When Your Content Feels Fake: How to Create Marketing That Actually Feels Like You

Real Life Isn't Always Picture Perfect

The weekend before I recorded this podcast was supposed to be a celebration—my son’s second birthday. I had all these sweet, simple plans: balloons, cake, presents, and LOTS of cute photos. But instead, we spent it navigating a nasty stomach bug, cleaning up bodily fluids, and canceling all the activities I had imagined.

And honestly? That messy, emotional weekend made me think a lot about what it means to show up in our businesses—and what it really feels like when we don’t.

It made me think about the ickiness that can sneak into our content when we’re forcing it, performing, or ignoring what’s really happening inside of us.

Because visibility should never mean faking it.

What Fake Actually Feels Like (In Your Body)

You know that weird gut feeling when you're scrolling and something feels...off? Even if the post looks polished or perfectly vulnerable, your body just knows it's not genuine.

Here’s what fake feels like for me, and probably for you too:

• A tight jaw
• Furrowed brows
• An internal "eww" or urge to scroll away
• A subtle sense of tension or distrust

Our bodies pick up energetic misalignment before our brains can even put words to it.

And here’s the thing: that same dissonance happens when we try to create content that isn't true to us, too.

Honoring Your Body as Your Creative Compass

If you’ve ever sat down to create something and it just felt...off, even if it was “technically good”—your body was trying to tell you something.

When it doesn't pass your body's vibe check, it's not aligned.

And you don’t have to share it.

Here’s how aligned content usually feels instead:

• Your breath deepens
• Your shoulders relax
• You might smile or even tear up a little
• You feel grounded, not rushed or desperate

When you create from this place, your audience feels it. It’s magnetic without you even trying.

Where Fake Energy Sneaks Into Marketing (And How to Spot It)

Sometimes, fake energy isn't intentional. It creeps in because:

• We think we have to sound more professional than we are
• We use urgency or FOMO tactics that don’t feel true
• We copy strategies that work for others but don’t fit our natural energy
• We curate a version of ourselves we think will be more “marketable”

Especially in launches, it can be so tempting to default to scarcity tactics ("only two spots left!") even when it’s not quite true.

But there’s a huge difference between aligned urgency (“Doors close Friday”) and fear-based pressure (“You’ll miss out if you don't buy now!!”).

If it feels hollow or manipulative to you, your audience feels it too.

How to Create Resonant, Genuine Content

If you're noticing fake energy creep in, here's how to course-correct:

1. Pause and tune in.

Ask: Does this feel like me? Does this feel rooted in truth?

2. Create for yourself first.

What would feel good to post today, whether or not it gets a million likes?

3. Notice what content makes you feel safe and seen.

Reflect on posts you love—what do they have in common? How can you create more like that?

4. Let your body be your guide.

If your shoulders drop and your breath deepens while you're writing it—that’s a yes.

Journal Prompts for Deeper Reflection

Want to integrate this even more? Here are a few prompts you can sit with:

• What’s a piece of content (yours or someone else’s) that made you feel seen and spacious this week?
• Where do you notice yourself trying to sound more polished, professional, or "perfect" than necessary?
• What kind of content feels fun and natural for you to create?
• When do you feel most connected to your audience?
• What would it feel like to post even when it’s messy, imperfect, and real?

The Real Magic Is in the Mess

Just like my son’s birthday weekend—where nothing went according to plan—the real magic in life and business isn’t in the perfectly curated moments.

It’s in the rawness.

The tenderness.

The humanity.

It’s in the moments where you're curled up on the couch covered in cracker crumbs, feeling exhausted—but also so, so full of love.

And that’s the kind of connection your audience is craving from you, too.

Final Reminder: You Are Your Safest Strategy

You don't need to perform. You don't need to curate. You don't need to fake anything to be worthy of being seen.

Your truth is magnetic.

Your softness is powerful.

And your body already knows what’s real.

Want Support Creating Aligned Visibility?

If this resonated with you and you're craving deeper support in showing up in a way that feels real and safe for your body and business—

Grab my free resource, The Visibility Roadmap!

It’s a beautiful, somatic-based guide that helps you reconnect with your inner truth and build a visibility strategy that feels like home. 🌿✨

👉 Click here to download the Visibility Roadmap

XO,

Shawne

PS: If you loved this episode and want to share what landed for you, I’d love to hear from you! Shoot me a DM or send me a message—those little conversations are seriously the highlight of my day. 💛