How to Start Your Journey as a Creator Without Friends & Family Knowing: A Guide to Finding Your True Audience with TikTok or a faceless brand

The thing I’ve learned more so recently than ever is the fact that there’s a lot of people who really want to get into the creator world but are afraid to hit that publish button. Even to the point where they have plenty of videos, written and voice notes just sitting in their phone.

There’s a whole bunch of reasons that might be holding them back but a lot of times it comes down to worrying about what their friends and family might think. If that sounds like you then you're not alone and it’s way more normal than you might think.

Facing the Fear of Judgment

I recently had a conversation with a woman about her brand. She had a phone fuuuuuulll of content—videos, voice notes, quotes—ready to go. Yet she refused to hit post because she was worried about what her friends and family might think.

What’s even worse is that a lot of times this is what’s stopping people and they don’t even realize it. That’s because they mask it by saying that they’re just waiting for the right time, still need to order that $20 tripod, or want to make sure everything is perfect before they start.

Sound familiar? Sadly it's a story I hear way too often.

The fear of judgment from those closest to us or even from strangers can be a massive roadblock when you’re on your creative journey. But here's the good news: you can still put your creativity out into the world without having to worry about anyone in your immediate circle finding out. There are two really good options.

Going Faceless: The Power of Anonymity

One of the best ways to overcome this fear is by creating a faceless brand. Platforms like a Newsletter, YouTube, Blog, Twitter or even Instagram can provide the perfect playground for this. You can share your thoughts, ideas, and talents without ever showing your face or revealing your identity. Here are some strategies to get started:

1. Use Voice-Overs and Text: Create engaging content using voice-overs, text overlays, and animations. Apps like CapCut and Canva make this easier than ever. This way, you can share valuable information, tell stories, and connect with your audience without appearing on camera. If you have the money to invest then you can also look into Fiverr to have a freelancer create faceless content for you.

2. Use Stock Footage and Images: There are plenty of resources that offer high-quality stock footage and images. Use these to create visually appealing videos that convey your message effectively. Check out free sites like Unsplash.com Pexels.com. Envato Elements is also a good place to get premium stock footage and other assets.

3. Build a Unique Visual Identity: Develop a recognizable style or theme for your content. This could be through consistent use of branding, content types or topics. Building a faceless brand has the disadvantage of not being able to build up the trust factor with your audience as fast as a brand that has a face. So you have to make sure your brand's visual identity can become its own signature, making it memorable without needing your face attached to it.

Finding Your True Audience

To build a truly successful faceless brand, focus on finding and engaging with your true audience—people who resonate with your message and value what you have to offer. Here’s how you can do it:

1. You Are the Niche: Embrace your unique perspective and experiences. You are the niche, and your authenticity will attract a dedicated audience who connects with your story. Find different and creative ways to tell that story with your content while still providing value.

2. Try to Talk to One Specific Person: Imagine you're content is having a conversation with a single, specific person. This approach helps you create more personal and relatable content that speaks directly to your ideal audience. If you need help getting clear on who that specific person is check out the Build-An-Avatar worksheet in my Target Audience Authority Pack(Free)

3. Find Out What They're Dealing With and What They Want: Dig deep into understanding your audience's challenges and desires. By addressing their needs and wants, you can create content that truly resonates and provides value. The Dreams & Nightmares Table in the TAAP will help with this

So what if you WANT to be on camera and get discovered or be known for your brand but you don’t want friends and family or worse coworkers 😒 to see it.

TikTok: Your Secret Weapon

Here’s where TikTok comes into play. Unlike YouTube, which can be like posting a flyer in the desert for new creators, TikTok’s algorithm is great at showing your content to people who have no idea who you are. It’s the perfect platform to build an audience from scratch, away from the eyes of friends and family.

Why TikTok Works

• Visibility: TikTok’s algorithm is good at getting your content seen, especially when you’re just starting out.

• Independence: You don’t have to follow or be followed by people you know, making it easier to create without the fear of being judged

• Engagement: TikTok’s community is incredibly engaging, with users more likely to interact with your content.

Tips for Getting Started

Here are some steps to make the most of TikTok:

• Use a New/Different Email: Create a separate email specifically for your TikTok account to keep your personal and professional lives distinct.

• Don't Connect Your Phone Number: Avoid linking your phone number to your TikTok account to maintain privacy and security.

• Use the Block Button if You Have To: Don't hesitate to block friends, family members and anyone else you see fit. Especially anyone who is disruptive or negative to protect your peace and energy.

• Post Consistently: Stick to a content schedule to build momentum. When you start posting on a new account you’ll get a boost from the algorithm Keep the momentum and ride this to start getting your first couple hundred followers maybe more

• Use Trending Sounds: Jump on trends to increase your visibility but don’t fall into the Trend Trap. This is people who get stuck only posting trending sounds or videos which can work but it can get tired fast and you won’t get the engagement you’re looking for unless you put a great twist on it.

• Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments and interact with other creators to grow your community. People love having discussions in the comments, and more comments means more engagement. Start conversations, ask questions and keep the back and forth going especially when you’re going viral.

The biggest hurdle is usually ourselves and our own mindset. It’s normal to feel like your friends and family should be your biggest supporters. But the reality is, many of them won’t get it. They might not like, comment, or share your content, and that’s okay. The world is full of people who will genuinely appreciate you for who you are and what you create.

When you stop worrying about the opinions of those you know and start focusing on reaching those who truly resonate with your content, that’s when the magic happens. You’ll connect with people from all over the world who will follow and support you for years to come.

I’ve seen firsthand how creators can flourish once they break free from the fear of judgment. Your brand isn’t defined by the people around you—it’s shaped by your passion, consistency, and the value you bring to your audience. Embrace your uniqueness and share your message with the world.

Get started today by posting your first video on TikTok. Don’t let the fear of judgment hold you back. And if you need more tips or support, feel free to connect with me. Let’s grow together!

See you in the next one. Veezy ✌🏾

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