Elevado Photography | Luxury Branding Photography for women professionals & entrepreneurs
Milwaukee Branding Photography | Elevate Your Visual Presence

"I know i have to talk about my work. so Why does that feel so cringey?!"
Let’s be real: promoting yourself feels AWKWARD.
You, rewatching a TikTok you recorded of yourself: "HELP. WHY DO I SOUND LIKE THAT?!"
It feels so unnatural, doesn't it?
You don’t want to sound braggy, desperate, or like you’re just chasing sales. Nobody really wants to promote themselves like that, if we're being honest.
Buuuuut, here’s the truth: if people don’t know what you do, they can’t pay you. Self-promotion is just letting people know how you can help them. Once you shift your mindset, talking about your work gets way easier (and even fun!).
Here’s how to promote yourself confidently—WITHOUT the cringe.
That feeling when you try to record yourself promoting your work, AND THEN YOU REVIEW THE FOOTAGE
Reframe Promotion as Helping, Not Selling
A lot of women struggle with promoting themselves because they see it as asking for attention. Instead, think of it as offering a solution.
EXAMPLE: Instead of “Book a facial with me!” try:
"Do you want that "glass skin" look, but struggle with healing your skin barrier? It's totally achievable. Here’s how my esthetic facials repair and protect my clients' skin, restoring hydration and vibrance (with before & after photos, too)!”
See the difference? The second one feels helpful, not pushy.
Get Comfortable Talking About Your Work
If you never talk about your work, people assume you’re not taking it seriously. Talk about your business like it’s a normal, everyday thing—because it IS!
Try this: Next time someone asks, “What do you do?” instead of saying:
"Oh, I'm an esthetician...”
Say something like this instead:
"I help people achieve healthy, glowy skin using professional dermatological treatments."
OWN IT. Speak with confidence. People will take you as seriously as you take yourself.
Tell Stories, Don’t Just Sell
People love stories. Instead of just saying what you do, show them through client transformations.
EXAMPLE: Instead of “I offer esthetic services,” try:
"My client Sarah was struggling to keep her face properly moisturized all last winter. After several esthetic appointments with me, we were able to both soothe and repair her dry, peeling skin and introduce a new personalized skincare regimen that keeps her face properly protected in those dry, cold winter months—and now her skin is glowy before she even puts on makeup!”
Stories sell. Use them!!
Share Behind-the-Scenes to Make It Feel Natural
Instead of constantly saying, “Buy from/Book me!”, mix in behind-the-scenes content. You might think you're boring, but anybody who's curious or serious about your services will 100% be interested in this kind of content. You, and the services you provide, are actually so fascinating to the right people! So make sure they get to see you doing your thing more often.
Here's a few totally simple, easy-to-do examples:
- A day in your life running your business (don't think you need an Instagram-worthy home, workspace, or wardrobe to achieve this. People love your relatability more than how pretty your life might look!)
- How you prepare for client work
- A funny mistake you made and what you learned
This makes people feel connected to you, which makes them more likely to buy from you later.
Remember: Not Everyone Sees Everything You Post
It might feel like you’re talking about your business all the time—but most people see a fraction of what you post. This goes for every social media platform out there.
Rule of Thumb:
- If you’ve only mentioned your offer once in the past week, you’re not talking about it enough.
- If you’ve shared a client success story once in the past month, share it again.
Just think about how many times you've seen something you thought was inspiring or important, only to forget moments later as you continue to scroll. People need reminders. Don’t be afraid to repeat yourself!
Practice Until It Feels Normal
The more you talk about your business, the easier it gets.
Here's a Mini-Challenge: For the next 7 days, post something about your business daily. It could be:
- A client win
- A tip related to your industry
- A behind-the-scenes moment
The more you practice, the more natural it feels! And trust me, the more you overcome that discomfort, the more people who love you and what you do will find you and make it all worthwhile. :)
keep going, you're doing great!
Promoting yourself isn’t bragging—it’s helping. The right people want to hear what you offer.
So, here's your challenge: Talk about your business TODAY. Share a client win, a personal insight, or a service you offer—without overthinking it.
Need help making your brand look high-end & professional? Let’s chat about how I can help! (← Example of a smooth promo 😉)
Meet Your Photographer
Jess | Owner of Elevado Photography
Hi, I'm Jess! I'm a Milwaukee & Chicago-based branding and glamour photographer. I help women in business create elevated, editorial, and authentic imagery that attracts high-end clients and builds a standout brand. Whether you need polished headshots or full-scale branding visuals, I’m here to make sure you look as powerful and confident as the business you’ve built.