just to do them; I want to make sure that your rhythms and systems have an ROI aligned with your business goals and vision. 

For me, this particular setup works for my objectives. However, your ideal rhythms and systems might look different based on your unique situation and goals.

So, as you map out your own ideal rhythms, keep these tips in mind:

  1. Start small and build up over time. Don’t try to go from zero to 100 overnight!
  2. Focus on the platforms that are most important to your target audience and business goals.
  3. Look for opportunities to repurpose and cross-promote your content.
  4. Build in buffer time for content creation and scheduling.
  5. Be realistic about what you can accomplish, and don’t be afraid to adjust as needed.

Remember, your content rhythm is not set in stone. It’s a living, breathing strategy that can (and should) evolve as your creative business grows and changes.

Step 3: Create a Plan of Action (and Stick to It)

You’ve got your ideal content rhythm mapped out, and you’re feeling inspired to make it happen. But let’s be honest – creating all that content can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a solopreneur wearing all the hats.

I know what you might be thinking: “That’s a lot of content creation!” And you’re right. 

But here’s the thing – with the right systems, strategies, and support in place, it’s totally doable.

Batch Creating

One of my favorite strategies is batch-creating content in advance. Instead of scrambling to come up with ideas on the fly, I set aside dedicated time each month to brainstorm, outline, and create my blog posts and social media content for the next few weeks. This helps me stay ahead of the game and ensures that I’m always showing up consistently for my audience.

Repurpose Content

Another time-saving trick is repurposing content across multiple platforms. For example, you might turn a blog post into a series of Instagram carousels, a YouTube video, and a handful of Pinterest pins. By finding creative ways to repurpose content, you’ll be able to maximize your efforts and reach a wider audience without starting from scratch every time.

Bring In The Experts

Even with these strategies in place, I know that creating a consistent content rhythm can be a lot to handle on your own. That’s why I’m a big believer in calling in reinforcements!

If you have the financial resources but lack the time, consider outsourcing to the pros. They can help you stay on track with your content creation goals, freeing up your time and energy to focus on other aspects of your business.

For me, having my trusty copywriter and VA on speed-dial has been a game-changer. 

My copywriter, in particular, has an incredible talent for taking the jumble of ideas and important teaching points that I have in my head on any one topic (my strength is weaving these together in real time as I teach) and re-structuring them into an accessible and easy-to-follow blog post format that can reach and serve a wider audience. It’s a totally different skill set than what I bring to the table, and I’m so grateful to have her expertise on my team. 

Together with my VA, who handles all the tech stuff, they help me keep my content rhythms running like a well-oiled machine, even when life gets hectic.

So, as you create your own plan of action, consider:

  • Batching your content creation in advance
  • Repurposing your content across multiple platforms
  • Outsourcing to an expert if you have the resources

And most importantly, don’t forget to give yourself grace. Building a consistent content rhythm takes time and practice. There will be weeks when you fall short of your goals, and that’s okay. The key is to keep showing up, learning from your missteps, and adjusting your plan as needed.

With a solid plan of action and a little bit of grit, you’ll be well on your way to creating a content rhythm that feels both sustainable and impactful.

Step 4: Execute Your Plan (Like the Boss You Are)

Alright, it’s go-time! You’ve audited your online presence, mapped out your ideal content rhythm, and created a solid plan of action. Now, it’s time to put all that strategizing into practice and make things happen.

I’m not going to sugarcoat it – starting a new content rhythm can feel like a heavy lift at first. You might find yourself staring at a blinking cursor, wondering what the heck to write about or struggling to find the time to batch-create your social media posts.

But here’s the thing: just like riding a bike, the hardest part is getting started. Once you build up some momentum and gain a little experience, it gets a whole lot easier.

Think about it – the first time you hopped on a bike, you probably wobbled and swerved and maybe even fell a few times. But with each attempt, you gained a little more confidence, strength and skill. Before you knew it, you were cruising down the street like a pro.

Creating a consistent content rhythm works the same way. 

The first few weeks might feel clunky and uncomfortable, but as you keep showing up and putting in the work, you’ll find your groove.

You’ll start to get a feel for what resonates with your audience, what types of content you enjoy creating, and how to optimize your workflow for maximum efficiency. 

You’ll develop your own unique voice and style, and your confidence will grow with each piece of content you publish.

So, if you find yourself feeling stuck or overwhelmed in those early days, just remember: you’ve got this. 

