Do We Really Need More "Relatable" Content? Artwork

Small Business Casual: Content Marketing, Productivity, Customer Experience for Entrepreneurs & Creators

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Small Business Casual: Content Marketing, Productivity, Customer Experience for Entrepreneurs & Creators

Do We Really Need More "Relatable" Content?

September 01, 2026 • Emily Aborn

0:00 | 29:30

Text Emily!

"Just be relatable!" Ahhh, I love me some generic advice overly spewed on the internet, don't you?

What exactly does it mean to be "relatable"?

How on earth are you even supposed to do that?

What if I don't wanna' be relatable?

And is relatability really the GOAL?

In this episode, I explore how relatability for relatability's sake is about as effective as a bridge that leads to nowhere.

I contrast through three real examples that either made me cringe or sign up on the spot, and I break down the three ways relatable content collapses. And of course, because I like my bridges to lead to better destinations... I'll show you how to use relatability to ACTUALLY bring your people closer.

You'll Learn:

What "relatable content" means and why sometimes, it sounds better in theory than it plays out
The difference between content that reaches for connection and "unpopular opinion" bait that's just reaching for attention
Flop #1) The bridge that goes nowhere. Aka commiseration in fancier clothes
Flop #2) The bridge back to YOU. Vulnerability that U-turns.
Flop #3) The bridge built on air. Claiming to relate to something you haven't lived (and where AI makes this worse)
The fix for each, and why you need either real empathy OR real authority, not just the manufactured "me too"

Takeaways:

Relatability is a bridge, not the final destination.
The point is to get someone from "this person gets me" to "they can help me get somewhere better."
You do not need to have lived someone's exact experience to help them. You do need real empathy or real authority.

About me, Emily Aborn! Your Hostess with the Mostess

I'm a Small Business Copywriter, speaker, and your loyal and nerdy host of Small Business Casual. I bring 12+ years of entrepreneurial experience and have spent the last eight years writing copy across 122 industries. I help you step into becoming (and sharing) the real YOU. For fun and downtime, I love reading, writing, hiking with friends, and moments of uninterrupted silence.

Got a question for the show? Email me at emily@emilyaborn.com.

Website: Emilyaborn.com

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If this one made you rethink your own "me too" content, follow the show, leave a quick review, and tell me: what's a piece of relatable content that took you somewhere? I'm collecting good examples.