Bare Words and Why Creating Content Can Feel Like Ripping Off a Bandage

Social media is a weird little universe, isn’t it? Some folks are posting their deepest, rawest, most soul-baring experiences about loss, trauma, triumph, and heartbreak. Others? You’d be hard pressed to find anything more personal than a LinkedIn post about Q2 projections. And both are totally valid.

But if you're a business owner, a service provider, or a content creator like me, the question becomes: How much of yourself do you need to reveal to really connect with people?

Because like it or not, connection sells. Personality sells. Being real? That’s marketing gold.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. You have to find your own balance between being vulnerable and being guarded, and that’s not always easy.

Why Vulnerability Works (But Isn’t Mandatory)

Vulnerability is powerful. It humanizes you. It gives people a peek behind the curtain and says, “Hey, I’ve been through some things too.” And when done well, it’s not about trauma-dumping. It’s about truth-sharing with a purpose.

For example, if you’ve dealt with burnout, sharing that experience, along with how you got through it, can resonate deeply with people who are feeling the same way. Suddenly, you’re someone who gets it. You’re relatable. You’re trustworthy.

But in my opinion your story should serve your audience, not just soothe your soul.

That’s the difference between being brave and being a bit too broadcast-y. Ask yourself: Is this helping someone else understand me better? Is it offering a takeaway? Or am I just oversharing to fill space on my feed?

Guarded Doesn’t Mean Distant

On the flip side, being guarded doesn’t mean being cold or disconnected. You don’t have to share your divorce, your kids, your medical history, or your childhood wounds to build a personal brand that feels personal.

You can be warm, funny, quirky, and wildly memorable without getting into the emotional trenches. Think about the folks who are known for their wit, wisdom, or expertise, they’re showing up consistently, letting their personality shine, and maybe dropping in a few personal anecdotes or behind-the-scenes peeks. They’re not robots. They’re just choosing to reveal what feels right for them.

And that’s the point. This is your show. You’re the boss of your brand.

Here are a few things to think about as you figure out how much of you to put out there:

1. Know your comfort level. If sharing makes you anxious, that’s your body telling you something. Don’t ignore it. Start small. A light story, a funny moment, a win you’re proud of.

2. Know your audience. If your clients are corporate, maybe save the pathos for a personal blog. But if they’re creatives, solopreneurs, or small biz folks? They might actually want to hear about your mess-to-success moments.

3. Share when you’ve processed. It's one thing to write about a tough experience after you’ve come out the other side. It’s another to post while you’re still in the thick of it. Give yourself space. You don’t owe anyone your pain in real time. But if that works for you, go for it. You be you.

4. Show your kind of real.Your version of vulnerability might not be a long post about grief or anxiety. It might be saying, “Hey, I’m nervous about this launch,” or “I messed up a client call and learned a lot.” Honesty comes in many forms.

5. Keep a little mystery. You're allowed to keep parts of your life private. You don’t have to show the whole pie to offer people a slice. In fact, mystery is magnetic. Don’t underestimate the power of not revealing everything.

Bottom Line

There’s no prize for posting your darkest moments online. And there’s no penalty for choosing to keep parts of your life sacred. What matters most is that you’re consistent in how you show up. That your audience can feel you, your voice, your values, your vibe, even if they don’t know every chapter of your life story.

So how vulnerable should you be?

As vulnerable as you want to be. As guarded as you need to be.

Find the line that lets you be both human and whole and draw it in ink.

Want help finding your voice online? Let's talk. That's kind of my thing.