Beyond Social Media: Quiet Marketing Paths for Highly Sensitive Solopreneurs
If you don’t have the energetic capacity to sustain the level of engagement that social media marketing requires, then it’s possible that you are a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP).
In this article we will explore how you can identify if you are an HSP, the science behind it, and I’ll share some alternative marketing approaches that have worked well for my highly sensitive nature.
— IN THIS ARTICLE —
Understanding High Sensitivity:
A highly sensitive person experiences a heightened level of sensory processing sensitivity. This trait, present in about 15-20% of the population, involves deeper cognitive processing of various stimuli.
Key characteristics include deep feelings and empathy, being easily overwhelmed by external stimuli, and possessing a rich inner life — so If the fast-paced, constantly connected world feels overwhelming, you might be part of this rare group of humans.
The Pioneering Research Behind HSP:
Digging a bit deeper into the science behind being a Highly Sensitive Person, the concept gains substantial credibility from the pioneering work of Dr. Elaine Aron. It was her research that first identified and gave structure to what it means to be an HSP.
Dr. Aron's studies reveal that sensory processing sensitivity is an innate trait, affecting both the psychological and neural responses to sensory information. This isn't just about feeling more deeply; it's a tangible, researched phenomenon involving our nervous system and how we interact with our environment.
Understanding this scientific backing helped me see my sensitivity not as a mere personality quirk, but as a fundamental aspect of how I'm wired, offering unique strengths in a world that often overlooks the power of quiet introspection.
You could be a HSP and not yet realise it!
When I first stumbled upon the term 'HSP' and didn't see myself in the description. Phrases like 'feeling things deeply' didn't resonate with me initially. But, a few years later after numerous conversations with others, I began to realise that my emotional depth was indeed more profound than most.
Are you, too, a highly sensitive person but haven't yet identified with it? This could be why your nervous system is be craving something slower, more creative, and nourishing.
Quieting the noise to hear your own voice:
HSP or not, the trap many of us fall into is getting swept up in the noise of business coaches telling us the 'shoulds' of business growth and marketing.
In doing so, we often override how our body reacts to this guidance. And yet, if we can quieten the outside noise and listen to our own voice, there is pure magic and aligned guidance right there!
For example, there was a day several years ago when I was trying to formulate an 'engaging' question for a Facebook group that I was in for visibility purposes. I was really struggling to come up with something, and then I heard my inner voice say, "I'd rather write an 1000 word blog article than come up with this silly question."
To which I immediately said to myself, "Why not do just that?"
A new marketing direction:
That one pivotal moment led me on a new trajectory where I started publishing blog articles for my website and LinkedIn, which I absolutely loved!
And the return on time invested in writing articles far surpassed the hours I had spent in Facebook groups. I realised that my most aligned marketing method was to create long form content, rather than social media engagement.
Following this approach of sharing long form content, I now have established pathways for people to discover me via Google searches, YouTube, Kindle, Amazon, and Pinterest.
This makes social media a playground for creativity and enjoyment, because it’s free from any pressure to perform.
Practical actions to takeaway:
Research and Learn: Familiarize yourself with the work of Dr. Elaine Aron and other resources on high sensitivity. Understanding the scientific basis behind HSP can validate your experiences and guide you in leveraging your sensitivity as a strength.
Experiment with Marketing Methods: Explore various marketing strategies that align with your energy levels and creativity. Writing, video creation, podcasting, and SEO are all valuable avenues that can be more fulfilling and less draining than high-engagement social media activities.
Create a Content Plan: Develop a content calendar that suits your pace. This could involve setting aside dedicated times for deep work, allowing you to create without the pressure of constant online presence.
Seek Supportive Communities: Look for or create communities of like-minded individuals or fellow HSPs who understand the value of quiet, sensitive approaches to business and marketing.
Mindful Engagement: When you do engage on social media, do so mindfully. Set boundaries for your time and energy, ensuring that your interactions are intentional and aligned with your authentic voice.
Monitor Your Well-being: Regularly check in with yourself to assess how your marketing efforts are impacting your well-being. Be prepared to adjust your strategies to maintain harmony between your personal energy levels and your business goals.
Finally, embrace your quiet power and forget about conforming to the loud and fast-paced demands of traditional marketing. Let your sensitivity guide you toward marketing methods that not only bring success but also joy and fulfilment.
If my story resonates with you, or if you've found your own unique path as an HSP in the business world, I'd love to hear about it in the comments below. Your journey could inspire someone else to find their quiet power.
Danielle Gardner
The Quiet Marketer
View my bio
P.S. Contrary to conventional marketing advice, I don’t use a lead magnet to lure you onto my email list (here’s why). The option to join my list is available on purchasing any of my workshops, courses or mentorships.
