Be Yourself: Stand Out on Social Media

Emily Holdorf, MS, RDN, LDN Specialty Group Chair: Technology/ Social Media

As we become more and more entrenched in the world of social media, it can be hard not to get lost in the endless scrolling. At first glance, it may seem like you’re just going to be another one of those health and wellness accounts and you won’t be able to stand out in a sea of similarity. I’m here to encourage you to stop that thinking and urge you to step into the spotlight and own your brand on social media.

BE HUMAN. Ultimately, your brand is an extension of you. This isn’t to say that all your pictures should be your kids or your dog, but be a real human on social media. The more you are authentically yourself, the more your brand will stand out and shine. You are the voice of your brand. Write your captions as you would talk if someone were having a conversation with you. Share a peek into your real life through your Instagram stories and make it relatable.

CONSISTENCY IS KEY. Being consistent is important to maintain clear branding messages and a professional look and feel. Not only should you use a consistent color scheme, font and logo, but you should also stay consistent in your messaging. This way your audience will know what to expect from you; you’ll build a credible reputation and be viewed as the expert that you are. Keep in mind posting (or scheduling your posts) on a consistent schedule is helpful to maintain visibility on any social media platform.

SHARE YOUR STORY. What made you become a dietitian? What pushed you to start your own business and brand? Did you have a health story to share? Share the story of how you got to where you are today. People love learning about the background of others and it helps build trust among your followers. Once again, it really goes a long way when you are a relatable human to your audience. They will be more willing to follow your advice and want to be a part of your stand-out brand when you share a little bit of yourself.

BUILD REAL CONNECTIONS. We need to remember why social media was created in the first place - to connect people from all over the world. Be social on social media! Build that community of engaged followers by finding connection and fostering the relationships formed. It’s one thing to have a ton of followers and it’s another to have a connected community that truly cares what you have to say and can build each other up along the way. In a time where trolls are all too present and people can hide behind their screens, be the person who is encouraging, kindhearted and professional, and your brand will quickly stand apart from the rest.

Social media and technology are overwhelming beasts at times, but using a few of these simple tips and being yourself will help you authentically represent your brand and push it into the spotlight.

Emily Holdorf, MS, RDN, LDN, is the owner of EmPowered Nutrition, which focuses on intuitive eating for busy, young professionals. You can typically find Emily in the kitchen creating recipes and taking pictures of food for her blog. When she’s not practicing nutrition, she is exploring the Charlotte food scene, eating ice cream and spending time outdoors.