Confessions of a Reluctant Online Creator: My "Love List" Revealed
Today's social media is not for the faint-hearted.
In an industry that started out (in my opinion) as a fancy glossy magazine (not that fancy think ‘Cosmopolitan’ rather than ‘Vogue’), it has very much fallen from grace and is now more ‘New Idea’ - the read you hate to love.
Grabbing attention in any which way has saturated the industry with less than perfect content, and the idea of putting yourself out there in the mix with all the riff-raff is LESS than appealing (I get it!). But as someone who has recently begun to show up online again (and DISCLAIMER is kind of hating it), I recently dug deep into the things I like most about the platforms I'm on every day and spoiler: it isn’t their perfectly curated grid.
The accounts I adore are businesses, artists, and personalities that show up online authentically. It's as though I'm watching a friend send me a personal video. So what does it mean to be authentic online? Good question, and I think it is something that happens over time, as you care less about what you are creating and just start creating. Those that are themselves online seem to care a lot less about how they look, the mess in their surroundings, and just focus on getting their point across. There was a spelling mistake on one of my favourite artists' reels once and someone pointed it out and DM'd them (lol). She shared this insight on her stories and I IMMEDIATELY loved her more. Create, be human, make mistakes, don't stress about them!
The other content I really enjoy is relatable content. The content I'm like 'oh me too!'. This comes in all forms. Memes, video trends, or even just an honest rant. It makes me feel seen and heard and I'm here for it. Also, spoiler: this content does SO WELL in the sharing and engaging department. Think of how many times you have sent a video or a piece of content to a friend because you knew they would get it. I have multiple chats with different friends with different humours, and I live for these messages.
Ok, last on this SM love list is talent. I appreciate good talent when I see it, and as a creative, I follow a lot of creative accounts—think photographers, ceramists, graphic designers, musicians, entrepreneurs, skipping enthusiasts - honestly I don’t care what you do if you do it well I’m interested. I'm in awe of their determination, dedication, and I love a good humble beginning. While the talent is admirable, it's really how they got there and the things happening around the talent that make me follow. The talent spiked my interest, but the journey gets you a follow.
Alright, after all that super scientific, extensive research (read: my highly sophisticated scrolling habits), what have we actually learned about how to nail this whole online thing for our businesses?
Get Real, Get Relatable
Seriously, aren’t we over the perfectly polished content. Let’s show the real you. So, ditch the urge to be flawless (and the grammy’s ready face of hair & makeup) and embrace the glorious mess.
Just Start Creating (Even if You're Hating It)
I get it, putting yourself out there is hard (especially when you hit a certain age). But the more you actually do it, the less terrifying it becomes. Start small – a quick behind-the-scenes snippet, a little hi, whatever. The more you do it, the easier it gets, and the more authentically you your content will feel.
Embrace the Shenanigans
Never, ever underestimate the power of a good laugh. Adding some entertainment value to your content – whether it's a blooper, a funny little mishap, or just a quirky behind-the-scenes moment – makes you instantly more relatable and memorable. Think about it: a good chuckle sticks with you way longer than a perfectly worded sales pitch. When you take yourself less seriously online, it actually becomes way more fun and way more rewarding.
So, go on, be human, be yourself, and don't sweat the small stuff. Your online community will thank you for it!
