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Remember when everyone was obsessed with having this perfect, polished presence online?
If you’re a solopreneur or small business owner running things mostly online, you probably know exactly what I’m talking about.
It showed up in all sorts of ways:
Where we used to hesitate sharing personal stories or experiences cause it wasn’t considered “professional.” Talking about anything other than strictly business was seen as TMI(too much info).
Where we’d censor our thoughts, filter our words, always second-guessing: “Will this make me sound like less of an online authority?”
The thing is, keeping up this image comes at a cost. We end up creating online personas that don’t feel like us—more like the version of ourselves we’d be if we were still stuck in corporate.
And here’s the biggest downside: we end up creating a version of ourselves that’s harder for people to relate to, trust, and connect with.
But this is changing—and will keep changing well into 2025.
Authenticity has always been “in,” but with the rise of platforms like Threads, it’s become even clearer that people are getting tired of the polished, perfect facades. They’re craving something real. They want to see the person behind the brand, the human behind the expert.
I see 2025 bringing a big shift in how online personalities and businesses show up. We’ll start seeing more raw, unfiltered content. More honest conversations about the ups and downs of business and life.
But don’t worry—this doesn’t mean you have to share every personal detail. It’s more about letting your personality come through in your work and online presence.
As we look ahead to 2025, here are 5 things you can start doing:
1. Get clear on your values
What really matters to you? What would you stand up for, even if it cost you a client? Whatever it is, write it down.
Your values are your compass. They guide your decisions and help you attract clients who vibe with what you’re all about.
Here’s a little exercise I usually do with clients to help them not just get clear on their values, but also visualize how to apply them day to day:
2. Know what you have in common with your audience:
Here’s the thing – your audience isn’t just a bunch of numbers or data points.
They’re people, just like you, with their own likes, dislikes, and everyday experiences. So forget the basic demographic stuff(like where they live, or how old they are) for a minute. What really makes them tick?
Are they:
- Podcast junkies always looking for the next great podcast, just like you?
- Coffee enthusiasts who can’t start their day without that perfect cup?
- Introverts who’d rather do anything than small talk at a networking event?
- Trying to balance running a business while raising kids, just like you are?
This is how you create real connections. Because if you’re anything like me, you’re not here to treat people like they’re just potential dollar signs. You want to build genuine relationships with your audience that exist whether or not they ever buy from you.
When people feel like you really get them – their interests, their challenges, their likes and dislikes – that’s when they start to trust you. That’s when they want to hear more from you or work with you.
3. Show more personality in your brand and website
People don’t just buy products or services—they buy into people. Your personality is what takes a faceless business and turns it into a brand people care about. It’s why they’ll choose you over someone offering the exact same thing.
And if you need to figure out how to add more personality to your website, check out my freebie here
4. Be intentional about how you interact online
Your online presence is an extension of you, and it’ll be around for a long time.
So ask yourself: when you look back on your online interactions five, ten years from now, what do you want to see? I’m guessing you want to be proud of how you showed up, right?
Now, we all know the internet can be a bit of a minefield. There’s negativity, trolls, heated arguments – you name it. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to contribute to that. In fact, you can be a force for good.
Building a positive community around your brand doesn’t just feel good (although it does feel pretty great). It’s also smart business. People are drawn to positivity. They want to be around – and do business with – people who lift others up.
5. Tune into your own online behavior to figure out how to show up differently
Ever catch yourself mindlessly scrolling through your feed, barely registering what you’re seeing? Stop and think about that for a second. What made you keep scrolling instead of stopping to engage?
Was it another generic “5 Tips for Success” post? Or maybe a promotional post that sounds like every other promotional post you’ve seen?
Here’s the thing: if something bores you, it’s probably boring your audience too.
So use your own online pet peeves as inspiration to create content that stands out and genuinely engages your audience.
And if you enjoyed this, don’t forget to share it with others
