What Is Social Media Storytelling?
Social media storytelling is a way to help your business or brand stand out from the rest and command attention. There are a number of ways to share your story in a compelling way via social media.
1-Be honest and consistent
Write your story and stick to it. Why did you go into business, what inspires you, what is your mission?
2-Pay attention to effective storytelling techniques
A good story has a beginning, middle, and end. It is clear, has a point, and enables the person reading the story and hearing it follow along easily. The story should connect with the audience on a number of levels. Many plays have a 5 act structure, so it is a useful way to create an effective story in social media.
i-what got you started
ii-what obstacles did you face
iii-what was the turning point in your business
iv-what complications or opportunities came up that you had to deal with
v-the conclusion or result
3-Keep them guessing
A good story doesn’t blurt it all out. It keeps the audience thinking and guessing what’s going to happen next. Even very short stories like Aesop’s fables have an element of suspense in them.
4-Don’t overwhelm people with details
What are the most important facts in the story? Outline your story and whittle it down to the most important points using the 5 act structure. If you get stuck, think of the common job interview question, “So take us through your career?” Focus the story on what they need to know in relation to the niche or topic that you are supposed to be discussing. It doesn’t need to be your entire autobiography.
5-Sequence your social media
Once you’ve plotted out the story of your brand, business or new product you wish to launch, your Facebook posts, tweets, and any ads you run will deliver the story in small increments. Studies have shown that this approach improved clickthroughs by more than 50% and increased likes, shares, and sales.
Message sequencing to tell your story is an effective way to lead your connections to what is commonly described as a sales funnel, that is, your sales process. Your storytelling can be in relation to your business, or how the product was developed and why it offers real solutions for your customer’s issues.
But the story could also be about your target user. How much better will their life be like if they buy and start using your product? A story or vision of a better life with a happily ever after ending can get them to buy eagerly without any hesitation.
6-Storytelling shows shared values
The stories you tell show who you are and what your business is all about. If it’s clear on social media that you’re a helpful company that clearly cares about the people in your niche, it will forge a common bond and make it seem like it’s only natural to want to do business with you because you ‘get them’ and vice versa.
7-Highlight Your Unique Selling Point and Unique Value Proposition
Your USP and UVP make it clear why they should do business with you. Think of the formula of the situation, problem and resolution. Show how your product solves it in a way no one else can. Even if your product is similar to others on the market, differentiate yourself with bonuses, a lower price, better customer service, and so on.
Social media is all about good storytelling that connects with your target audience, so try these techniques and see how much you can boost your engagement.
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