Authenticity Over Perfection: Why “Polished” Might Be Hurting Your Brand

Beyond Social

In this refreshingly candid episode of Beyond Social, host Reggie Azevedo, alongside the head of Marketing at Vista Social: Sabreen Haziq, and special guest Jon-Stephen Stansel, founder of Saturn 9 Media, unpack the myth of “polished” social media.
Think high-end cameras and slick edits are the secret to engagement? Think again.
From viral unfiltered moments to the power of vulnerability, this trio dives into why raw, authentic content connects more deeply with audiences than picture-perfect productions ever could. Jon-Stansel shares stories from his work with brands like Prime Video, while Sabreen and Reggie reflect on the balance between high production and quick, impactful storytelling.
Get ready to challenge the notion that quality equals relatability and discover how to create content that truly resonates. This episode is a must-listen for marketers ready to strip away the gloss and embrace a real connection with their audiences.
Tune in to learn why less polish might just mean more engagement!

• Try Vista Social for FREE today
• Book a Demo
  
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Youtube

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. The Importance of Authentic Content (00:01:16)

3. High Production vs. Raw Content (00:02:11)

4. Engaging the Audience with Relatable Content (00:03:55)

5. Challenges in Higher Education Marketing (00:09:43)

6. Leveraging Trends and Quick Content (00:12:39)

7. Balancing High Production and Authenticity (00:16:21)

8. Tips for Marketers: Building Brand Equity (00:23:50)

9. Final Thoughts and Farewell (00:26:29)

10. Meet the Guests: Sabreen and John Steven (00:36:00)