As business owners, it’s sometimes easy to feel like if we can’t do everything, it’s not good enough and we shouldn’t do anything.

But the truth is, the little things matter. The daily work, the quiet consistency behind the scenes, and simply showing up.

Your branding and website don’t have to be perfect before you can show up. If you’re feeling a little “meh” about your online presence but aren’t quite ready to invest in design experience yet, let this post be your permission slip.

These are some simple steps you can take to elevate your online presence, pulled straight from my own Notion dashboard of CEO tasks I prioritize for Flourish Foundry.

1. Request a Testimonial From a Recent Client

We all know the importance of social proof as business owners, but actually asking for that social proof? It’s often something that falls to the bottom of the priority list, either because you’ve already moved on to the next project or you’re nervous to ask.

Taking a few minutes to request a testimonial from the last client you worked with is a simple way to refresh your website. It also makes great content you can post on your socials.

TIP: If you haven’t already, building this into your client process so testimonial requests are automatically sent out at the end of a project can save you time and eliminate any weird feelings you might have about asking directly. It’s worth experimenting with!

2. Update Your Instagram Story Highlights

If you haven’t already, make use of your brand colors by incorporating them into your Instagram story highlights! The nature of social media is that customization is limited, but this is an easy way to showcase your personality and brand energy.

It’s also always a good idea to revisit your pinned stories from time to time to make sure they’re still relevant and accurate.

If you’ve recently updated your pricing or something about your client experience, make sure you don’t have any old information pinned in your highlights that could be confusing to prospects.

3. Share a Recent Thought on Threads

If you’re not already on Threads, this is your sign! I love Threads because it feels like an even playing field. And it’s allowed me to connect with some amazing fellow business owners.

The absolute best part about Threads is you truly don’t have to overthink what to post. You can share your random thoughts, insights from client projects you’re working on, and honest industry takes that you might not want to dedicate a full Reel or carousel post to.

If you’re a business owner strapped for time, creating content on Threads can be so easy and open you up to some incredible opportunities and connections.

4. Compliment Someone in Their DMs

If you started your business because you’re passionate about helping and empowering others, that doesn’t have to just mean your existing client roster.

Whether it’s a fantastic new offer someone launched, a gorgeous website, or something else, don’t underestimate the power of simply complimenting people. This can be an incredibly powerful way to build relationships with mutuals and industry peers that you otherwise might have never interacted with.

It’s not about being fake or using sneaky tactics in the hopes of making a sale. It’s more about making genuine connections that later might blossom into friendships, partnerships, and project opportunities.

5. Update Your Website Copy

As a brand and website designer, I’ll be the first person to tell you that visuals do matter. But that doesn’t mean you should overlook your website copy!

The messaging on your website and across your socials, the actual WORDS you use, are also an important part of your brand’s identity. What is your voice? How do you want clients and prospects to feel when they read your words? Update your website copy so it reflects that!

Struggling with your website copy? I’ve partnered with a website copywriter for my clients who don’t want to go at it alone. When you book a Flourish Foundry web design project, you’ll get access to a special copywriting package from the amazing Kenz Diamond.

This package includes strategic, SEO-friendly copy that works seamlessly with your new site. Learn more here about how you can stop second-guessing and relying on ChatGPT to help you figure it out.

6. Write & Send a Promotional Email

Whether you’re in a slow sales season or just want to stay top of mind to potential clients, sending an email to your list is always a good idea.

Promotional emails are meant to help you make sales, of course, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring or overly sales-y to work well. Emails are also a chance for you to connect and relate with your audience, speak directly to their problems, and address objections in a transparent way that builds trust.

If you want to see how I balance gorgeous visuals, relatable content, and promotion in emails, sign up for my email list here. You’ll get a free Confidence Workbook as a thank you for subscribing!

7. Document Just One SOP

No, this isn’t as fun as tweaking your social profiles or creating new marketing material, but it’s just as important – especially if you want to scale long term.

Even if you’re not thinking of outsourcing right now, having your processes and procedures documented ahead of time will make it way easier to bring on help whenever you decide you’re ready.

Creating SOPs can also help you streamline your internal processes and maintain consistency in your client experience.

What to Do When Your Entire Brand Just Feels “Meh”

If you’re lacking confidence every time you try to show up online, the problem might run a little deeper than these quick fixes can help.

I talk to business owners all the time who have an online presence that’s technically fine, but maybe doesn’t accurately convey their personality or expertise. They know something’s missing, and often that thing is an aligned brand identity that truly feels like them.

That’s exactly who I created the Brand Style Quiz for. In just a few minutes, you’ll finally be able to put words (and visuals) to what you already feel about your brand but haven’t quite been able to articulate. 

Ready to find out what brand aesthetic fits your business vision? Take the quiz here.

Or, if you’re looking for more 1:1 support with a creative partner, explore my branding packages. I’d love to work together to level up your online presence and bring your dream brand to life!