Let's Keep It Real: Key Ingredients for Social Media Authenticity

Today’s consumers want something credible and real, which is why authentic brands are more successful on social media. Social media authenticity is critical. It allows people to interact with brands in real-time, and it creates an open space for feedback and conversation.

To receive customer service assistance, all you need to do is send a DM or tweet at the business for a response. Therefore, social media management is essential to brands and companies because it reinforces their legitimacy and allows them to present their unique brand personality.

The most crucial element of any strong branding strategy is the ability to convey authenticity so that you earn customers' trust. If you want to be authentic in your social media communications and messages, you need to pay attention to your customers’ reaction to your conversation.

Let’s see how you can develop social media authenticity in your marketing strategy. Authenticity is the key to learning how to build community online!

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Speak the Truth

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With truthful and transparent posts about your business, you’ll show your customers you have nothing to hide. Share with them everything they need to know about your business and products. That will help them make more informed decisions, while you’ll build your credibility.

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If you talk to social media experts, they will tell you to focus on your followers! Your followers will trust you more, making your brand image seem more trustworthy. To build up the trust for your brand will take some time. However, it’s of vital importance to customers. And only one false claim or an ingenuine post can destroy the trust you’ve spent so much time cultivating.

And then, users will leave bad reviews, post negative public comments, or unfollow you.

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Stay Real in Social Media Communications

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Today, customers know their ways and are wary of potential scams and fakes. Before choosing which business to spend their money with, they will consider their options carefully. To prove that you fundamentally are interested in delivering the best value, you need to regularly share valuable, informational, and educational content about your business.

Actively interact with your customers and promote your business on social media. It will serve as a proof that you’re a trustworthy business, not a rip-off.

How to make your business appear more “real”? Share behind-the-scenes images and videos from your business. Show what a day at your company looks like. Record your employees’ testimonials about how it’s like working for your brand. Humanize by showing your followers the faces behind your brand. Share photos of company events, staff profiles, and videos about how your business runs.

Once they gain this kind of insight into your organization, they will build an authentic connection with you.

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Always Be Ready to Help

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When a brand is too pushy in trying to make a sale, customers go into retreat and typically don’t want to keep talking. So, in social media communications, avoid this tactic.

Our advice to follow the 70/30 rule, where 70% of your posts provide information and value, while the rest is self-promotional. Make sure that your social media content is entertaining or valuable to your audience. That will spur their interest and get them to like or follow your social media page.

What does it mean to be genuine? It says that your content aligns with your brand. It’s about humanizing your brand and creating compelling content, not taking a “salesy” approach to everything you post out there.

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Don’t Go Crazy With Scheduled Posts

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In other words, keep them to a minimum. Yes, automated posts are convenient because they can save you some time. However, you’ll lose on your authenticity which comes from real-time posting and interaction.

If you have the time to interact with your audience about the content you’re publishing, then you certainly have the time to post it. You can’t always respond in real-time on automated posts.

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If You’re Wrong, Admit It

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If your followers notice that you’re avoiding to talk about a mistake or deleting negative comments, they’ll think you’re hiding something. But - you can’t hide on social media. Take responsibility for your errors and be open about it.

Yes, you might lose some customers, but on the other hand, you’ll gain some new ones that have seen how you owned up to your wrongdoings and promised to do better in the future.

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Socialize

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Ultimately, socializing is the whole point of social media. People on social media want meaningful and real conversations. Thus, social media interactions with brands are no exception. Get involved in social media conversations – develop the brand personality that you’ll use to communicate.

Answer your followers’ messages, respond to comments, like status updates and mentions, or your brand might suffer. Whenever an existing or potential customer asks you something, do your best to provide a tailored and official response. Again, automated sales messages are a big no-no.

Social media communications, as well as every aspect of social marketing, can be very time-consuming. Also, if you’re present on several social networks, you might lose yourself in all the conversations that are happening.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is brand authenticity so important?

It's important because customers want to feel like they're buying something real, something that has a soul. They want to know that the company stands for something and isn't just out to make a quick buck. If the audience can relate to you they are more likely to buy your products!

What is an example of authenticity?

An example of authenticity would be if a person is genuine and doesn't pretend to be someone they're not. They are authentic because their actions match their words. This principle applies to brands as well! They also need to be seen as authentic.

What is authenticity of a product?

A product is authentic if it is genuine, or made from the original material. For example, a true diamond is authentic, whereas a cubic zirconia would not be considered an authentic diamond. The term can also be applied to people, as in an "authentic person."

What does authenticity mean in marketing?

Authenticity in marketing is the ability of a brand to seem genuine to an audience. They have to really believe what you are saying. If the audience trusts your brand, they will be more likely to use it and promote it with friends and family.

Final Thoughts

By now it should be obvious that social media authenticity is an important element for building trust and credibility with your audience. By being genuine, transparent, and consistent in your online presence, you can foster a sense of authenticity that will help you connect with your audience on a deeper level. Trust  me, viewers can really tell!

Follow these guideline and you can create a strong and authentic social media presence your followers will love!