Social media has given rise to a culture of carefully crafted online personas. So much so that I feel sometimes scrollers forget that the content they consume is mainly made by just another human being, not an actor or actress. However, many individuals and businesses have created almost a "character" who presents a "perfect" image on social media, often at the expense of their authenticity and integrity. An example is the last week of December 2023, when one of the biggest YouTubers who quit YouTube a few years ago announced they were quitting all social media.
But the truth is, people can see through the facade of social media. They are seeking to do business with individuals of integrity and authenticity. Consumers want to interact and engage with genuine businesses that prioritize honesty and transparency.
With the constant stream of people curating their lives on social media, it is increasingly difficult for businesses to differentiate themselves from the crowd.
Among other things, in 2024, presenting a polished and curated image online is on its way out.
People want to know they are doing business with a real person, not just a faceless company. They want to know that the person behind the business is honest, trustworthy, and genuine. They can tell that by deciphering the intention of your digital communications. Whether you know it or not, your intention shows in everything you email, post, and photograph.
The days of the gimmicky and limited-time FOMO sales pitches are slowly expiring. Hustle culture and consumers are turning into something else.
The Power of Genuineness in Building Customer Relationships
I don't know about you, but the ever-increasing competition has made it challenging for brands to stand out. Your post is competing for attention from some of the top dog influencers; after all, because of this, many businesses resort to artificial tactics to grab people's attention, a.k .a. replicating anything that has gone viral.
Because of this phenomenon, what has been so interesting to me is that Instagram and other social channels have gotten so great at socially programming users to refrain from posting due to low reach. Because less reach means less engagement, it means fewer people wanting to share their content, leading people to NOT engage with other people's content out of spite. Do you see how this is backward and will not bring any awareness to your brand, business, or whatever?
To be genuine in your online presence and personal brand, keep the following points in mind:
Know Yourself: Before presenting yourself as genuinely as possible, you must know who you are. What values are important to you? What makes you unique? When you have a clear understanding of yourself, it becomes easier to create content that is authentic and reflects your true self. This is the hardest step because it asks you to get to know yourself, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Be Consistent: Consistency is vital in building your online presence and personal brand. Consistency in your messaging and communications makes it easier for your followers to connect with you and build a relationship with your brand or business. Ensure your content reflects your brand's values and messaging and remains consistent across all platforms.
Share Your Story: Storytelling is a powerful way to build authentic connections with your followers. Share your story, your journey, and your experiences. When you are transparent about your journey, your followers will feel part of it, creating a sense of connection and loyalty to your brand.
Engage with Your Followers: Engaging with your followers is another way to build an authentic online presence. Respond to comments, actively participate in conversations, and show appreciation for your followers by sharing their content or giving shoutouts to loyal followers. Building relationships through online engagement is essential to build an authentic and loyal fan base.
Be True to Yourself: Lastly, be true to yourself when building your online presence and personal brand. Don't try to be someone you're not or create a false persona to attract a larger audience. Authenticity is what sets you apart from your competition, and it's what your followers are seeking.
Once you know yourself, understand the intention of putting your digital marketing out into the ether, be consistent, share your story, engage with your followers, and remain true to yourself, you can create a genuine online presence and personal brand that stands out and builds authentic connections with your followers.
We're all getting better at seeing posts and people for what and who they are, aren't we?
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Being genuine and transparent with your audience can build a loyal following and establish your brand as a trustworthy authority in your industry. Remember, your intention in posting is the best policy moving forward as you create content this year. Subscribe to the weekly Maven Movement email for more tips and insights on succeeding in your business.