Buh-Bye to Cookie-Cutter Content
This blog is here to save you
❌ The trouble of overthinking every post.
❌ Worrying about likes and shares.
❌ And losing sight of what you really want to say.
Because it doesn’t have to be that way!
For me, creating social content that feels authentic + unforced is huge.
But you know what bugs me?
Seeing the same cookie-cutter, copy and paste posts all over social media.
⚠️ Don’t get me wrong — I’m NOT talking about jumping on an occasional trend.
😒 I’m talking about the kind of posts where it’s clear someone isn’t really saying what they WANT to say—they’re just trying to get a reaction.
That’s when I know it’s NOT authentic, and they’re forcing it…
And trust me, when people force it 1️⃣ not only do they let their followers down, but 2️⃣ they also let themselves down.
If you’ve ever felt let down by someone you look up to online, you know that feeling hurts.
🤨 It makes you question everything they posted—how much of it was real? How much was fake?
That’s why I make content that’s authentic and unforced.
Because people deserve that.
Because people matter.
And because I want to inspire and connect with you—not disappoint you.
So, let me tell you EXACTLY how I make content that’s authentic and unforced. 🤩
Post Everyday Moments
You don’t need a big event or perfectly staged photos to create content.
Everyday moments—like your morning coffee, a walk in the park, or a garden surprise (like the tiny bean I noticed growing)—can spark connection.
These simple moments feel more real and relatable to other people online too.
So, cozy up with more everyday moments on social media.
Share Your Progress 🎉
Most people love celebrating others online.
☝️That means sharing a win—big or small—can excite and inspire others.
So, share something you celebrate or share your progress.
These posts typically get more reactions from people, and extra love from the algorithm.
Find more tips at the link below ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Boost Reactions on Social Media: 7 Tips
This next section is for the person that feels they have nothing to share.
Sometimes, sharing progress looks like sharing failure.
Because missing the mark doesn’t mean you’re NOT moving forward.
And guess what else?
Sharing a failure is a moment to connect with others too.
Personal story: I once did something at work that made me feel so insecure—I cried sharing a story.
To my surprise, that ‘failure’ sparked connection.
A senior leader found me to show support, not disapproval.
The moment even caused my husband to notice me.
You know what else it can do?
✅ Sharing your struggles can make others feel less alone.
✅ It helps others see you as relatable because you’re real, not perfect.
✅ And your story might even give someone the hope they need to keep trying.
Stuck on what you can share? ⬇️⬇️⬇️
I’ve got some ideas that might surprise you—because they relate so much to our everyday experiences.
👉 Do you remember a project you started but haven’t finished? Talk about why you put it on pause or how you’re picking it up again.
👉 Ever had an oops moment that turned into a win? Or maybe it was a total disaster like a crockpot dinner I attempted. Ugh, the memory still makes me queasy.
👉 If you had a day that went completely sideways, talk about how you rolled with the punches.
👉 Are you figuring out how to get through something now? You don’t have to wait until it’s over to share. Talking about the experience could help people in the same boat. Not to mention, it could help you release painful experiences.
Ditch the Script
Instead of crafting a perfect post, write from the heart.
That means you don’t ALWAYS need a fancy intro or polished ending. Speak to your audience like you’re chatting with a friend.
When I first started showing up online, I’d livestream about five days a week.
📝 My method? I’d jot down a few notes.
🗣️ But mostly, I’d just go for it AND talk spontaneously with no notes.
🎧 Now that I’m podcasting, I’ve gotten more structured.
🔁 But people love the spontaneous talks. They miss it.
So, I’m bringing it back!
I still keep a script or a few notes—but I’m leaving more room for personal stories and whatever else pops up.
Bottom line: ditch the script.
📌 Here’s how to ditch the script: Write out what you want to say in paragraph form first. Then, make a brief bulleted list of talking points.
📌 This way, you can use your list as notes instead of a full script.
📌 It keeps you organized but still allows room for that spontaneous, authentic talk.
Use Words from Your Vocabulary
I once saw a post where someone used the phrase ‘trash receptacle.’
