Beyond social media: how to raise your profile, make connections & win work

Feeling sick and tired of fighting algorithms? Are you fed up with endless scrolling and desperately trying to game platforms that seem designed to keep us chasing likes and views? Lacking the will to post on the increasing number of social networks, let alone keep up with what other people are doing?

Well, yeah. Us too.

So, it's worth asking the question: Should we all still use social media as our primary marketing tool, or should we even use it at all?

There are myriad ways to market yourself that don't involve competing for attention in an oversaturated digital landscape. To get you started, here are eight powerful strategies to revolutionise how you promote your creative work and attract meaningful opportunities in the creative industries of 2025.

1. Build and optimise your own website

Do you have your own website? For many years, loads of 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, compared to, say, Instagram, where it's impossible to add external links to your posts.

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

So, invest time 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. Consider adding a blog or insights section that demonstrates your expertise.

2. Network in real life and in specialised 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 specialised interests are much better places to meet new people. In fact, Creative Boom has just launched its own: The Studio. Come on over and say hi: we'd love to have you!

3. Leverage email marketing

You might think it old-fashioned, but the humble newsletter is making a powerful 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.

There are plenty of platforms available, but our favourite at the moment is Substack: learn more in our article How to succeed on the platform creatives are flocking to.

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 actually look forward to receiving, and you'll soon position yourself as a trusted voice in your creative field.

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.

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. As my parents used to tell me: "Don't ask, don't get." So, take a proactive approach to marketing yourself. Research companies and brands you'd love to work with, and craft personalised, 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. Enter competitions and apply for grants

Industry competitions and grants offer powerful opportunities to gain recognition and credibility. These platforms provide external validation of your skills and can significantly boost your professional profile. But most of us never enter them.

Why is that? It could be imposter syndrome or a lack of time. But honestly, in most cases, it's that we can't be bothered. The rewards and benefits for your career can be huge, though, so it's worth taking the time to research awards and competitions specific to your creative field and think about what could help your case.

Crucially, you don't have to win. Even being shortlisted can provide valuable exposure and demonstrate your commitment to excellence. Similarly, grants can offer financial support and professional recognition that far outweigh any social media visibility. Help is out there, so what are you waiting for?

7. Get published 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, or appear on professional podcasts. These platforms typically offer deeper, more meaningful engagement than social media, and position you as an expert in your field.

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. In the words of Nike, it's more a case of Just Do It.

8. 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, or simply check-in. And not just online; if it's possible to physically meet, it's always helpful to do so.

Yes, this may cost money (although things like transport and hotels are usually tax-deductible expenses). But it's money well spent because, ultimately, these relationships are far more valuable than any algorithmic visibility.

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 unique story with authenticity and intention. Social media can be a tool in all of this, of course… but it should never be your only strategy.

So step away from the endless scroll. Reclaim your professional narrative. Build real relationships. Share your genuine passion. The right clients and collaborators will find you – not through an algorithm, but through the compelling story you choose to tell.