Using authenticity to stand out on social media
Let's talk about something super important: using authenticity to stand out on social media. Let’s be honest - the social media world can feel like one massive, noisy room sometimes, with everyone shouting at the top of their lungs. If you’re anything like me, shouting just isn’t your vibe. We want connection, not a megaphone. So let’s talk about how showing up as yourself can help you cut through all that noise and actually get noticed by the people who matter to your business.
Why authenticity matters
You hear the word all the time, right? Authenticity. It's almost become one of those annoying buzzwords—like “pivot” or “synergy”—but the truth is, authenticity is your secret weapon. It’s what makes people stop scrolling and actually take a minute to read your post. It’s what makes them think, “Hey, I really like this person. I feel like I know them.” And once someone feels like they know you, they’re way more likely to trust you, support you, and ultimately, buy from you.
When I first started on social media, I thought I had to be super polished. All professional, clean lines, very “corporate Helen”. And, oh my goodness, it was exhausting! I remember spending two hours trying to take a picture of my workspace that looked “professional” — but my dog, Arwen, kept trying to stick her nose in the frame. I was so frustrated until I finally posted a picture of Arwen lying on my laptop and joked about how I had an assistant who wasn’t pulling her weight. That post got way more likes and comments than anything I’d ever posted before! Turns out, people like seeing the real you - the messy, dog-on-laptop moments included.
How to be more authentic
1. Share your story
People love stories. They want to know how you got here, why you do what you do, and what makes you tick. You don’t have to share your entire life story, but giving people a little peek behind the curtain makes a huge difference. Maybe it’s the story of how you started your business or a challenge you’ve faced recently. Share it in your voice, just like you’d tell a friend over coffee.
One of my clients, a graphic designer, was really nervous about sharing personal stories. She thought no one would care. But I encouraged her to share a bit about why she started her business - it turns out, it was because she wanted more flexibility after having her daughter. She posted about that, and she was overwhelmed by the response. So many mums commented, thanking her for sharing. It instantly built a connection. People related to her because they understood her “why”.
2. Be honest about the highs and lows
Social media can sometimes feel like a highlight reel, but honestly, people want the real stuff too. The good, the bad, and the “what on earth just happened?” moments. Share the wins, sure, but also share the struggles, the moments that didn’t quite go to plan.
When I flubbed my first live video, I shared it. I mean, I’d love to say I handled it with poise, but I ended up laughing so hard I cried. And people loved it! It made me more human, more relatable. I know it can feel scary to put the less-than-perfect moments out there, but those are often the posts that connect the most. Just remember - you’re sharing to help others feel less alone, not for pity or sympathy.
3. Use your own voice
This might sound obvious, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to sound a certain way - especially if you’ve been scrolling and comparing yourself to others. But here’s the thing: no one else has your voice, your humour, your way of seeing the world. That’s your magic. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.
If you want to say “doggo” instead of “dog”, do it. If you’re obsessed with tea (like yours truly), make that part of your brand. You know me, I’ll happily talk about Tetley tea all day long, and you better believe it pops up in my posts. It’s these little quirks that make you stand out.
4. Share authentic wins
There’s nothing wrong with celebrating your successes, but do it in a way that feels true to you. Instead of saying, “I signed three new clients this week!” you could share what that means to you — maybe it’s the freedom to spend more time with your kids, or maybe it’s the fact that you get to work with people who genuinely inspire you. Frame your wins as part of your journey, and invite your audience to celebrate with you.
One of my clients signed her biggest contract ever and shared it on Instagram. But instead of just talking about the numbers, she shared how it felt to take a chance on herself and how grateful she was for the people who supported her along the way. The response was incredible - because people could see the real person behind the win, not just the achievement itself.
authenticity isn’t about perfection
Remember, it’s not about being perfect - it’s about being you. People want to see the real person behind the business, the quirks, the laughter, and the little moments that make you, you. When you show up as your true self, you’re going to connect with the people who are the right fit for you and your business.
Social media is noisy, yes, but authenticity is your secret weapon. It’s what cuts through all that noise and reaches the people who matter. So, keep it real, keep it fun, and keep sparking those genuine connections.
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