You’ve done the hard work of crafting a solid plan, and now it’s time to trust the process and keep pedaling forward.

And if you need a little extra motivation along the way, here are a few tips to keep you rolling:

  1. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Did you publish your first blog post on schedule? Share an authentic behind-the-scenes moment on your Instagram story? Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back!

  2. Find an accountability buddy or join a supportive community of fellow content creators. Having someone to cheer you on can make all the difference.

  3. Remember your “why.” When the going gets tough, take a step back and remind yourself why you’re putting in all this effort. Whether it’s to build a thriving business, make a positive impact on your audience, or simply express your creativity, keeping your bigger purpose in mind can help you stay motivated.

So, take a deep breath and jump in! Your content rhythm might not be perfect right out of the gate, but with each passing week, you’ll gain the momentum and experience you need to make it feel like second nature.

Step 5: Reflect and Adjust (Because Things Change)

Once you’ve been rocking your new content rhythm for a while, you’ll probably start to see some traction. But here’s the thing – your online presence is a living, breathing entity, and what worked like a charm last month might not be hitting the mark today.

That’s why it’s so important to regularly check in with yourself and your analytics. In fact, reflecting and adjusting your content rhythms should be a rhythm itself! I recommend building this into your business’ quarterly review. 

Here are a few key questions to ask yourself:

  • Is my current rhythm sustainable, or am I on the fast track to burnout? Be honest with yourself – are you feeling energized and inspired by your content creation process, or are you starting to dread the thought of opening your laptop? If you’re feeling more frazzled than creative, it might be time to make some adjustments to your rhythm or delegate some tasks to your team.

  • Is my content actually driving results, or am I just spinning my wheels? Take a look at your analytics – are your blog posts about your painting techniques getting read and shared? Are your Instagram posts that showcase your latest graphic design projects sparking engagement and conversation? Are your email newsletters getting opened and read leading to inquiries and commissions? If the answer is a resounding “meh,” it’s time to dig deeper and figure out what’s not resonating with your audience.

  • Do I need to make any tweaks based on algorithm updates, audience behavior, or changes in my own business? The creative business world moves fast, especially in the digital age, and what worked yesterday might not work today. Keep an eye out for any major algorithm changes or shifts in your audience’s behavior. And if you’ve made any big changes to your creative offers or your niche, make sure your content strategy reflects that.
Here are a few examples to illustrate the importance of reflecting and adjusting:

  1. High effort, low return: Let’s say you’ve been spending hours creating daily Instagram Reels, but you’re not seeing a significant increase in engagement or followers. It might be time to scale back on the frequency and focus on creating higher-quality, more impactful Reels that truly showcase your unique style and techniques.
  1. High effort, high return (worth outsourcing):  Maybe you’ve chosen to write in-depth blog posts and find they are driving significant traffic and leads to your website. However, the time you spend writing is taking away from your ability to focus on client projects or other critical areas of your business. In this case, it might be worth outsourcing your blog writing, freeing up your time and energy while still maintaining the valuable content that’s working well for your business.
  1. Low effort, medium return: You might find yourself in a sweet spot where minimal efforts are driving decent results. For example, maybe you’re consistently posting once a week on Instagram and seeing steady growth and engagement. In this case you have choices – you could maintain your current rhythm, increase your posting frequency slightly, experiment with a new platform like Pinterest or TikTok, or incorporate a new content format like time-lapse videos to keep things fresh while still maintaining a manageable workload.

The point is, your content strategy should be flexible and adaptable, not only to the ever-changing online landscape but also to your own capacity, goals, and creative energy. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments, find your sweet spot, and prioritize your well-being and creativity above all else.

Finding your content groove is an ongoing journey, but by staying attuned to your own needs, your audience’s engagement, and the ebbs and flows of your creative business, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a digital presence that feels authentic, sustainable, and impactful.

Take Charge of Your Online Presence

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward with your online presence, I invite you to explore my 90-minute Clarity Calls, designed specifically for creative entrepreneurs like you. 

In just 90 minutes, we’ll… 

  • dive deep into your digital strategy, 
  • assess your strengths and opportunities, 
  • and map out a clear plan to help you create content that resonates, reach your ideal clients, and grow your business with intention and impact. 

If you’re ready to gain the clarity and confidence you need to thrive as a creative entrepreneur in the digital age, then let’s make some magic together! 

Book your intensive today and take the first step towards unlocking your full potential online. I’m here to support you every step of the way.

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