Why Being Fake Online is Killing Your Sales
Hey, Socialites!
I’m often asked what my number one piece of advice is for those new to the influencer or social selling world. My answer is ALWAYS “authenticity.” People can spot inauthenticity from a mile away, and absolutely nothing will make them scroll on by faster. So here are my easiest tips for conquering the fear of being yourself online - and why I believe it’s the key to successful social selling.
Choose authenticity over perfection, ALWAYS.
Instead of trying to present a picture-perfect version of yourself or your product, let people in on the real story. Did you just spill coffee on yourself before you hit record? Tell them! Are you running behind on getting orders out because you’ve got a sick kid at home? Tell them! All these things make you more relatable, which in turn, makes you more appear more trustworthy.
It’s not just about the sale; it’s about the connection.
You’ve heard me say it a thousand times: people don’t buy products, they buy products from people they trust. When you share personal anecdotes about why you love a product or how it fits into your life it creates a sense of authenticity. Authenticity builds community, and community builds trust, which ultimately leads to sales. Side bar, but this is so important to keep in mind when you’re just starting out in business. If sales are slow, it’s probably not because people don’t like your product. Rather, remember that it takes time to build trust - so the more you show up authentically, the faster you’ll get those sales!
Understand the power of saying NO.
Believe it or not, saying no to promoting products you don’t believe in can be just as powerful as saying yes to the ones you do. I’ve made it a point to share the stories of collaborations I’ve turned down because they didn’t align with my values or audience. Not only does it establish that I have integrity, but it reinforces that my endorsements mean something.
Use humor to break down walls.
I believe that humor is hands down the #1 underrated authenticity tool. Using self-deprecating humor or telling a funny story about my family or brand is something you’ll see me do often. Laughter creates a bond with your audience and shows that you don’t take yourself too seriously - perfect for that authentic vibe.
Imagine speaking to one person, not a crowd.
When you show up in stories or a reel, talk as if you’re having a one-on-one conversation over coffee with a friend. When someone feels like they’re being spoken to directly, they’re more likely to engage. Avoid salesy language - no one wants to feel like they’re being sold to.
Share the good, the bad, and everything in between.
People appreciate transparency. Rarely will we share a product that is 100% perfect for our entire audience. the sleeves run shorter on a top, mention that for your tall girls. If you need to go light on a hair product so it doesn’t make your hair greasy, say it! At the end of the day, your audience knowing they can TRUST you is far more important than a sale that could potentially result in a return because you glazed over important but less desirable details.
So, the next time you find yourself re-recording something for the eighth time, take a breath and remember: authenticity isn’t just a buzzword - it’s the KEY. Your audience will thank you, your sales will reflect it, and trust me when I say, being yourself is a lot less exhausting than trying to be someone else.
Here for you and your success always,
