Authentic Instagram Content – How to Create it through Behind-the-Scenes & Customer Stories
Introduction
In an era where audiences crave realness over perfection, Authentic Instagram Content has become the cornerstone of successful social media strategies. Platforms like Instagram thrive on relatability, and brands that prioritise transparency and genuine storytelling often see stronger engagement and loyalty. This post explores how to craft Authentic Instagram Content through behind-the-scenes glimpses and customer stories—two tactics proven to build trust and humanise your brand.
The Power of Authentic Instagram Content in Building Trust
Authentic Instagram Content isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about connection. When followers feel they’re seeing the “real you”—warts and all—they’re more likely to engage, advocate for your brand, and return for more.
Why Authenticity Matters
- Builds Credibility : Audiences distrust overly polished content. Behind-the-scenes posts show the effort behind your brand, making it more relatable.
- Encourages Loyalty : Customer stories (e.g., testimonials and case studies) demonstrate real results and experiences, proving your product/service works.
- Humanises Your Brand : Employee spotlights and raw, unfiltered moments (e.g., a messy workspace video) remind followers that there are people—not robots—behind the brand.
A study by Sprout Social found that 72% of consumers prefer brands that feel authentic , and this preference directly translates to higher conversion rates.
How to Create Authentic Instagram Content: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Share Behind-the-Scenes Content
Authentic Instagram Content thrives on transparency. Use this approach to:
- Show Your Workspace : Film a quick video of your team brainstorming or a time-lapse of product creation.
- Highlight Imperfections : Share a “messy desk” photo or a candid moment during a photoshoot.
- Invite Feedback : Ask followers, “What should we create next?” to involve them in your process.
Example: A bakery might post a reel of staff mixing batter, captioned, “This is how we make your morning coffee taste so good!”
2. Repost Customer Stories and Testimonials
Customer-generated content (UGC) is gold for authenticity. Use these strategies:
- Feature Testimonials : Repost a photo of a customer using your product with a caption like, “Thank you, [Name], for sharing your journey!”
- Run a “Tag Us” Campaign : Encourage followers to post with your product and feature the best entries.
- Share Case Studies : Highlight a success story, such as a client’s transformation.
Why It Works : UGC acts as social proof, and followers trust peer experiences over branded content.
3. Highlight Employees and Partners
Employee spotlights and collaboration posts add a personal touch to Authentic Instagram Content :
- Introduce Your Team : Share a photo of a team member with a brief bio and their role.
- Celebrate Partnerships : Collaborate with another brand and showcase the process (e.g., “Designing with [Partner]—here’s how we did it!”).
4. Use Inspirational Quotes and Stories
Authentic Instagram Content doesn’t always need to be promotional:
- Motivational Quotes : Pair a quote with a relevant image to inspire your audience.
- Share Success Stories : Let customers or employees share their journeys.
Overcoming Common Challenges in Creating Authentic Content
While Authentic Instagram Content is powerful, it requires intentionality:
- Avoid Over-Editing : Use minimal filters to keep visuals raw.
- Be Consistent : Follow a content calendar to maintain a cohesive tone.
- Encourage Participation : Ask questions and respond to comments to foster dialogue.
For deeper insights into overcoming these challenges, explore Sprout Social’s guide to authenticity in social media .
Conclusion
Struggling to create Authentic Instagram Content that resonates? Visit Cilantro Design’s projects to see how we’ve helped brands build trust through relatable storytelling. Our team can craft a strategy tailored to your audience’s needs.
Authentic Instagram Content isn’t a trend—it’s a necessity. By blending behind-the-scenes candour, customer testimonials, and human-centric storytelling, you can create a feed that feels genuine and engaging. Whether you’re showcasing your team’s hard work or celebrating a loyal customer, every post should reflect your brand’s true self. Start small: try a quick behind-the-scenes snap or repost a customer review today. Your audience will notice—and appreciate—the difference.