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How You Can Be Authentic on Social Media (and Why It’s More Important than Ever)

January 27, 2025

Authentic social media is more important now than ever. Nobody wants to follow a brand that feels robotic or only shows up to sell. They want authentic content — real stories, real personalities and real connections.

That’s why authentic social media isn’t just a trend — it’s the new normal. 

If you want people to actually engage with your brand, you need to stop curating perfection and start showing up as you.

Not sure how to be authentic on social media without oversharing or losing your professional edge? Let’s break it down. 

Here’s everything you need to know about how to be authentic on social media.

Ditch the Perfection (It’s Unrelatable) 

Too many people let perfectionism stop them from posting at all. They overthink every detail, worry about making mistakes, and end up not creating anything. Stop waiting for the perfect lighting, the perfect take or the perfect strategy. Just start.

Your audience connects with what you say, not whether your video looks like a Hollywood production.

But let’s get one thing straight — authenticity isn’t about the video quality. It’s about the creator. 

If you love polished content, go for it. If you prefer raw, unfiltered clips, that works too. What matters is that your content feels real and aligns with your brand. 

The brands that are winning on social media in 2025 are the ones that aren’t afraid to show real life: the behind-the-scenes moments, the unpolished content and the messy, work-in-progress side of their business. Why? Because people don’t connect with perfection; they connect with personality.

Show Up When You Have Nothing to Sell 

Authentic social media is about building relationships, not just marketing. The brands that people love the most are the ones that show up consistently — not just when they need engagement. Posting valuable content — things that educate, entertain or inspire — keeps your audience engaged and makes them feel connected to your brand. When your audience trusts you, they’ll be way more likely to buy from you when the time comes.

Create Authentic Video Content (Not Just Graphics) 

If you’re still relying on static images and carousel posts, there’s a big chance you’re not fully connected with your audience. Video content connects in a way that graphics never will. It feels more personal, builds trust faster and holds attention longer. 

People want to see you. Your expressions, voice and energy create an instant connection that no static post can match. Whether it’s a brand video, a casual selfie-style update or a behind-the-scenes chip, video content can help make your brand feel more authentic.

If you’ve been playing it safe with only graphics, challenge yourself to start posting more videos. It doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to be real.

Own Your Brand’s Personality (Even If It’s Not for Everyone)

If you’re trying to appeal to everyone, you’ll connect with no one. The most authentic brands are the ones that aren’t afraid to lean into their unique personality. If you’re bold, be bold. If you’re sarcastic, be sarcastic. If your brand voice is casual and laid-back, embrace it.

Trying to water down your message to be relatable and appeal to the masses will only make you forgettable. The right people will love you for exactly who you are. The wrong people? They were never your audience anyway.

Talk TO Your Audience, Not AT Them 

Social media isn’t a one-way broadcast. You’re missing the whole point if you’re just posting content and walking away. Authenticity means engaging with the people who follow you — responding to comments, starting conversations and making them feel seen. If you make your audience feel like they’re part of something, they’ll keep coming back.

Ask for their opinions, involve them in your content and actually listen when they respond. Social media should feel like a conversation, not a monologue.

Share the Struggles, Not Just the Wins 

Nobody’s life — or business — is perfect, so why pretend? Some of the most engaging and authentic content comes from sharing the real journey, not just the highlight reel. Talking about the challenges you’ve faced, the lessons you’ve learned, and the things you wish you knew earlier will resonate with your audience way more than just posting success stories. People respect honesty. They don’t expect you to have it all figured out.

But they will appreciate you keeping it real with them. If you’re afraid you’ll share too much, try to put yourself in your audience’s shoes. What are some struggles that you went through that may be relatable to them? Think less about your personal life and more about your life as a business owner.

Authenticity Wins Every Time 

The social media game has changed. People don’t want scripted perfection — they want real. They want to connect with brands that share real stores and engage like real people. The best way to grow your audience and build trust? Show up, be yourself and stop overthinking it.

If you’re ready to create authentic social media content but still don’t know where to start, I’ve got you. Book a free consultation today to get your shit together and craft an authentic strategy that feels right for you.