Browsing through LinkedIn’s favorite quotes about storytelling, one from Ira Glass, host of This American Life, stands out: “Great stories happen to those who can tell great stories.”
Storytelling has been around since the beginning of time, but since the advent of social media, it has transformed into a powerful tool for online communication. Businesses are always looking for ways to capture the attention of their target audience and to organically build upon the “know, like and trust factor.” Like a favorite author, storytelling does just that, allowing you to share engaging content that grows a loyal following and helps to solidify your brand identity. But how do you tap into the power of social media storytelling — and make your own great success story happen? It may be easier than you think!
What is social media storytelling and why is it important?
Everyone loves a good book or magazine, but in real life, stories can be found everywhere. Instead of printed pages, businesses have turned to social media platforms as the ideal way to reach their target audience. After all, 3.78 billion people currently use social media and spend an average of 6 hours and 43 minutes online each day. Sharing news and information is only the beginning. To truly draw in customers and organically build a following, creative storytelling is vital. Why? Because it connects customers with your brand identity through a relatable and memorable message and helps to form a lasting relationship between the storyteller and listener.
What are the elements of a great story?
In addition to being engaging and relatable, a great story stimulates the imagination and makes a personal, emotional connection. It invokes the senses, and it inspires. Naturally, it also has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Using social media platforms to tell a story is no exception to the rule. Just like a novel or printed article, digital blog content and posts should include these elements — all while remaining true to your brand identity. In other words, the added element of marketing must also come into play. Including a call to action, links and references to memorable past stories, and providing value to your customers are essential and will help to ensure your success.
How can I use storytelling on the top social media platforms?
Simplifying the process on the top social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram takes a little know-how, as each site differers. For example, Facebook does not have a word count limit, which allows for longer posts. You also have the option of posting a teaser that grabs attention and adding a link back to a blog on your website. The “click to read more” approach not only increases traffic but also helps boost engagement. On the other hand, Instagram focuses on the visual aspect of storytelling, where a carousel of captivating photos can work like a picture book to tell a story. The Instagram Stories tool makes sharing easy through the use of text, music, and video. On sites like Twitter, where there is a 280 character limit, hashtags can help to connect short stories and link them with others.
Want to tell great stories? As always, the team at Aliya Hammond Consulting is here to help with all your online marketing needs, including social media storytelling. Contact us today!
You’ve probably realized by now that Social Media is no longer an option. In fact, it is a vital and highly successful tool for building a business. Aliya Hammond Consulting is an online Digital Marketing, Training, and Consulting Company headquartered in the greater Philadelphia area. We specialize in Social Media Management and Marketing, Social Media Training, Blog Writing, and Graphic Design Services for small and large businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations. If you are looking to improve or increase your online presence, you can rest assured you are in good hands with us. Contact Aliya Hammond Consulting today to find out how we can help your business grow!
