Why “Helping in Public” Beats Posting About Yourself Online
When you’re just starting your online presence, the biggest mistake people make is this: they post pictures of themselves.
Their breakfast. Their abs. Their fancy coffee. Their “CEO at work” laptop shot.
Here’s the problem: that shows proof you’re doing it, but not proof you can help me do it. And if you want clients, followers, or a community, your audience needs to see themselves in your content—not just you.
The Power of Helping in Public
Helping people is where it all begins. When you record yourself helping someone—answering their question, guiding them through a problem, or just listening—you create content that does three things at once:
Builds trust. They see your process, not just your results.
Makes you relatable. The person you’re helping represents them.
Proves your value. You’re not just “motivational,” you’re useful.
Examples in Different Fields
Fitness/Nutrition:
Instead of posting your Greek yogurt and chiseled abs, post a clip of you talking with someone who struggles with late-night snacking. Show how you’d help them handle cravings. Now your content is about them—not you.Business Coaching:
Skip the photo of your laptop and coffee shop “grind.” Record yourself reviewing a struggling entrepreneur’s Instagram page and pointing out three changes they could make to get more engagement.Language Teacher:
Don’t just post “Word of the Day” graphics. Post yourself correcting a student’s pronunciation, laughing with them, and explaining the fix. That’s way more engaging.Therapist/Wellness Coach:
Instead of inspirational quotes, record yourself walking a client (with their permission or in an anonymized way) through a breathing exercise to handle anxiety. People want to see it in action.Music Teacher:
Rather than posting your own polished performance, show how you helped a beginner finally play their first full song on guitar. That’s the moment people connect with.
Think of It Like This:
“Look at me” content inspires for a second.
“Look at us” content sticks because it shows transformation.
When someone sees you helping a real person, it’s easier for them to picture you helping them. That’s the difference between an audience that scrolls past and an audience that leans in.
The Shift You Need to Make
If you’re starting your online presence, stop overthinking aesthetics and “what do I post about myself.” Instead, ask:
Who can I help today?
Can I record a piece of that?
Can I share it in a way that shows the problem, the process, and the win?
That’s it. Helping in public creates the kind of content that grows your audience and your opportunities—without you needing to pose with your breakfast.
