Let’s talk about authenticity, because if I see one more post telling people to “just be authentic” without explaining what that actually looks like, I might lose my mind.

Authenticity has become one of the most overused words in the online space… and somehow, also one of the most misunderstood.

People hear “show up authentically” and think it means:

– Sharing everything about your personal life

– Trauma-dumping for the sake of “relatability”

– Not having a strategy at all

– Filming content with zero intention and calling it “real”

And while authenticity can include vulnerability, it is not the same thing as chaos.

So let’s clear this up.

First Things First: It’s Normal That This Feels Hard

Let me say this clearly, because it needs to be said more often:

Showing up online does not come naturally to most people, and that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

Being perceived by hundreds (or thousands) of people through a screen is not something humans were biologically wired for. We weren’t designed to talk to a phone, watch ourselves back, or package our thoughts into 30-second soundbites.

So if showing up feels awkward, uncomfortable, or unnatural… that’s normal.

Not a flaw. Not a mindset issue. Not a confidence problem.

It’s just new.Authenticity doesn’t mean it suddenly feels effortless. It means you allow yourself to grow through the discomfort instead of letting it stop you.

Authenticity Is Not Oversharing

You do not owe the internet access to every part of your life to be authentic.

Authenticity doesn’t mean telling strangers everything you’re going through in real time. It means sharing intentionally… with purpose, boundaries, and alignment.

And a lil reminder:

Just because something is real doesn’t mean it needs to be public.Authenticity is about truth, not transparency without context.

Authenticity Is Alignment

Here’s the simplest (and most accurate) definition I can give you:

Authentic content is content that feels aligned with who you are, what you believe, and where you’re going.

That’s it. When your values, personality, messaging, visuals, and strategy are aligned, your audience can feel it. And when something feels off? They feel that too.

Most people don’t struggle with authenticity because they’re “fake.”

They struggle because they’re trying to sound like someone else.

Why Authenticity Is the Real Conversion Tool

People don’t buy because your content is perfect.

They buy because it feels safe. Familiar. Trustworthy.

Authenticity builds:

– Trust

– Credibility

– Emotional connection

– Brand loyalty

When your audience feels like they know you, they’re far more likely to work with you, buy from you, refer you, and/or stick around.

This is especially important if you’re a service provider or personal brand.

You are part of the product, whether you like it or not.

Authenticity Still Needs Strategy

Being authentic does not mean being unstrategic.

You can:

✔ Be real

✔ Be intentional

✔ Be strategic

✔ Be on-brand

All at the same time.

The most successful creators and business owners aren’t “winging it”. They’ve simply found a way to package their personality, values, and expertise into content that works.

Authenticity without strategy feels scattered.

Strategy without authenticity feels empty.

The magic is in the balance.

What Authentic Content Actually Looks Like

Authentic content might look like:

– Sharing opinions you actually believe (even if they’re unpopular)

– Showing your process, not just the highlight reel

– Speaking directly to your audience’s real pain points

– Having a consistent voice people recognize instantly

– Creating content that feels natural, not performative

If you cringe watching yourself back, that’s usually a sign you’re performing, not being authentic.

And yes, that IS fixable.

The Truth No One Tells You

You don’t “find” your authentic voice overnight.

You build it.

Through:

– Trial and error

– Showing up imperfectly

– Paying attention to what feels aligned vs forced

– Listening to how your audience responds

Your authenticity is already in you. You just have to stop editing it out of yourself.

So… Where Do You Start?

If you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself:

– What do I actually want to be known for?

– What beliefs do I stand behind?

– Who am I creating content for… really?

– What would I say if I wasn’t worried about how it would land?

Your answers live there.

The Final Pep Talk

You don’t need to be louder.

You don’t need to be trendier.

You don’t need to be more “aesthetic.”

You need to be clear.

Clear on your story.

Clear on your message.

Clear on how you want to show up.

Clear on who YOU are.

Because authenticity isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what actually fits.

And when you get that right?

Your content starts landing. Your people start finding you. And social media starts feeling a lot less exhausting.