Showing Up Authentically on Social Media: Insights from TikTok Coach Lana Kearney
If you’ve ever felt torn between being “professional” and being “yourself” online, you’re not alone. It’s a line many of us struggle to walk, especially when we want our content to feel authentic, but also polished and strategic.
In this week’s episode of Cut Through the Noise, I sat down with TikTok coach Lana Kearney to talk about the art of showing up online with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your strategy, here are some of the key takeaways from our conversation.
1. Your Hook Matters More Than You Think
We scroll fast. That means your audience is making a decision about your content within the first three seconds. It might sound harsh, but it’s also empowering, because it means we can take control of those three seconds.
Lana recommends crafting strong hooks that are clear, benefit-driven, or curiosity-led. Think:
“Here’s what I wish I knew before…”
“If you’re struggling with X, try this…”
“Let’s talk about the biggest mistake people make when…”
Before you worry about perfect lighting or sound quality, ask yourself: Would this stop someone mid-scroll?
2. Authenticity ≠ Oversharing
There’s a myth that in order to connect with people, we have to lay our entire lives bare online. But showing up authentically doesn’t mean telling all.
Lana shared how she’s built a strong presence online while keeping her personal life personal. It’s all about intentional boundaries and being clear about the role your content plays in your business or brand.
Ask yourself:
What do I want to be known for?
What do I not want to bring into this space?
How can I be real, but also professional?
3. Getting Comfortable on Camera Is a Skill (Not a Trait)
If the idea of recording yourself makes your stomach drop, you’re not alone. But confidence is often the result of practice, not personality.
Lana’s advice? Start with small, repeatable habits:
Practice talking to the camera without recording.
Film yourself daily, even if you don’t post it.
Focus on helping one person, not impressing everyone.
The more you do it, the less scary it feels. It becomes part of your routine, not a performance.
4. Find Your Niche & Own It
In the bonus content available on YouTube, we talked about finding your niche, especially when it feels like everyone else is already doing what you do.
Lana encourages creators to stop chasing trends and instead double down on what they know, what they love, and how they can help. That’s where the real connection happens.
Because when your message is clear, and your content reflects who you are, the right people will find you, and stay.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to building your brand online. But clarity, boundaries, and confidence go a long way.
If you’re ready to refine your messaging and start showing up in a way that feels both strategic and true to you, this episode is worth a listen.
Listen to and watch this special episode below!
And if you’re looking for accountability, structure, and community, join me inside The Clarity Collective, a monthly mastermind for business owners who want to be more intentional with their communications.
