Social media is full of gimmicks, but trying to copy everyone else is the fastest way to lose credibility.

It’s easy to feel pressure to show up online like everyone else—whether that’s creating skits, joining games, or trying to be funny—because those posts seem to “work.” The problem is, when the approach doesn’t feel authentic, it won’t resonate. Many people struggle with this balance, and it’s one of the biggest challenges of building a credible online presence.

In a world where everyone is fighting for attention online, it’s tempting to jump on the latest trend. But just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s right for you or your business. When you chase gimmicks, you risk diluting your credibility and blending into the noise rather than standing out.

What works better? Authenticity.

Play to Your Strengths: If you’re not naturally a comedian or entertainer, don’t force it. Share insights, stories, or perspectives that come naturally to you.

Be True to Who You Are: Your audience follows you because of who you are and what you offer. Lean into that instead of trying to mimic what others are doing.

Prioritize Value Over Virality: A post that gets 200 views but resonates with your ideal client is more valuable than a gimmicky video that goes “viral” with the wrong audience.

The takeaway? Social media doesn’t require you to perform. It requires you to connect. When you show up as yourself, without trying to be like everyone else, you’ll attract the right people and build trust.

Kristen Luke

Founder of Kaleido Creative Studio and OnNiche®

We Want Your Take! Have you felt the pressure to follow social media trends, even when they don’t feel authentic to you? What approach works best for you—sticking to your strengths, experimenting with trends, or a mix of both? Join the conversation and share your ideas at the OnNiche® Public Square!