The Thing About Advertising

When I started building my coaching business, I thought the main part of my work would be the actual coaching.

Today, I know I was wrong.

Before I can even support people, I first have to advertise myself. And that is something I find incredibly difficult.

Not because I would be embarrassed, but because advertising has always had an unpleasant connotation for me.

Advertising often feels manipulative. It tries to create needs or convince people that they absolutely need something.

And that is exactly what I don’t want.

I don’t want to convince anyone of something they don’t actually want, or make someone feel like there is something wrong with them. I also don’t want to reach people through fear. Instead, I want people to know exactly what they are getting into when they choose to work with me.

That’s why, at some point, I started including my chickens in my posts. Yes, also as a marketing strategy to attract attention. But not only for that reason. My chickens are an important part of my life. They show something of the person behind the counseling and offer a small glimpse into my everyday life.

Maybe that’s exactly why taking that first step and reaching out feels a little easier.

Still, I keep noticing how difficult this balancing act can be. Between visibility and honesty. Between reach and authenticity.

Of course, I want as many people as possible to discover my website. But even more importantly, I want the people who stay to be those who would genuinely feel comfortable working with me.

I simply want to be visible to the people who are looking for exactly this kind of support.

I’ve come to realize that advertising doesn’t necessarily have to be manipulative. It can simply be a way of becoming visible. Because people can only make use of my support if they know I exist.