Visibility 101: show up where it matters before 2026 comes around
And just like that, dear marketing friend, Christmas is next month and that Q4 energy where everyone is either sprinting toward year-end or quietly sliding into “let’s survive this until 2026” mode has landed.
Projects piling up, performance reviews looming, job searches still ongoing, and somehow everyone is trying their best to not get swamped in the midst of all of this.
That brings us to this month’s topic: visibility.
And before you roll your eyes at yet another “personal brand” lecture - take a breath. Visibility doesn’t mean being the loudest in the room.
Whether you’re thriving in your current role, searching for your next opportunity, or running your own business, this post will make visibility accessible and show you how to be intentional about it. See the next couple of paragraphs as an opportunity to make the most out of the final days of 2025, not something else to add to your to-do list (and therefore stress about it).
Sounds like a good plan? Let's dive in!
👩💻 Visibility 101 when you’re thriving in your current role (and company)
If you’re happy where you are, maybe aiming for a promotion or a bigger project, this is your zone. Visibility here isn’t about showboating - it’s about making sure the right people recognise what you do, the value you bring, and where you’re headed.
💡 Practical steps to be intentional in that scenario:
Keep an achievement log: track wins, metrics, feedback, testimonials. When review time comes (because yes—it’s coming), you’ll have something concrete.
Collect feedback proactively: ask your manager or peers “What’s one thing I’m doing well and one thing I could do more of?” This shows growth mindset + gives you ammunition.
Be clear in conversations: for example, “I’d like to be considered for [Position XYZ] next year; I believe I already bring skills [A, B, C], and I’m keen to develop [D, E].” That statement plants the seed.
Make sure you show results, not just activity: with remote/hybrid work especially, out‑of‑sight can mean out‑of‑mind. In fact, data shows remote workers are promoted 31% less frequently than in‑office workers because of visibility gaps. Forbes.
⚡ Why this matters:
According to a survey conducted in 2024, 63% of workers reported they’d been promoted in the past two years. nectarhr.com.
But being seen doing the right things matters. One recent report from September found that 69% of employees believe their organisation’s return‑to‑office push is really about visibility. HCAMag
✂️ The bottom line?
Doing excellent work is essential, but making sure it’s visible (in the right way) is equally important.
🕵️♀️ Visibility 101 when you’re job searching
If you’re in the market for a new role, you already know - the job landscape right now is no walk in the park. The market’s competitive, attention spans are short, and “standing out” often feels like shouting into the void.
But visibility here isn’t about being everywhere - it’s about being top of mind for the right opportunities. That means using your time and energy wisely so every interaction works in your favour.
💡 Practical steps to be intentional in that scenario:
Optimise your profile: Whether on LinkedIn or a personal site, make sure your headline, about section, and experience tell a clear story of what you do and what you’re looking for, complementary to your CV. Recruiters spend an average of 6–7 seconds scanning a profile or CV (indeed.com), so clarity wins over cleverness.
Engage where it matters: Comment on content that’s relevant to your field, share insights, or spotlight projects you’re proud of. Even one thoughtful comment can increase your profile views by up to 30% (Check out this medium article here).
Network without the ick: Send personalised connection requests and follow up with a short note - it’s not pushy, it’s strategic. Ask for advice, insights, or introductions. People are 4x more likely to accept a personalised request (The full psychology of LinkedIn requests is this way).
Ask for intros: Reach out to trusted contacts to make warm introductions. 70% of professionals say they were hired at a company where they had a connection (HubSpot).
⚡ Why this matters:
70-85% of jobs are filled through networking rather than public postings. CNBC
In 2024, employers received an average of 180 applicants for every hire they made, indicating how crowded the traditional job market is. careerplug.com
✂️ The bottom line?
Treat visibility as part of your job search strategy, not an afterthought. It’s not about being louder nor everywhere all at once - it’s about being seen by the right people, for the right reasons, at the right time.
👨🔧 Visibility 101 when you’re freelancing (or running your own business)
When you’re self-employed, visibility can feel like a double-edged sword. You need it to bring in clients, but you also don’t want to spend all your time marketing yourself instead of doing the work.
Here’s the truth: visibility as a freelancer or business owner isn’t about constant output - it’s about strategic presence. You want the right people thinking about you before they even realise they need your help.
💡 Practical steps to be intentional in that scenario:
Activate your network: Past clients, peers, collaborators - don’t let those warm connections go cold. A simple “Hey, how are things going with X project?” can easily reopen a door. Studies show 65% of new business typically comes from referrals and recommendations. Demandsage
Show your expertise through content: This doesn’t have to mean daily posting or dancing on Reels (but no judgment is that your jam!). One thoughtful blog post, newsletter, or podcast guest spot can reinforce your credibility. On average, B2B buyers consume 13 pieces of content before making a buying decision. martech.org
Create something useful: Share a free resource, toolkit, or mini guide that highlights your expertise and provides real value. Bonus: it gives you a natural reason to reach out to existing but also new prospects.
Stay visible in quiet seasons: Q4 can slow down, but planting seeds now pays off in January. Even a “check-in” message wishing them a happy year-end break with a client or collaborator keeps you on their radar.
⚡ Why this matters:
Freelancers who regularly market themselves report earning 45% more than those who don’t. Upwork
82% of small businesses say word-of-mouth remains their strongest driver of growth. Nielsen
✂️ The bottom line?
You don’t need to shout on all rooftops to be seen by your prospective clients. A well-timed message, a thoughtful resource, or a genuine connection can do more for your visibility than a month of nonstop posting. Focus on being remembered, not being everywhere.
✨ Wrapping up: Visibility 101 based on where you're at
Regardless of your career objective, visibility isn’t about being the loudest in the room, posting nonstop, or turning into a full-time marketer of yourself. It’s about being seen for the right things, by the right people, at the right time - and doing it in a way that feels intentional, not stressful.
So whether you’re:
Thriving in your current role,
Actively job searching, or
Running your own business/freelancing,
…visibility is a strategy, not a personality trait. It’s about planting seeds, showing impact, and making sure the people who matter most notice what you bring to the table.
💡 Reflection prompts for the final days of 2025:
Where do I want to be seen before the year ends - and by whom?
What’s one simple action I can take this week to increase visibility in a natural, intentional way?
What story do I want colleagues, clients, or my network to remember about me?
🎯 Takeaway: Pick your lane and focus on meaningful visibility. It’s not about doing everything - it’s about showing up in the right place, for the right reasons, at the right time.
Do that, and you’ll start 2026 not just noticed, but remembered - and that's when magic happens!
Career Coach, DEI Trainer, Speaker and Women Empowerer.
