Why a bad photo on social media is better than no photo at all

Let’s be honest: social media has become visually perfect - but painfully impersonal.

Our feeds are flooded with sleek Canva graphics, flawless colour palettes, and templated marketing quotes that might look good... but leave us feeling nothing. They’re polished, professional - and totally forgettable. Why? Because they’re missing the one thing that makes social media actually work: people.

The number one rule we share when it comes to getting your presence right on social media?

The clue is in the name: it's meant to be social.

Social platforms were designed for people to connect with other people, not brands to broadcast at each other. That means showing up - not just with your logo, or your latest offer - but with your face, your team, your community, your clients, your real-life moments. It’s in these snippets of reality that your followers stop scrolling, lean in, and connect.

We’re not saying you need a professional photographer in your back pocket.

Actually, quite the opposite.

A blurry photo of you smiling at a networking event, a candid snap of you delivering a workshop, a selfie with a client who’s just signed up - it’s all gold. These are the posts that make people pause, smile, and say, “Ah, I know them.” You become familiar. You become relatable. You become human.

And that misaligned Canva graphic? While there’s a time and place for branded visuals (we love a tidy feed too), if it’s replacing real, personal content altogether, it’s probably doing your brand more harm than good.

Here’s why a less-than-perfect photo still wins:

• It tells a story

• It builds trust

• It creates connection

• It reminds people that there's a real human behind the business

So next time you hesitate to post because the lighting wasn’t great, or your outfit wasn’t quite “on brand”, just remember—people are far more interested in you than your colour palette. Imperfect posts often make the best impressions.

If your business relies on relationships, referrals, or real human interaction (and let’s face it, most do), then showing up as you is your superpower.

A bad photo is still a sign that you’re there, active, engaged, and approachable.
No photo at all? That’s silence. And silence gets scrolled past.

Need help showing up more confidently online?
Drop us a message - we’d love to help you find your voice (and face!) on social media.