Overcoming the Fear of Showing Up Online
Because You Can’t Build a Brand in the Shadows—And Your People Are Already Looking for You
So you’ve got the products. The shop. The skills.
But when it comes to showing up on Instagram or talking about what you sell?
Crickets.
Or panic.
Or “I’ll just post the product and hide behind a cute Canva quote.”
Sound familiar?
You’re not alone.
The fear of being visible online is one of the biggest mindset blocks for craft business owners. And it makes sense. Putting yourself out there feels vulnerable, uncomfortable, and maybe even a little bit cringe.
But let me say this with love:
You cannot grow a business if nobody sees it.
And your audience can’t fall in love with what you do if they don’t feel connected to you.
So let’s talk about what this fear really is—and how to move through it without losing your voice (or your sanity).
First: Let’s Name the Fear
You might be thinking:
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“What if I say the wrong thing?”
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“I don’t look the part.”
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“I hate the sound of my voice.”
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“I’m not confident on camera.”
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“What if people judge me?”
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“I don’t want to seem salesy.”
Here’s the truth:
Fear thrives in silence. But when you name it? You shrink its power.
So let’s say it out loud: Yes, it’s scary.
And yes—you can do it anyway.
Why Visibility = Connection
People don’t just want to see your product—they want to see who made it.
They want to trust you. Root for you. Buy into your story.
That doesn’t mean you need to spill your whole life on the internet.
It just means letting your audience feel you—your energy, your passion, your “why.”
Visibility isn’t about perfection.
It’s about presence.
And presence builds trust.
5 Small Ways to Start Showing Up (That Won’t Make You Want to Hide)
If going live or dancing on Reels isn’t your vibe (and honestly, it doesn’t have to be), try one of these baby steps instead:
1. Show Your Hands
Film your hands making, packaging, painting, or prepping. Let people watch the magic without showing your face yet.
2. Post a Throwback or Origin Story
Share how you started your craft biz. Use a caption format like:
“This time last year, I had no idea I’d be doing this full-time…”
3. Write Like You Talk
Drop the professional jargon. Talk like you would to a friend. Use your real voice in your captions, and you’ll feel less like a performer—and more like you.
4. Share a Win (Even a Small One)
Got your first sale? Got a compliment on your booth setup? Posted a Reel for the first time? Share it! Wins build confidence.
5. Post One Selfie with a Caption About Your “Why”
Don’t make it about what you look like—make it about what drives you. Your passion is magnetic.
Action Step: Choose One Visibility Moment This Week
Pick one thing from the list above. Just one.
Not five posts.
Not a whole Reels strategy.
Just one brave little move that says, “I’m here. I’m building something. I’m showing up.”
Then celebrate it. Screenshot it. Journal it. Brag about it in your stories. That one moment is a seed—you’re planting something powerful.
You’re Not Too Much. You’re Not Too Quiet. You’re Not Too Late.
You are exactly the voice, the story, the energy your people need.
But they can’t connect with you if you’re hiding behind your products forever.
So start small.
Start soft.
Start now.
Let your presence be felt. Your vibe is the brand.
And when you show up with heart and consistency? Your audience will notice—and they’ll stick around.