If you’ve ever thought, “My work should speak for itself,” or cringed at the idea of showing your face on social—this episode is your permission slip to stop hiding.

Because the truth is, your personal brand already exists. Whether or not you’ve built it intentionally, your audience is making assumptions about who you are and what it’s like to work with you.

And when you're trying to attract high-end clients who trust your vision and don't second-guess your decisions, those assumptions matter.

In this episode, I'm talking with Valerie Morris, a digital marketing strategist, author, and speaker who helps professionals build authority and show up as the expert. With a degree in architecture and nearly 15 years in content marketing, she gets what it's like to be in the design world—and how to stand out in a saturated space.

We talk about what personal brand really means, how to show up online without feeling self-promotional, and why LinkedIn might be the biggest missed opportunity in your entire marketing strategy.

Whether you’re 2 years into your business or 10, this episode will challenge the way you think about visibility, positioning, and the kind of content that actually builds trust with decision-makers.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why you (not just your work) are the reason people choose to hire you
  
• What "authority-building content" is—and how to create it
  
• Why LinkedIn is a gold mine for designers (especially those who work with high-end clients or want to land commercial projects)
  
• Simple profile tweaks to make your LinkedIn actually work for you
  
• The type of content that builds credibility (without being salesy)
  
• How to use personal stories strategically to connect and stand out

Memorable quotes from Valerie:

“Everyone has a personal brand, whether you invest in it or not.”“Your personal brand is just your reputation—what people think about you when they see your name or face.”“If you’re not showcasing your values or personality, people only see what’s out there. And sometimes that’s not enough.”“The algorithm on LinkedIn is friendlier. People are there for business. That’s what makes it powerful.”“Authority-building content gives people subconscious signals that you know what you’re talking about.”

Key highlights:

• Valerie’s unexpected journey from architecture to marketing—and how her design background informs her approach
  
• The biggest mistake designers make with content (and how to avoid it)
  
• Why sharing personal anecdotes (even goat stories!) can boost engagement and connection
  
• How to rotate different types of content so you never sound repetitive
  
• The power of showing—not just telling—your values and expertise
  
• Why even your personal Facebook account can be a quiet marketing machine
  
• The real reason LinkedIn outperforms Instagram when it comes to connecting with decision-makers

Connect with Valerie:

• Website: tinterocreative.com
  
• LinkedIn: Valerie Morris

Connect with Masha: Need help with messaging strategy or copywriting for your interior design website? Connect with me, your host Masha Koyen, Messaging Strategist and Copywriter for interior designers:

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