Has Social Media lost its appeal?  Are there alternatives to just Social Media for Internet and Business Success?

Are you spending too much time with endless scrolling and chasing likes and views?

Those may seem unlikely questions from a Social Media Coach and Consultant, but I have always encouraged my clients to continue to pursue other time-tested marketing strategies to increase their brand awareness, build solid customer bases to increase sales and profit

I am convinced that effective Social Media is a very useful marketing tool and never discourages anyone from applying solid Social Media Marketing plans

BUT, there are myriad ways to market yourself that don’t involve competing for attention in an oversaturated digital landscape.

Here are some of my proven powerful strategies to revolutionize how you promote your creative work and attract meaningful opportunities in the creative industries of 2025 outside of Social Media

1. Build and optimize your website

Do you have a website? Recently, many creatives decided not to because it just seemed easier to chuck everything on one or another social media platform. But in 2025, there are many good reasons to reverse that thinking.

It means YOU control the look and feel of how your work is presented, marking you out as a serious professional. You can give it an easy-to-remember URL. No one needs to sign up for anything to access it. And you can feature any information you want, with no censors or phony fact-checkers. Or rules such as Instagram, where it’s impossible to add external links to your posts.

Sidenote: External links increase your SEO dramatically at NO COST.

In short, your website is more than just a portfolio—it’s your professional headquarters. It is your opportunity to control the narrative, showcasing not just your work but also your unique approach and creative philosophy.

If you need further information Contact Me  and we can go over some time-tested ideas and various cost options

So, invest time in creating a clean, intuitive design that reflects your professional identity. Include a comprehensive portfolio demonstrating the depth and breadth of your capabilities and feature clear, compelling case studies highlighting your problem-solving skills. Adding fresh content consistently increases your SEO power as well.

Several of our longstanding author clients have grown HUGE audiences, which translate into Book Sales directly from the Website, from posting chapters as written and using Social Media and email lists to notify their existing and New fans of the new content.

Here is an example of one of those and a book in progress: Volume Five, The Cowardly Lion, By James Strauss

2. Network in real life and seek out specialized online communities.

Social Media fatigue has made in-person networking more valuable than ever. So why not make 2025 the year you start heading out to creative events again?

These could be small, local meetups, big, flashy conferences, or anything in between. The important thing is to start introducing yourself to people again, making eye contact, and shaking hands… things that are so simple but can create meaningful connections that potentially last a lifetime.

Can’t get out? Online communities offer similar opportunities as long as they’re the right ones. Social Media is not the only place to interact on the web, and you’ll often find that communities dedicated to specialized interests are much better places to meet new people.

3. Leverage email marketing

You might think it old-fashioned, but the humble newsletter and update notifications are making a comeback. Unlike social media’s fleeting interactions, email allows for more thoughtful, sustained engagement. This means you could potentially develop a newsletter that goes beyond self-promotion and offers genuine value to your subscribers.

Again this article does not exclude effective Social Media as a tool, and it has the benefit of another tool for growing an engaged email list.

Choosing a reliable and proven platform to manage your Email Newsletter and Updates is critical  For over 20 years I have found Aweber to be innovative, and very responsive in providing top-notch customer service and being affordable.

However you create your newsletter, though, this old-but-new format offers superb abilities to share industry insights, creative processes, behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work, and valuable resources. The key is consistency and authenticity. Create content that subscribers look forward to receiving, and you’ll soon position yourself as a trusted voice in your creative field.

We have also been very successful in offering Specials and Discounts on products ONLY to subscribers. They then become wonderful word-of-mouth advocates for our products and services

4. Partner with other creatives

Want to expand your reach? Strategic partnerships can dramatically expand your professional network and service offerings. Look for complementary creative professionals who can enhance your capabilities. For example, a graphic designer might team up with a web developer, or a photographer could collaborate with a stylist.

And in your blogs, Social Media Activity, and Netwring be sure to discuss and recommend these collaborative partners

These cross-disciplinary collaborations create more comprehensive service packages and open up new avenues for professional growth. They also demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and think beyond individual creative silos.

5. Pitch yourself Proactively

Waiting for clients is a mug’s game that rarely yields results. I was taught at an early age: “If you Don’t ask, you don’t get.” So, take a proactive approach to marketing yourself and life in general. Research companies and brands you’d love to work with and craft personalized, thoughtful pitches that demonstrate your understanding of their needs and your unique value proposition.

Crucially, you don’t need social media to do any of this. Serious people still use (and usually prefer) email, which just makes everything simpler for all concerned.

 6. Get published, Start Podcasting and Speak at Events

Establishing yourself as an ‘expert’ can truly help to open doors in your career. But thought leadership extends far beyond Social Media posts. Look for opportunities to contribute to industry publications, speak at conferences, appear on professional podcasts, and connect with Chambers of Commerce. These platforms typically offer deeper, more meaningful engagement than social media, and position you as an expert in your field.

We are all blessed today to have access to low-to-no-cost, simple tools to create presentations, videos, and audio.

I found the Call-In Talk Show Format 20 years ago to be a FREE platform to gain a global identity in a couple of areas of expertise.

Again, most of us never consider doing any of this. We often think that it’s “other people” who write, speak, etc, and that we are, for some reason, not worthy. But there’s no special handshake you need to learn or club you need to join.  Believe in yourself.

Again if need more information, contact me. Call or email.
No Cost or Obligation

7. Build long-term client relationships

For most creatives, word-of-mouth remains the most powerful marketing strategy. How do you get it? Largely, by delivering exceptional work, maintaining clear communication, and consistently exceeding client expectations. In other words, your reputation should become your most valuable marketing asset.

That said, building long-term client relationships is also something you need to pursue actively. And that means staying connected with past clients in the simplest of terms. So, share occasional updates, share interesting work, write letters, or simply check-in.

And not just online, Call on the phone or if it’s possible, Meet UP personally

 Conclusion

Effective creative marketing in 2025 isn’t about vanishing into the digital noise of social media. It’s about creating meaningful connections, delivering exceptional work, and telling your story authentically and with purpose. Social Media is still a valuable tool, of course… but it should never be your only strategy.

So step away from the endless scroll. Build real relationships. Share your passion. The right clients and collaborators will find you – not through an algorithm, but through the story you choose to tell in YOUR voice, over which you have Control.

Your Thoughts on all of This?
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