Marketing for People Who Hate Marketing: A No-BS Guide for Creatives
You’re incredible at what you do – tattoos, hair, writing, cooking, etc – but the idea of being a marketer makes you cringe.
That’s a valid feeling, & it’s why most marketing advice fails you.
Authentic marketing for creatives isn’t about becoming a salesperson, & less so the more niche your market. Instead, it’s about building a clear, authentic voice to speak to the right people.
Let’s try to build that bridge! Here are the three mindset shifts that make it possible.
1. Stop thinking of it as “Marketing.” Start calling it “Storytelling.”
The moment you frame it as “bragging” or “selling,” you freeze up.
So reframe it. You are telling the story of your work, your process, & your people’s transformations.
A tattoo artist isn’t just selling art; they’re sharing a story of personal meaning.
A consultant isn’t selling hours; they’re sharing a story of problems solved.
Capture & share those stories. That’s authentic content your followers will naturally resonate with.
2. Your System Should Be Simple, Not Perfect.
If you’re reading this, I’ve got good news! You don’t need a 50-step strategy! You just need a simple, repeatable framework that doesn’t drain your creative energy. Here are some easy ways to help simplify what you’re doing:
Platform Choice
Be consistently excellent on 1-2 platforms, not ghostly on 5.Content Pillars
Define some common topics you’ll always talk about to rotate through on posts (e.g., In-Process Items, Finished Work, Client Voices, Your Inspiration).Media Batching
Create a month of stories or posts in one focused sitting. This eliminates daily decision fatigue.
3. Lead with Your “Why,” Not Your “What.”
People connect with purpose, not just products.
Before posting a finished piece, share the “why” behind it. What was the client’s hope? What technical challenge did it solve?
This layer of meaning transforms a simple photo into a connection point. It shows the thought & care behind your craft, which is what people truly invest in.
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Make these three shifts & watch your marketing become a more natural, lower-stress extension of the work you already love doing.