“I’m Not an Online Person” — But You Run an Online Business? Here’s What You Can Do Instead

“I’m Not an Online Person” — But You Run an Online Business? Here’s What You Can Do Instead

>”I’m not really an online person, and it’s affecting my business.”
That’s what a friend told me recently during a conversation about her online Clothing business. And I believe a lot of people running businesses online — especially solo entrepreneurs — can relate to that feeling.

The truth is, not everyone enjoys the pressure of being constantly active online. The constant notifications, the expectations to post daily, and always being “present” can feel overwhelming. But when you’re running a business that depends on visibility, your presence online becomes essential.

The good news is — you don’t have to be online all the time to be effective. All you need is a system. A structure. Something that allows you to build consistency without burnout.

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Step One: I told her that she didn’t Need to Be Online 24/7 — She Needed a Strategy

I told her that she didn’t need to post every day rather Focus on consistency and not constant activity.

Here’s a simple strategy I recommended to her — one that gives structure without stress:I told her she could post for three days.

Day 1: Post new arrivals or fresh stock.

Day 2: Share testimonials — voice notes, screenshots, or video reviews.

Day 3: Showcase styled product photos using mannequins, flat lays, or lifestyle shots.

She could create her content ahead of time, then schedule posts using free tools like Meta Business Suite, . This way, her business stays active online even when she’s resting, working offline, or handling other parts of the business.

I also suggested she dedicate just 1–2 hours a day to customer interactions — replying to DMs, comments, and messages. Even with limited time online, her consistency will keep things moving — and customers won’t even notice that she’s not “always there.”

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Step Two: Build Credibility, One Step at a Time

She also shared another challenge — customers asking for her physical store location and showing hesitation about trusting her because she’s fully online.

That’s a valid concern. In today’s world where scams are everywhere, people are cautious — and rightfully so.

But trust can be built. And it starts with transparency and proof.

Here’s what I told her:

Start by sharing real customer reviews, even if it’s a thank-you message.

Encourage buyers to tag her in photos or videos and repost user-generated content.

Register her business and mention that detail in her bio or highlights.

Set up a clear and fair refund or exchange policy — and communicate it boldly.

When customers see a real business structure in place — policies, feedback, visible engagement — their confidence increases. They begin to feel safer and more willing to buy.

Step Three: She Can Be Visible — Her Own Way

One of the biggest misconceptions about building a brand online is that you need to be everywhere, doing everything. you do not need to be everywhere. you just needs to show up intentionally and authentically.

I encouraged her to explore visibility in a way that feels natural to her. That might include:

Sharing behind-the-scenes clips of packaging, deliveries, or stock arrivals.

Posting pre-recorded voiceovers instead of talking on camera.

Using story highlights for FAQs so she doesn’t have to repeat herself daily.

Engaging through carousels or text-based reels instead of live videos.

Being “online” doesn’t mean being loud — it means being present, on purpose.

Final Thoughts

So, if you are not the “online type,” but you have an online business, that’s okay. you don’t need to change who you are — you just needs to create systems that allow your business to grow without draining you

you don’t need to be online all day — you just need to be strategic.

When there’ structure consistency, and credibility in place, your business can thrive — even if you are not posting every single day.

Let’s normalize building businesses in ways that align with our personalities, energy, and lifestyles. That’s how sustainability is created. That’s how long-term success is built — one intentional step at a time.

Thanks for reading!
If this resonates with you — or someone you know who’s struggling with showing up online for their business — feel free to share this post. We’re all just trying to find systems that work for us, and it’s okay to do things differently.

✍️ About me:

Daniel Agboola is a community manager, digital strategist, and writer. He supports entrepreneurs and changemakers in building intentional systems that work — both online and offline. When he’s not strategizing or , he’s hosting Corpets Connect, amplifying fresh ideas and stories across radio and digital platfor