How to Humanize Your Brand and Build Real Trust Online

Apr 30

Business 101: People buy from people they know, like, and trust. 🙌

And while having expertise is important, it’s not what builds connection. People aren’t just buying your product or service, they’re buying you. Your story. Your energy. Your authenticity.

We’ve all seen it: someone shows up with all the authority in the world…sharing five scientific reasons to drink your bodyweight in water, but you’re still left wondering:

“Cool… but WHO ARE YOU?” 👀

Chances are, your audience is wondering the same thing about you. And if you’ve been hiding behind a perfectly curated feed or a wall of Canva graphics…It's time to change that.

Let’s talk about how to stop being an internet ghost and start humanizing your brand.

1) Show Your Face & Voice (Yes, Even If You Hate It)

People connect with people, not faceless brands.

Post behind-the-scenes content featuring you or your team.
Go live or share videos, even the awkward, unpolished ones.
Use voiceovers or speak directly to the camera in Stories or Reels.

Your voice and presence build familiarity, which is a key ingredient in trust.

2) Tell Your Story (Because Google Can’t Copy That)

There’s power in your journey.

Share the experiences that shaped you.
Open up about the wins and the lessons (yes, even the cringe-y ones).
Explain your WHY…what keeps you doing what you do.

Authenticity resonates far more than perfection ever will.

3) Engage Like a Human, Not a Robot

Please, let your captions and DMs sound like you.

Ditch the stiff “thank you” replies and bring your real personality.
Use conversational language, if it reads like a college essay, hit rewrite.
Highlight your clients and customers. Social proof builds credibility and shows you care.

4) Show the Process, Not Just the Product

Don’t gatekeep the chaos – we want to see it.

Share what’s happening behind the scenes.
Talk about the messy middle, not just the polished outcome.
Celebrate your team and what makes your business run.

People love transparency. It makes your brand real.

5) Have Fun & Show Personality (Or Risk Being Forgettable)

Let your quirks shine.

Use humor, pop culture, memes…anything that reflects YOU.
Celebrate big and small wins.
Don’t be afraid to show up casually. Not every post needs to be a pitch.

Because let’s face it—relatable content sticks.

The Bottom Line?

People trust and buy from brands they feel connected to. So the more human you are, the stronger your brand becomes.

Whether you're a personal brand or a team of ten, connection > perfection every time.

Now go show up, tell your story, and give your audience someone to connect with.
They’re waiting for the real you. 👏

Want help building a content strategy that’s rooted in authenticity and connection? Book a free strategy call with our team at Off The Coast Creative and let’s bring your brand to life, no fluff, just the real you. 🌊

Social Media Agency Serving Richmond Virginia and beyond

At Off The Coast Creative, we believe in sustainable strategies that build real connections, not just vanity metrics. By blending intentional content with community-driven engagement, we help creative entrepreneurs and business owners grow their online presence.

Feeling overwhelmed or ready to refresh your approach? We’ve got your back. Schedule a Free Disco Call with our founder, Anna Talcott to explore how Off The Coast Creative can help you grow your community and elevate your brand on social media.