Why Authenticity Beats Aesthetic: A 2025 Take on Social Media Strategy

April 29, 2025

Why Authenticity Beats Aesthetic: A 2025 Take on Social Media Strategy


If you’re still obsessing over picture-perfect graphics and glossy videos, it might be time to rethink your content game. According to HubSpot’s 2025 Global Social Media Trends Report, a massive "76% of marketers say that authentic content outperforms highly produced content."


Let that sink in.


In an era flooded with AI-generated visuals and curated perfection, audiences are craving something real. They're not looking for the flashiest transitions or the smoothest B-roll. They're looking for connection. And the brands that deliver that? They win. Because they are REAL.


What “Authentic Content” Actually Means


Authenticity doesn’t mean low effort. It means human. It’s the behind-the-scenes video that didn’t have a script. It’s the founder talking to the camera about a bad day, and how they turned it around. It’s your team packing orders, answering customer questions, and sharing real experiences. It's you giving your audience real, human experiences. This doesn’t just build trust. It builds relationships.


And lucky for you, you do human things every day. The content opportunities are endless.


Shift Your Strategy: Posting With Purpose


The report also dives deep into what makes a posting strategy actually work in 2025, and the answer isn’t “post more.” It’s about:


  • Consistency over frequency – You don’t need to post daily to win. You need to show up reliably and with intention.
  • Content themes that reflect your values – Don’t just talk about your products. Share your mission, your team culture, your customer success stories.
  • Platform-native formats – Use tools and features your audience is already engaging with: Reels, Stories, TikToks, LinkedIn carousels. Don’t overproduce – adapt.
  • Analytics that inform, not dictate – Use your numbers to guide content creation, not paralyze it. If a low-lift post outperforms a big production, listen to what your audience is telling you.


What This Means for Your Brand


If you're a small business or personal brand, this is your unfair advantage. You don't need a massive production budget to succeed. You just need to show up with honesty, value, and consistency. The brands that win in 2025 are the ones that are human, not just polished.


Why This Matters for Elk River Small Businesses


If you’re a small business owner in Elk River, Minnesota, this shift is good news. You don’t need a big marketing team or a studio setup. You need a clear strategy, a consistent voice, and a willingness to connect with your audience in a human way.


And that’s exactly what I help you do.


If you're looking to revamp your content, start fresh with a new social media strategy, or develop a brand voice that resonates, I'm here to help you show up authentically and consistently through my social media management service.


Need Content Fast? Book a Video VIP Content Day


If you're overwhelmed by the idea of showing up consistently online, you're not alone, and that's exactly why I offer Video VIP Content Day.


In just one focused session, we’ll capture a full bank of 6 months of custom content that reflects your brand, your story, and your voice. Think:


✔ Branded photos and video
✔ Reels and Stories-ready footage
✔ Strategic messaging prompts
✔ A ready-to-go content calendar


If you're launching, rebranding, or just need a content refresh, this is a one-day solution for 6 months of content designed especially for busy small business owners in Elk River, Minnesota and surrounding areas. All it takes is one conversation. Reach out any time and let's chat options!


Final Thought


It's not about doing more. It's about doing what matters. Start showing up with content that feels real, and your audience will start showing up for you. Be yourself, be human, be YOUR brand. To read the full free report, click the link below and download.



Resource: HubSpot 2025 Global Social Media Trends

HubSpot 2025 Report

I Built a Website in 5 Days

By site-tsWP_w • February 12, 2025
The Power of a Well-Defined Process When I tell people I can build a website in just five days, they’re often curious about how it’s possible or amazed. The truth is the secret isn’t in rushing—it’s in the process. Proper preparation makes development seamless and here’s how I do it. Discovery: Laying the Foundation Every great website starts with a conversation. In our discovery meeting, I sit down with my client to understand their business, their current website pain points, and their goals. We discuss: Who are they as a business? What’s working? What’s not? Where do they want to be in six months or a year? Who is their target audience, and what do they need? What key features and integrations are necessary? This deep dive ensures that we align the website with their vision, branding, and long-term strategy. Strategy: Building the Blueprint Once the goals are clear, I begin mapping out the website’s structure. This involves: Creating a sitemap to ensure a smooth user journey. Writing strategic copy that speaks to the audience’s needs. Designing wireframes to visualize the layout before development begins. Implementing SEO best practices, including keyword research and meta descriptions. Planning at this stage eliminates guesswork later, reducing unnecessary revisions and keeping the project on track. Development: Time to Build Because we’ve already built out the wireframes and content, development moves quickly. This is where the momentum kicks in. With everything meticulously planned and prepared beforehand, development flows effortlessly, allowing me to bring the website to life with precision and speed. Over the course of five days, I bring the design to life, ensuring it’s: Responsive and user-friendly across all devices. Optimized for speed and performance. Intuitive with seamless navigation. Integrated with essential third-party tools like email marketing platforms or e-commerce functionalities. Since all the heavy lifting happened before development even started, this phase is smooth. No scrambling to rewrite copy. No last-minute changes to layouts. Just execution. Quality Control: Perfecting the Final Product Before launching, I take my clients through a final walkthrough to ensure everything is flawless. This stage includes: Cross-browser testing for compatibility in mobile and desktop. Page speed optimization for a better user experience. Basic training on how to update and manage the site. Complementary social media post to share with their audience. Once we get the green light, the site goes live, and my client is equipped with everything they need to maintain their online presence. Why This Process Works Most website projects drag on because there’s no clear roadmap. By front-loading the strategy and content, development becomes a breeze. A well-planned website doesn’t just save time—it results in a high-quality final product. With a structured process, collaboration, and clear goals, a professional website can be built in just five days without compromising quality. Ready to build something amazing in just five days? Let's talk.
Video Content

