Feeling Lost Online as a Performer? Read This First
Struggling to Navigate Your Online Presence as a Performer?
If you’re anything like the artists I coach, you’re juggling a lot: self-tapes, auditions, side jobs, a creative business idea maybe and now you’re also told to master websites, casting profiles, email lists, and social media? It’s no wonder you’re feeling stuck or scattered online.
Here’s the thing I’ve learned over the years:
You can do a lot in your career.
But not all at once.
The key? Get radically honest with yourself about your current top priority and build your online presence around that.
Start Here: What’s Your Main Focus Right Now?
Before you post another reel or build another page on your website, ask yourself:
What’s my #1 focus in this chapter of my career?
What are my next 1–2 priorities (max)?
What actually matters right now?
This is your first step to getting clear and strategic with your online presence because not every tool is meant for every chapter.
If Your Focus Is Booking Onstage Work…
🎯 Then your online efforts should go toward casting first:
Prioritize casting profiles like Actors Access, Backstage, and Casting Networks. These are the “resume and cover letter” of our industry.
Get your digital materials in order like headshots, resumes, reels, and clips should be easily accessible and submission-ready.
Keep your website clean + current as your online storefront, especially if you don’t have an agent (or even if you do).
Skip social media (for now) unless it directly supports your goal.
Reminder: If you’re an AEA member, stay active on the online Equity portal for audition notices and submissions.
If You’re Building a Side Hustle or Creative Business…
🎯 Then you’re in digital entrepreneur mode:
Start with a website it's your digital HQ.
Build your email list own your audience, don’t rent it from social platforms.
Pick ONE social media platform to support your business (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, etc.) and go all in there.
💡 Pro tip: Use your natural strengths. If you love long-form content, lean into YouTube. If you’re great on camera, try reels or short-form video.
If You’re Launching a Show or Promoting New Work…
🎯 Then your focus is visibility and professionalism:
Create a press-ready website with an EPK (Electronic Press Kit) page.
Build an email list to keep your fans, collaborators, or press updated.
Choose a platform that fits your audience where are they already spending time? Instagram? YouTube? TikTok? LinkedIn?
If You’re Moving into Education or Coaching…
🎯 Then you’re setting up your next chapter:
Create a website with your offerings, testimonials, and coaching calendar.
Use LinkedIn + HigherEdJobs if you’re applying for faculty work.
Add a newsletter opt-in if you’re building your private studio or online coaching biz.
You’re the CEO of Your Creative Career
Here’s your permission slip to stop doing everything all at once. It’s not laziness, it’s strategy.
Ask yourself:
What deserves my attention first?
What can wait?
What am I doing online just because I think I’m supposed to?
Keep your energy focused on one main thing at a time, and let everything else support that goal.
Ready for Support?
If this resonated and you want help clarifying your focus, refining your materials, or building your online presence strategically, I’d love to work with you.
🎯 Book a 1:1 coaching session with me
Free Resource:
✨ Download 50 Ways I Make Money Not Onstage perfect if you’re exploring a side hustle or business idea:
👉 Click here to grab your free guide
Ashlee Espinosa, MFA is a professional actress and career coach helping performers and artist-entrepreneurs build sustainable careers onstage and online.
With over two decades of experience and a unique bi-coastal perspective, Ashlee blends mindset, marketing, and business strategy to help creatives grow their impact without burnout. She splits her time between performing, coaching 1:1 clients, and building digital tools for the next generation of artist-leaders.
