How to Be You, But Way Better
From a young age, I recognized the importance of having an aesthetic. It defines you and makes you memorable to others, whether someone says they love your posts, or it's just a gut feeling. But let's face it, achieving this isn't as easy as taking random selfies or posting premade quotes from Pinterest. It requires a little finesse; think of it as a Facetune touch-up but to your personality and voice.
I've always had an eye for beauty, be it in style, makeup, creative writing, or even in wanting to be an editor to refine things to their fullest potential. As a social media manager, I was able to apply this talent to people's pages while still allowing them to express themselves the way they wanted.
I'm not saying you should create a new personality or hide who you are. You are amazing; this is about translating your unique self onto social media for others to appreciate and connect with. Here are four ways to showcase your authenticity on social media:
Figure Out Your Schedule: You don't have to post every day to have a consistent online presence, especially if you don't have a lot of content. I recommend a three-posts-per-week schedule because it allows you to spread out your content while remaining consistent. Depending on your availability, consider scheduling two weeks or a month of content ahead of time. I find it easier to create a month of content and not have to worry about it again.
Collect and Organize Your Photos: Using premade content can confuse timing but few people truly notice. You can repurpose content in a variety of ways - graphics, TBT posts, or sharing professional tips - and stretch it out. To maximize your content, consider taking photos wearing different outfits or layers to diversify posts.
Use a Scheduling App or Create a Visual Grid: Instagram offers in-app scheduling, and there are other planning tools like Planoly or Feed Preview that let you visualize your feed layout and design. You can also use an Instagram grid planner on Canva to rearrange images and ensure they work together. A cohesive visual plan is essential to maintaining authentic branding.
Create a Cohesive Aesthetic: Rather than focusing on individual posts, consider the overall picture. Balance colors, avoid overcrowding, and blend graphics with personal images effectively. Coordinating color schemes and styles make for a cohesive aesthetic all around.
Discovering your online persona takes time and is expected to evolve continually, just like you. If you scroll through my accounts, you can see how my general energy shifts from month to month, reflecting my favorite colors and current projects. It's a beautiful showcase that looks intentional yet feels organic.
If you want to delve deeper into your authentic brand voice, head over to our Etsy shop for "The Authenticity Playbook." This guide will help you explore the essence of your digital presence more thoroughly. From self-discovery to aligning core values with your online persona, this handbook is for any person looking to be their authentic selves on social media.