Why Authentic Video Content is the Key to Connecting with Your Audience

December 8, 2024
Want to boost your business with video content? Discover how authentic, simple videos can create stronger connections with your audience and drive engagement. Our latest blog explains why you don’t need a huge production—just real, relatable content. Learn how to create impactful videos that resonate with today’s consumers. Check it out now!
How Consistent Social Media Posting Can Transform Your Small Business (Without Over Posting)

How Consistent Social Media Posting Can Transform Your Small Business (Without Over Posting)

By site-tsWP_w • October 23, 2024
Discover how consistent social media posting can elevate your small business. This blog explores effective strategies for building brand awareness, fostering customer relationships, and enhancing engagement without overwhelming your resources. Learn practical tips for developing a sustainable content strategy that drives growth and connects with your audience. Unlock the potential of your social media presence today!
Brand Recognition

The Power of Visual Consistency: Why It’s Key for Brand Recognition

By Rae Nyberg • September 25, 2024
Ready for me to blow your mind? Every day, an estimated 402.74 million terabytes of data is created globally according to Exploding Topics , highlighting the need for brands to stand out in an increasingly crowded digital landscape. You read that right: 402.74 MILLION TERABYTES OF DATA . Can you even comprehend that? Nope. I can't. Here are more fun facts: Web Content: Approximately 7.5 million blog posts are published daily. Social Media: More than 350 million Facebook photos are uploaded daily. Around 95 million photos and videos are shared on Instagram every day. Video Content: Over 300 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute, totaling approximately 720,000 hours of video content every day. Video makes up 53% of video data traffic. Email: Over 306.4 billion emails are sent every day. MIND. BLOWN. Your audience is bombarded with endless content and data every day. So, how do you ensure your brand stands out? One of the most effective ways is through visual consistency . What is Visual Consistency? Visual consistency means using your logo, color palette, fonts, and design elements across all your platforms. Your social media posts, website banners, or email campaigns should be recognized by your audience, and they should instantly know your brand by its look and feel. This builds recognition and trust over time, making it easier for people to remember you and identify you in the sea of 402.74 million terabytes of data. Think about brands like Nike, Apple, or Coca-Cola. Are you picturing their signature elements in your head? The swoosh, the apple logo, or Coca-Cola’s iconic red can trigger immediate brand association. That’s the power of consistency—it creates a seamless experience and strengthens your brand’s identity. We LOVE that! But it’s not just about logos and colors. Visual consistency also communicates professionalism and shows that your brand is well-organized. A well-designed, cohesive feed or website indicates that your brand is intentional, giving your audience confidence in what you offer. Steps to Achieve Visual Consistency Define Your Brand Identity: Start by clarifying your brand’s mission, values, and personality. What message do you want to convey? This will guide your visual elements. Create a Brand Kit: Develop a brand kit that includes your logo, color palette, typography, and any other design elements. Ensure that all components work seamlessly together. Use Consistent Imagery: Select a specific style of imagery that reflects your brand. From photography, illustrations, or graphics, make sure they align with your overall brand identity. Design Templates: Create templates for your social media posts, presentations, and other marketing materials. This saves time and all content maintains a consistent look. Establish Guidelines: Document guidelines for how to use your brand elements. Include information on logo placement, font sizes, color codes, and image styles to maintain consistency across all platforms. Audit Your Current Assets: Review your existing materials to identify any inconsistencies. Update or redesign anything that doesn’t align with your current brand standards. Monitor and Adjust: Continuously evaluate your brand's visual presence. Stay open to feedback and make adjustments as needed to ensure your branding remains effective and relevant. Ready to Make Your Brand More Recognizable? Your answer should be YES! At Rae & Creative Design, I specialize in crafting cohesive branding that stands out against the competition and resonates with your business and your audience. Do you need an update to your current brand or a full design from scratch? Don't sweat it. I’ll create a brand kit and visuals that capture your unique identity and help you stand out among the 402.74 million terabytes of data (I still can't get over this). Let’s bring your brand to life – contact me today to schedule a discovery call. References: 53 Important Statistics About How Much Data Is Created Every Day in 2024 - Financesonline.com Amount of Data Created Daily (2024) (explodingtopics.com) How Many Blogs Are There In 2024 - Top Global Blogging Statistics - Tech Business News How Many Blogs Are There Worldwide in 2024? (6 Key Statistics) - Master Blogging How Much Data is Created Every Day in 2024? (business2community.com) 30+ Incredible Big Data Statistics (2024) (explodingtopics.com)
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