And I was thinking, ‘Oh, you mean trash can.’ 🤔
Their words didn’t feel sincere.
To be honest, their words felt out of place.
And I couldn’t take the rest of the post seriously.
So, I didn’t read the full post. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
Red Flags AI Wrote Your Post, Not You
People typically wear makeup to enhance their appearance, not change it.
Although, special effects artists could make you unrecognizable.
I once saw pictures of a celebrity who’d go undetected in public by wearing disguises.
Why bring this up?
Well, writing tools and AI generators can be like makeup or special effects. I’ll explain.
Sometimes, tools like ChatGPT or Grammarly will suggest words that don’t sound like you.
Sure, these tools can help you work faster with less effort (YAY for that 🥳)…
But at the end of the day, you’ve gotta proofread before you post.
This is how you make sure it’s clear, easy to read, and still sounds like YOU.
Crystal Clear Advice: PROOFREAD before you post.
For anyone who wants to argue *winks, I’m joking* …
But seriously, let’s say ‘receptacle’ is in your vocabulary — it’s in mine too.
Still, I choose to write for readers at any age.
You do that by ⬇️⬇️⬇️
- Keeping sentences short.
- Using words with fewer syllables.
- Adding bullets to simplify chunky paragraphs.
- Swapping out less common words (like ‘receptacle’) for everyday words (like ‘trash’).
Don’t Post and Ghost
Don’t just post, then poof disappear and ghost!
Talk back – respond to comments, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to interact with people you don’t know. You can even hop into conversations on other people’s pages.
What this does?
Well, this back-and-forth can create positive moments and connections that stick with people.
About Following Trends
Pick trends that align with your values.
Not every trend is going to feel right for you, and that’s okay!
Start by choosing trends that naturally fit your content, personality, or message.
Once you find one, put your unique spin on it. That means you don’t have to follow the trend exactly as it’s being done. Add your personal touch—whether it’s through a personal story, your sense of humor, expertise, or even a twist that makes it feel more you.
This is how to jump on trends while staying authentic and keeping things unforced.
Crystal Clear Advice
Sometimes feeling uneasy about sharing something online is a sign that you’re forcing it. Slow down and pull back. Remember, you choose what to say and share on social.
A PRAYER: I pray you begin to see how you can plug your creativity and unique edge into trends, news, updates, and even product reviews. I pray this draws positive attention to your cause and content.
Your Turn To Try
In a world full of copy and paste posts, it’s time to let go of the pressure to create perfect content, follow every trend, and overshare for the sake of a viral moment.
👉 Instead, show up as your true self.
👉 Share real everyday moments.
👉 And talk back to people online.
This is how to create social content that feels authentic and unforced.
It’s a simple YET powerful way to find your community online.
Got any thoughts, ideas, or questions? ♡♡♡
Drop them in the comments!
👋🏽 Hi, I’m LOLA ⸻ the creator of offbeat life advice brand, The Smoking Prophet, owner of a growing content agency, and cultivator of life (family first)!
Most days, you can find me at my desk, in my garden, or on the go. My super-social family keeps me on my toes!
Follow The Smoking Prophet to ignite your creativity, grow spiritually, and blaze your own trail online!
2 Comments
Tazetta · at
Heyy Lola, just wanted to say love your content.
Shinika C McQuarter · at
Hey Lola 👋
I really enjoyed this blog!
A couple things hit home for me.
👆One being, You meantioned If I remember a project I started but haven’t finished? Whew…do I have so many unfinished projects. I have found once I entered the last phase of the project, something traumatic would happen in my life. Which thereafter would cause me to shutdown etc..
I’ve learned to not be embarrassed yet dust myself off and try again!
✌You also mentioned about posting with authenticity. I have found in the past with posting about one of my passions which is homesteading, creating unique dishes, skincare etc that I would focus on engagement. Honestly, if I didn’t have much engagement my drive for posting decreased. I’m not certain if its the introvert in me or confidence 🤔?
Anyhow, thank you for all you do and for listening 🙂
Praying you have a blessed positive peaceful productive prosperous week🦋