Portraying your authentic self on social media makes your interactions more meaningful.It's normal to want to show the best aspects of your life, but if you only post about the mundane, your profile can end up feeling dishonest.There are many ways to prevent that.We will start with tricks that anyone can use to improve their authenticity, and then move on to some specific tips for brands.
Step 1: Peak authenticity is the original content that reflects who you are.
If you want your true personality to shine through, you need to create your own content and not share it with other people.Through audience engagement, try to cultivate your own unique style.Before you post, think about your content.It's a good idea to use imagery and ideas from within each time.If you're an avid hiker, you might post images of scenic landscapes from your outings.You're drawn to certain things in your images, like unusual trees and plants.To create your own unique style, go with what you're drawn to and build on that.
Step 2: You can use thetags to connect quickly to your ideal audience.
One of the easiest ways to connect with people who are similar to you or who share your interests is by using the hashtags.Strong connections are created by shared interests and passions.If you're into science fiction novels, try using the #sciencefiction, #scifi, and #Scifiart hashtags.
Step 3: Interaction shows that you are more than a product.
It takes time and effort to forge authentic connections.To engage in a meaningful way, follow other people, comment and like their posts, and reply to thoughtful comments on your posts.As your audience gets bigger, it's important to show appreciation.Don't forget to thank them for their support.
Step 4: It's not true that perfect isn't real or relevant.
You don't want your social media platform to feel like a performance.Using filters like FaceTune can make you feel more confident, but your followers can't relate to perfect.It isn't real or honest to say that perfection is real.You don't need to completely avoid cool filters, but you should not use them in every single post.
Step 5: A fake portrait is painted when you showcase only your best moments.
It's understandable that you want to portray your best self on social media.If you only post images of you meeting cool people, doing cool things, or traveling to exotic places, you are not telling the real story of your life.That doesn't mean you have to post pictures of yourself that are embarrassing or private.You don't want to treat it like a highlight reel of your life.Pepper in occasional images of you acting goofy with your friends, doing silly things, and looking less than perfect to strike a balance between honesty and curation.
Step 6: Going fully automated feels callous.
Overusing automation tools can break the human connection you have with your followers.Try to engage in a manual, organic way at least once a day, even if you use these convenient tools.It isn't feasible to spend hours on social media every day.If you're busy, reply to people a couple of times throughout the day.This won't take a lot of time and will help you humanize your brand.
Step 7: Super-slick images and videos can feel like advertising.
As your brand grows, it is normal to use more professional equipment.It's important to present polished images to your audience, but not go too far.Try to keep the same look and style that attracted your followers in the first place.You probably don't need to invest in high-end stuff like drones if you upgrade to more professional camera equipment.If you've always posted colorful and quirky images from your beach travel adventures, that's what your audience expects from you.As your brand develops, be sure to maintain that.If you suddenly start posting stark images of urban areas, your audience will be confused.
Step 8: Ask your followers what they want.
It is easy to get caught up in brand-building and forget that you are talking to real people.Asking your followers what you can do to improve your brand will create a more personal atmosphere.You want to provide the best product, service, or experience possible if you care about their needs.Ask your followers if they prefer how-to episodes or guest interviews if you do a weekly show.If you are a radio DJ, you should ask your followers if they prefer your voice spots between songs or the continuous blocks of music.
Step 9: Before partnering with brands or individuals, be sure to vet them.
Working with brands that aren't on the same page as you devalues your brand and makes you look fake to your followers.To create authentic connections in the public eye, build relationships with brands and people that complement your own goals.Partnering with women in your industry who own and operate their own businesses would be beneficial and authentic if your brand values gender equality.If you want to cultivate relationships, you need to research what your industry peers are doing.If you're a zero-waste skin care brand that uses organic ingredients, you should check out other organic beauty brands and zero waste packaging companies.There are brands that stand out and have a similar vibe to your own.You could suggest ways to promote each other's products, teaming up to offer discount codes to customers, or collaborating on a joint product.
Step 10: Non-stop sponsored content can be a distraction.
Constant marketing makes people feel like they're getting something from them.If you start focusing only on sponsored content and let your personality fall through the cracks, your followers might start hitting that "unfollow" button.