Maybe Your Content is Forgettable

Photo by Александр Македонский: https://www.pexels.com/photo/fawn-pug-lying-on-concrete-surface-3609067/

Most of the time, people just scan through content. If it’s not relevant, doesn’t address their pain points, or doesn’t offer the solutions or outcomes they’re looking for, they’ll ignore it. If they can’t see themselves in your shoes, feel a reflection of their own struggles, or resonate with your words, they’ll forget and move on with a simple swipe.

A few years back, I experimented to test this theory. I created a brand-new Instagram account and filmed myself talking about insecurities. It was something along the lines of:

“If you’re insecure about yourself but want to start a YouTube channel to share your expertise or stories, watch this.”

Here’s the summary of the video:

“Look at me — I have a huge forehead, a big nose, shitty teeth, and still, you spent one minute watching me rant on Instagram. Think about it: your friends see you in person regularly. If they can look past your appearance and still hang out with you, why should you be bothered by how strangers online see you?”

The video went viral almost immediately for a new account.
It got a few hundred likes and over 50 shares.

Why did it work?
Because I was being vulnerable and addressing a pain point almost everyone feels when they start filming themselves — the fear of how we look on camera and how others perceive us. But I showed up anyway.

Here’s the truth: if your content doesn’t build around the “mirror effect” — meaning your audience can’t see themselves in your message or feel it’s relevant — it won’t leave an impression. It becomes forgettable.

Many times, when we create content for our brand, we position ourselves as the expert. We share high-level tips and advice… but without personal struggles or real stories behind them, everything starts to feel like a template.

You started your brand for a reason. All you have to do is lean into that reason. Use your experiences and the stories that led you here as part of your content. Add a human element, and always view things from your customer’s perspective.

That’s how you make content people remember.

Thanks for reading!