I recently came across a search result that got me thinking: Is being real with your audience something that they truly want? According to Google, marketing is about selling the "dream," but more and more, consumers are rejecting that and seeking authenticity. And I get it. As someone who's working on building a business outside the traditional 9-5 grind, I know how frustrating it can be to try and create something authentic that connects with people.

For me, marketing isn’t just about pushing products. It's about helping small businesses build a genuine presence and create content that resonates with their audiences. So why is it so hard to break through the noise and actually get engagement? Why are my posts getting views but no interactions?

This is the reality of realistic marketing. I'm not just sharing a product with a fancy image—I'm sharing the struggle. And I’m willing to bet a lot of other people are feeling the same way. Marketing can feel like a joke at times. It can feel like you're not smart enough to figure out what works, no matter how many tips and tricks you try.

For the past two weeks, I’ve been sharing content consistently and I’m starting to see views on some posts, but no interactions. No comments, no shares, no likes. It's frustrating because I know this isn’t just a matter of poor quality content. I’ve done the research, I've made sure the images are eye-catching, and the copy is thought-provoking. But still, nothing.

I’m not trying to sell anything right now. I’m offering a service—marketing help—and yet, people are still hesitant to engage. It’s like I’m stuck in this awareness phase, where I’m trying to make myself known in the vast abyss of the internet. And trust me, it's not as glamorous as it sounds.

Here’s the truth: it’s frustrating, and it’s easy to get disheartened. I’ve asked people what kind of marketing content they want, but the silence is deafening. I'm not a mind reader—so without that direct feedback, how am I supposed to know what will resonate?

But here's what I've learned: views are the first step in the process. They show that your content is reaching people—even if they aren't interacting yet. For me, this is just the beginning. I'm in the process of building awareness for my business. But the real question is: how do I transition from awareness to engagement?

The Reality of Marketing Struggles: Why Your Content May Not Get the Engagement You Deserve

I recently repurposed two of my posts to see if the content itself—or the image—was the issue. One post, made on January 23rd, has now gotten 36 views (as of February 13, 2025), but it still hasn’t received any engagement. I’m starting to think that it’s not the image that’s the issue, but rather the copy. It’s fascinating to me how people are drawn to visuals—whether that’s a strategic part of marketing or just part of human nature, it’s something I’m exploring.

I want to help you succeed in your marketing journey. And I believe the way to do that is to be realistic with the challenges we face. I know how difficult it can be to get your content seen. But the key is to stay consistent and to not give up just because you aren't getting immediate responses. The views matter, even when the likes and shares don't come right away.

Repurposing Content for Better Engagement

Content creation isn’t just about pushing new ideas every time. Sometimes, repurposing content can be a game-changer. By re-sharing posts and tweaking them based on insights, you might discover what works best for your audience. Maybe it’s the images, or maybe it’s the language you’re using—either way, keep trying until you find the right formula for success.

This process has been an eye-opener for me, and it’s not always as smooth as the glossy marketers would have you believe. But by staying authentic and building realistic, relatable content, I’m confident that your marketing journey will gain momentum too.

(My attempted "repurpose")

Being Consistent When You’re Not Seeing Immediate Results

I’m not going to lie—it’s frustrating. But I am learning. The most important thing, and this is something I remind myself constantly, is consistency. It’s easy to get discouraged when it feels like nothing’s working. But the truth is, consistency is key to building trust. It’s how you establish recognition. It’s how you build credibility with your audience.

(Sorry I'm still working on Friday's post.)

It doesn’t matter if you don’t get likes or shares on your first few posts. If you keep showing up, if you keep providing value and sharing your story, people will notice eventually. It’s about building a relationship, not just pushing content into a feed. I’m telling myself this because, honestly, I still feel like I’m shouting into the abyss.

What I’ve Learned About Engagement (And Why It Matters)

I’ve been reading a lot about engagement in marketing, and it turns out there’s a lot to it. The truth is, people don’t engage with content unless it resonates with them. That’s why I’m focusing on the real, raw side of things—because, frankly, that’s where the magic happens. People want to connect with other humans, not robots. They want to know that you’re not trying to sell them something they don’t need.

When I ask for feedback, I’m not asking for likes on my posts. I want to know what you, my audience, really want. Do you want more actionable tips? Behind-the-scenes glimpses into the process? Do you want more relatable stories? This is where I’m finding myself stuck, but I’m going to keep asking. And I’m going to keep making content that is more me—more raw and real.

What I Want You to Take Away From This Journey

If you’re reading this, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Whether you’re just starting your journey or you’re in the middle of a marketing mess, you are not alone. I’m in it with you, and I’m here to help. The road may be bumpy, but consistency is going to get us through.

I’m learning every day, and I’m happy to share my lessons with you. I’m experimenting with my content and figuring out what works. But here’s what I’d love to see: I’d love to see more of you engage. Drop a comment. Shoot me a message. Tell me what kind of content you need to succeed in your marketing journey. I can’t read your mind (and I’m pretty sure you can’t read mine), but together, we can make this happen.

I want to help you succeed. But I can’t do that unless you tell me what you need. And that’s where I need your help.

I’m right there with you, figuring this all out, and I’m here to help you with your marketing strategy—no fluff, no unattainable perfection. Let’s work together to build something that feels authentic and real. I might not have it all figured out, but I’m on this journey with you, and that’s what matters.

Ready to dive deeper into your marketing? I offer tailored social media content strategies designed to make your brand shine. Schedule your free consultation, and let’s talk about how we can get your content in front of the right audience!

Marketing doesn’t need to be perfect. It doesn’t need to be glossy. It just needs to be real, and it needs to be valuable. Quality over Quantity. So I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing, staying consistent, learning from my mistakes, and putting my real self out there. Because, in the end, authenticity wins.

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