““Be yourself—not your idea of what you think somebody else’s idea of yourself should be.”

- Henry David Thoreau

Introduction:

In the social media storm of marketing, having a strong online presence is more important than ever for businesses. Social media platforms have become an essential part of marketing strategies and are crucial for connecting with customers and building brand awareness. One key aspect of social media marketing is being visible as yourself, the business owner, on these platforms. 

With that said, here are 6 reasons you should start letting your authentic self shine on social media.

1. Authenticity and Trust

When you show up authentically as yourself on social media, you can create a more genuine and relatable brand image. People connect with other people, not just corporate entities. By showing your face and sharing your story, you can humanize your brand and build trust with your audience. This level of authenticity can lead to increased customer loyalty and stronger relationships with your target market.

2. Enhanced Brand Awareness

As a business owner, your personal presence on social media can contribute significantly to your company's brand awareness. By engaging with your audience authentically, you can create a more memorable and lasting impression. This can lead to increased exposure and recognition for your business, ultimately driving more traffic and sales..

3. Improved Customer Engagement

Being active on social media as yourself allows you to engage with your customers directly. You can answer questions, respond to comments, and address any concerns they may have. This direct interaction not only helps you better understand your customers' needs but also demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction. When customers feel that their voice is being heard, they are more likely to remain loyal to your brand and recommend it to others.  Before you start thinking you don’t have time for this kind of interaction try 15 minutes of engagement time 3 times a day.  Before your workday, lunchtime and before your workday ends or later in the evening is all it takes. Engagement also helps the algorithm and who doesn’t want that?

4. Build relationships with potential customers

One of the most important aspects of starting a blog is establishing a connection with your potential customers. This can be done through engaging in conversation on your blog, posting stories about how you operate your business, or even sharing inspiring content that you think will resonate with them. These interactions also make it easier for you to keep up with what people are saying and sharing on social media.

5. Personalized Marketing

By showcasing your personality on social media, you can create a unique and personalized marketing approach that sets your business apart from competitors. Sharing personal stories, experiences, and insights can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level, making your marketing efforts more effective and memorable. There may be many businesses who have the same thing to sell as you do but none of them are YOU!  Which means your uniqueness and ways of doing things are the best marketing tool you have.

6. Networking Opportunities

Guess what, being visible as yourself on social media can also open networking opportunities with other business owners, influencers, and community partners. By connecting with others in your industry, you can exchange ideas, collaborate on projects, and expand your professional network. This can lead to new business opportunities and growth for your company. If you are interested in speaking or increasing your speaking engagements the doors begin to open when developing an authentic social media presence and networking collide.

In conclusion, being visible as yourself on social media offers numerous benefits for your business. By embracing authenticity and building trust with your audience, you can enhance brand awareness, improve customer engagement, and create a personalized marketing approach that resonates with your target market. Additionally, it is easier to be yourself. So, don't be afraid to show your face and share your story – it could be the key to taking your business to new heights. This means that regardless of what your business offers, your target audience is likely searching for products or services like yours on search engines like Google.