How can showing garden BTS or recipe struggles deepen trust and engagement?

In an era saturated with perfectly curated content, the pursuit of flawless presentation often overshadows the genuine human experience. For content creators, particularly those in areas like gardening or cooking, there’s a growing recognition that pulling back the curtain to reveal the real, unvarnished journey – including the struggles and missteps – can be a powerful tool for building a more loyal and engaged community.

The Myth of Perfection: Why Authenticity Wins

For years, the internet rewarded polished, aspirational content. Every garden looked lush, every dish came out Michelin-star perfect. However, audiences are increasingly fatigued by this unattainable ideal. They crave authenticity and relatability. When creators exclusively show successes, they inadvertently create a barrier, making viewers feel inadequate if their own attempts fall short. By contrast, embracing imperfection signals honesty and humanity.

Showing the behind-the-scenes (BTS) chaos of a garden project – the pests, the wilting plants, the unexpected frost – or the recipe struggles – the burnt edges, the collapsed soufflé, the spilled ingredients – humanizes the creator. It transforms them from an untouchable expert into a relatable individual on a shared journey of learning and discovery.

The Relatability Factor: Connecting Through Imperfection

Everyone experiences setbacks. A home gardener has dealt with powdery mildew, and a home cook has had a cake sink in the middle. When a creator openly shares these common struggles, it creates an immediate point of connection. Viewers can nod along, thinking, “Me too!” This shared experience fosters empathy and a sense of camaraderie that polished content simply cannot achieve.

This relatability is a cornerstone of trust. If you’re willing to show your failures, it implies that you’re also being honest about your successes. It builds credibility, as your audience knows they’re getting the full, unedited story, not just a highlight reel. This transparency makes your advice and recommendations feel more genuine and reliable.

Building Trust Through Vulnerability

Vulnerability is a powerful connector. When you share a struggle, you are, in essence, admitting that you don’t have all the answers, that you’re still learning. This act of vulnerability disarms viewers and makes you seem more approachable. They see you as a peer, not just an instructor.

This trust extends beyond mere connection. It builds a foundation where your audience feels comfortable asking questions, sharing their own challenges, and seeking advice. They perceive you as a safe and honest source of information, rather than someone just trying to maintain an illusion of perfection. This deepens their loyalty and makes them more likely to stick around for the long haul.

Boosting Engagement and Fostering Community

Content that features struggles often generates significantly higher engagement. People are more likely to comment with their own similar stories, offer solutions, or ask for updates. This interactive dialogue transforms passive viewing into active participation.

For example, if you show a struggle with a particular garden pest, your audience might flood the comments with natural remedies or preventative tips. If a recipe doesn’t quite work, they might share alternative ingredient suggestions or cooking methods. This collaborative problem-solving builds a vibrant, supportive community around your content. It makes your audience feel invested in your journey and proud to be a part of your success.

Practical Tips for Sharing Your Journey

• Be Specific: Don’t just say “things went wrong.” Describe the specific problem, what you tried, and what happened.
• Show, Don’t Just Tell: Use photos or video clips of the wilted plant, the deflated soufflé, or the messy workbench.
• Frame as a Learning Opportunity: Emphasize what you learned from the struggle, even if it was just what not to do. This adds value to the narrative.
• Ask for Input: Invite your audience to share their experiences or offer advice. This boosts engagement.
• Follow Up: If you find a solution, share it! Show the improved plant or the perfected recipe. This demonstrates progress and rewards your audience for their investment.

Ultimately, embracing and sharing the less-than-perfect moments in gardening or cooking is not a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to authenticity, resilience, and a genuine desire to connect. By doing so, creators can move beyond surface-level aesthetics to build a truly engaged, trusting, and loyal community that celebrates the entire journey, not just the polished destination.