The Biggest Myth About Social Media for Business (And What Actually Works)


One of the biggest misconceptions about promoting your business on social media is that you need to become some kind of influencer, entertainer, or viral sensation to succeed. Many business owners believe they have to post endless videos, do silly dances, or put on a larger-than-life personality just to get noticed.

The truth? That’s not necessary at all.

In fact, trying too hard to be entertaining or polished can actually work against you. Here’s why—and what you should focus on instead.


You Don’t Need to Be an Influencer—You Just Need to Be Real

If you’re running a local business, your goal on social media isn’t to become internet-famous. You don’t need millions of views or followers. Instead, you need to build a real, personal connection with your audience—so they:

Know who you are
Understand what you stand for
Trust you before they even walk in the door

That’s it. You don’t have to go viral. You don’t have to start the next big dance trend. You just need to show up as yourself and let people see who you really are.


The #1 Key to Social Media Success: Authenticity

If there’s one thing that makes people connect with you online, it’s authenticity—showing up as the real you.

That means:

No overly polished, fake personas. Your audience doesn’t expect perfection—they just want to connect with a real person.
No gimmicks. You don’t need to be the funniest or most exciting person online. Just be friendly and approachable.
No faking it. If you try to be someone you’re not, people will sense it—and they won’t trust you.

When people see you online, and then meet you in real life, they should feel like they already know you. That consistency builds trust—and trust is what brings in business.


Do You Have to Make Videos?

No! While videos can be a great tool, they aren’t required.

Some people love making videos, while others aren’t comfortable on camera—and that’s okay. Whether you post text, images, or just short updates, the key is to be consistent and genuine.

Ironically, trying to be too polished can make you seem unrelatable. People connect more with someone who feels real, approachable, and down-to-earth than someone who looks like they just stepped off a movie set.


Bottom Line: Just Be You

A lot of business owners assume they need to be more exciting, do more, or push harder to get attention on social media.

The reality? You don’t.

All you need to do is show up as yourself and be consistent. If you do that, people will naturally connect with you, trust you, and—most importantly—want to do business with you.


Need Help Growing Your Business on Social Media?

At The Customer Factory, we specialize in helping businesses like yours turn social media into a real marketing tool—without the gimmicks.

Want more tips on how to build momentum and grow your business online? Visit TheCustomerFactory.com/webinar-lt—Discover how to use social media to gain local exposure, build trust, and grow your revenue.

Let’s get your business the attention it deserves—the right way. 🚀

By John Nesbit, CEO The Customer Factory

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