In the crowded world of personal branding, one phrase gets thrown around like confetti at a wedding: “Be authentic.” But what does that actually mean? Is it just showing up in your sweatpants, unfiltered and unedited? (Spoiler alert: Not quite.) Authenticity isn’t about being unpolished; it’s about being you in a way that resonates with others. Let’s break down the secret to authentic influencing and how you can craft a personal brand that’s as engaging as it is genuine.
Step 1: Know Thyself (and Embrace It)
Authenticity starts with understanding who you are. What makes you tick? What do you value? And—this is important—what quirks make you delightfully human?
Think about influencers like Tabitha Brown. Her warm, loving personality and vegan cooking videos aren’t just about food; they’re a reflection of her kindness and positivity. She knows who she is, and her audience connects with that.
Pro Tip: Make a list of your core values and personality traits. This will act as your personal branding compass. Then, ask yourself, “How can I show these in my content?”
Step 2: Balance the “Real You” with the “Best You”
Let’s address the elephant in the room: being authentic doesn’t mean sharing everything. Your audience doesn’t need a play-by-play of your bad hair days or the time you argued with your cat. Authentic influencing is about being real—but also relevant and intentional.
Think of it like hosting a dinner party. You wouldn’t serve a burnt casserole and call it “authentic cooking.” Instead, you’d serve your favorite dish, plated beautifully, because it represents you at your best.
Pro Tip: Share stories that are personal but relatable. Focus on moments that highlight your growth, humor, or lessons learned. These are the stories that build connections.
Step 3: Speak to Your Audience, Not at Them
Authenticity shines brightest when it’s focused on connection. Engage with your audience like you’re having a one-on-one conversation, not delivering a TED Talk. Influencers like Joe Rogan excel because they listen as much as they talk, creating a dialogue rather than a monologue.
Pro Tip: Ask questions, reply to comments, and acknowledge your followers. Remember, social media is social for a reason.
Step 4: Show, Don’t Tell
We’ve all seen those posts that scream, “Look at how authentic I am!” Ironically, nothing feels less genuine. Instead of telling people you’re real, show them through your actions and content.
For example, if you’re passionate about sustainability, post about your eco-friendly habits or share tips for reducing waste. If humor is your thing, let it shine in your captions and videos. Authenticity is about aligning what you say with what you do.
Pro Tip: Actions speak louder than hashtags. Let your values naturally weave into your content.
Step 5: Be Consistent, But Allow for Growth
Authenticity isn’t static. As you grow, your personal brand will evolve—and that’s okay. What’s important is staying true to your core values while letting your audience in on your journey.
Take Emma Chamberlain, for instance. She started as a relatable teen vlogger but has since grown into a style icon. Her brand evolved, but her candid, unfiltered charm remained.
Pro Tip: Share your evolution with your audience. Be transparent about changes in your life or brand, and bring your followers along for the ride.
Step 6: Don’t Try to Please Everyone
Here’s the kicker: Authenticity will attract the right audience, but it won’t appeal to everyone—and that’s okay. Trying to please everyone is like trying to make a pizza that works for vegans, carnivores, and the gluten-free crowd. (Hint: It’ll just taste weird.)
Pro Tip: Focus on your niche. Speak to the people who “get” you, and don’t worry about the rest. Your vibe attracts your tribe.
The Bottom Line
Authentic influencing isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being perfectly you. It’s knowing who you are, sharing that in an intentional way, and creating a connection that feels real.
So go ahead: show up, speak your truth, and have fun with it. Because the secret to authenticity isn’t much of a secret after all—it’s just you, being you, in the best way possible.
