Maria's PR Tips

In a world obsessed with perfect grids, dreamy filters, and Pinterest-worthy vibes, “aesthetic” can feel like the price of admission to being seen. The clean, curated version of our lives is easier to digest. It says, “I’ve got it together. I’m safe to look at.”

But what happens when that polish starts to smother the person underneath?

I’ve found myself caught between wanting to express my truest self, and wanting it to look good while I do it. I’ve rewritten captions to preserve a vibe. I’ve archived posts that felt too honest. Why? Because they didn’t match the brand.

But here’s the thing: authenticity has its own beauty. And sometimes, choosing what’s real over what’s visually seamless is the most powerful branding move you can make.

🧠 The PR Case for Being Real

Today’s audiences can smell performance. Authenticity builds trust, and trust builds engagement. In fact, Sprout Social reports that consumers are more likely to buy from a brand they feel is genuine, even if its content isn’t polished. That’s huge.

Forbes calls this the “authenticity advantage,” brands that show personality and transparency tend to grow faster and retain more loyal followings.

And it’s not just about what you say, it’s also who says it. A 2024 study found that users perceive influencer content as more trustworthy when it feels unscripted and imperfect. In the context of PR and personal branding, this means people engage more with humans, not highlight reels.

Frontify’s guide to brand authenticity sums it up well: “People don’t fall in love with flawless, they fall in love with real.” Your visuals should elevate your message, not disguise it.

And when it comes to personal branding, this doesn’t mean ignoring strategy. It means letting your strategy highlight your values. As another Forbes article puts it: “Authenticity isn’t an excuse to be messy, it’s a blueprint for connection.”

✨ So What’s the Balance?

Here’s my take:

Your aesthetic should serve your authenticity, not erase it.
Let the visuals support your story, not silence it.

When the two don’t align perfectly?
Choose truth. Always choose truth.

💬 Your Turn

What’s one moment you chose authenticity over aesthetics in your own online presence?
Drop it in the comments, or tag me in a post. I’d love to highlight your story in my next piece. 🖤