In a world bombarded with polished narratives and perfectly curated Instagram feeds, followers are now craving genuine connections and true authenticity online. While the word “authentic” is constantly thrown around, it’s so important to understand its true meaning and how to implement it into your content.
Authenticity goes beyond surface-level appearances; it involves sharing our real experiences, stories, and emotions that truly resonate with our followers. By embodying authenticity, we establish immediate trust with our audience, which is key to building lasting connections, attracting clients, fostering loyalty, and positioning ourselves as reliable and credible sources online.
In truth, Our Lives are Not Perfect
The curated nature of Instagram feeds often creates a perception of inauthenticity, which can result in a disconnect between the content and the real experiences of agents and their clients. In truth, our lives are not perfect. If we fail to be open and genuine online, there is a risk of presenting a skewed or idealized version of reality. We have to embrace transparency and authenticity, sharing both the successes and challenges.
Do I want you to start screaming on Instagram Live that you hate lead generation? Absolutely not. However, incorporating that much-desired authenticity into your content can go a long way in resonating with your viewers and fostering stronger connections and engagement.
Ready to get tactical? Keep reading to discover how you can create compelling videos that resonate with your audience in an authentic way.
Share your personal struggles
Consider sharing your own challenges and experiences, just like Krys Benyamein did in this conversation with Robert Mack, where he candidly discusses feeling unmotivated and empty upon achieving a 10-year dream of climbing Mount Everest. Opening up about his struggles creates authenticity and fosters a stronger connection with his audience.
Check out Dan Oneil’s video where he engages in a heartfelt conversation with his 19-year-old team member, Nicholas. They candidly discuss the profound impact of losing loved ones and how he triumphed over these challenges. His story highlights the transformative power of choosing joy and finding resilience amidst adversity.
And, at the risk of being judged, I continue to openly discuss the difficulties I encounter in my own real estate career. I share my personal experience of struggling and feeling lost, not knowing where to turn for guidance and support. My hope is that sharing these stories will inspire and assist others who may be facing similar challenges.
Embrace your failures and lessons learned
A great example is Massive Agent‘s recent video where he openly discusses how he almost failed as a Realtor. Such authenticity not only humanizes his brand, but also inspires others to persevere and grow.
Similarly, this video posted by Taya DiCarlo, emphasizes the importance of failure over winning, shedding light on the valuable lessons that failure can offer. These honest accounts from real estate professionals highlight how setbacks and failures can ultimately lead to growth and success.
Behind the Scenes Glimpses
Behind-the-scenes glimpses can also provide a powerful window into the process of running a real estate business and creating content. Marie Lee‘s video is an excellent example that showcases the dedication and hard work involved in our careers. By offering this behind-the-scenes perspective, real estate professionals like Marie demonstrate the effort and commitment required behind the scenes. Sharing these insights fosters transparency and authenticity, allowing the audience to appreciate the work that goes into their real estate journey.
Why Personal Stories are Important
Personal stories allow your audience to see the human side of your real estate business. It goes beyond transactional interactions to foster a deeper emotional bond. These stories invite your audience into your world which creates relatability, thus allowing your audience to identify with the emotions and situations you have faced. Remember, no one ever got teary-eyed over a spreadsheet. While straight informational content is great, it’s essential to also have content that connects with our audience and evokes emotions.
Remember to Start Small
Embracing authenticity and vulnerability online can initially feel scary, but remember to start small and gradually increase. Begin by sharing small snippets of vulnerability and gradually increase your comfort level over time.
Think of vulnerability as a muscle that can be strengthened through practice. The more you exercise it, the stronger and more resilient it becomes. Each time you share a vulnerable aspect of yourself, you become more comfortable with showcasing your authentic self to your audience.
Find the Balance
Remember, vulnerability is not about baring your soul all at once. It’s about finding a balance that feels right for you and aligns with your goals and values. Sharing personal experiences allows us to create an emotional connection with our audience, delivering information in a way that truly resonates. So, let’s start small, embrace authenticity, and witness the powerful impact it has on our business, connections, and engagement.
