Picture this: you meet someone at a networking event. You confidently introduce yourself, explain what you do, and they light up, clearly interested.

So far, so good.

But then they go to your website or your LinkedIn profile later… and it feels like a completely different person. Outdated services. Vague copy. Maybe even old branding you no longer use.

That disconnect is what I call “messaging whiplash.” And it’s more common than you think.

Why consistency matters

When there’s a gap between how you talk about your business and how your online presence describes it, you erode trust (even if unintentionally).

It’s not that people are being critical. It’s that our brains are wired to notice inconsistencies. Every mismatch chips away at confidence in your brand.

And trust is everything when you’re asking someone to invest in a service they can’t truly “experience” until after they’ve paid.

The good news: evolution is normal

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Most of us evolve faster than our websites. We refine our offers, get clearer on our message, or pivot into new ways of working… and those changes don’t always make it online straight away.

That’s not a failure. It’s a sign of growth. But it does mean your messaging touchpoints need a regular check-up.

Where to look for messaging disconnects

Start with these high-impact areas:

• Website: Do your services and language reflect what you actually offer today?
  
• LinkedIn bio: Is it up to date, or does it still sound like “old you”?
  
• Email welcome sequence: Is it aligned with how you now describe your work?
  
• Lead magnets: Are they attracting the kind of clients you currently want?
  

Even updating just one of these can create a smoother experience for potential clients.

Progress over perfection

Here’s the key: you don’t need to overhaul everything at once. Instead, focus on progress over perfection.

• If your LinkedIn bio is outdated, copy and paste a condensed version of your About page for now.
• If your email sequence feels off, tweak the first email while you map out a bigger update.

Every small fix reduces the chance of “messaging whiplash” and strengthens the trust people feel when they interact with your brand.

A quick takeaway

Think of your messaging like your wardrobe. Every so often, it needs a refresh. Not because what you wore before was “wrong,” but because it no longer fits the version of you that exists today.

Start small. Update one touchpoint this week. And notice how much more confident you feel sending people there.