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The Power of Authenticity & Why Sticky Topics Make Your Marketing Stronger

about us authenticity branding Dec 03, 2024

 Today is my birthday, and I love celebrating it!

It hasn’t always been that way. There was a time when I tried NOT to have anymore birthdays... That’s a raw truth I carry with me, and I thank God every day for not letting me expire that day. Losing my stepdad to the same demons has only deepened my perspective on the fragility and beauty of life.

I was a little nervous posting about my story again because every time I post about mental health struggles, suicide prevention, or any other "sticky" subject, I lose followers. Each unfollow stings a little because I wonder: Did I offend them? Was I too vulnerable? Too real?

But here’s the truth: I won’t stop.

 

Authenticity Your The Secret Sauce

In a world where perfectly curated feeds and filtered photos dominate your scroll, authenticity stands out. People are starving for realness, for someone to say, "Hey, life gets messy, but here’s how I’m navigating it." Sharing your truth not only builds deeper connections but also solidifies your personal brand in ways superficial posts never could.

This doesn’t mean every post has to be a heavy confession. Authenticity isn’t about trauma dumping or oversharing; it’s about being honest with your audience. For me, talking about mental health isn’t a marketing gimmick—it’s part of who I am the same way being a baseball mom or a chocoholic is.

Why Talking About the Tough Stuff Matters

When you share something real—something sticky—you humanize your brand. You tell your audience, "I’m not just here to sell you something; I’m here to connect."

That connection is priceless. It’s the glue that keeps your audience coming back, even if some people click “unfollow” along the way.

Here’s the thing: Not everyone will resonate with your message, and that’s okay. The ones who stay? They’re your people. They’re the ones who will become loyal followers, advocates, and even friends.

Facing the Fallout

Let’s address the elephant in the room: losing followers or facing criticism when you post something controversial. It’s tempting to play it safe, to stick to lighthearted content that won’t ruffle any feathers. But safety doesn’t spark change.

When you talk about hard topics, you might alienate some people. You might even get a few nasty comments. But you’ll also reach people who desperately need to hear your message.

I can’t tell you how many private messages I’ve received from people thanking me for my honesty and authenticity. Those messages make every unfollow worth it.

The Marketing Angle

If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur, you might worry about how being “too real” will affect your brand. Will clients think less of you? Will it hurt your sales?

The opposite is true. Authenticity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any successful brand.

When you share your values, struggles, and victories, you’re inviting people into your story. And people buy from brands they trust and relate to.

By opening up about my mental health journey, I’ve created a community of like-minded individuals who not only support me but also champion my business.

How to Start Being More Authentic

If you’re ready to embrace authenticity in your marketing but don’t know where to start, or maybe you're nervous to put heart out there, here are some tips:

  1. Know Your Why: Share stories that align with your values and mission. For me, talking about mental health aligns with my commitment to fostering genuine connections and encouraging people to embrace life.

  2. Start Small: You don’t have to spill your deepest secrets in your first post. Share a small, meaningful story or lesson that’s relevant to your audience.

  3. Engage in Conversations: Invite your audience to share their thoughts or experiences. Connection is a two-way street.

  4. Prepare for Pushback: Not everyone will agree with you, and that’s okay. Remember, you’re not for everyone—and everyone isn’t for you.

  5. Focus on Impact: Even if only one person is helped by your post, that’s enough.

 

Celebrate Life

So here I am, celebrating another year of life, grateful for the chance I was given to live and determined to make the most of it. I know life is hard and unfair sometimes, but I also know it’s worth fighting for.

If you take one thing away from this blog, let it be this: Your story matters. Your voice matters. And by sharing your truth, you can make a difference—not just in your own life but in the lives of others.

Yes, you might lose a few followers along the way, but the ones who stay will be your people. And in the end, isn’t that what truly matters?

Let’s keep talking about the sticky subjects, spreading awareness, and celebrating the joy of living. Because life is worth celebrating—and so are you.

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