Why Every Social Media Marketer Should be a Storyteller

if you can - think of five different instagram posts you saw today on your feed.

..yeah, it's really hard to think of any. maybe you remember a close friend's post or your favorite celebrity's but, other than that, nothing comes to mind.

we all know the social media landscape has become saturated and it can be difficult as a brand to stand out and connect with your community. that's where storytelling comes in.

let's talk about why every social media marketer should be a storyteller...

first, storytelling within social media strategies humanizes brands.

by weaving narratives into your social content, you give your audience a glimpse into the values, culture, and people behind your brand. people connect with people. if you can establish that emotional connection and relatability with your followers, they are more likely to advocate for your brand and buy your products or services.

second, it leads to retention.

people are more likely to remember stories and how your content made them feel, rather than hard facts or statistics. the social media landscape is crowded and, in order to keep your audience around, you need to create content that will stop people from scrolling. pro tip: sharing content with your FACE is more memorable and creates a better connection with your followers. great storytelling gets people's attention and inspires them to take action. retention and storytelling go hand-in-hand.

lastly, storytelling within social media content enables engagement.

a well-crafted story woven into your posts can be the difference between a scroll-past and a meaningful interaction. it's important to respond as much as you can to comments and dms! this way you can foster that two-way conversation that strengthens the relationship between brand and consumer.

here are some ideas to get you brainstorming on how to incorporate storytelling:

• behind-the-scenes: take us through your day, share a new skill, or tell us a little bit about yourself. show up on camera as much as you can! this puts a face to your brand and makes you feel more HUMAN and relatable.

• customer highlights or stories: share stories of your customers and how your service or product helped them! this can build trust and credibility with your audience.

• personal stories: how did you get where you are today? did you overcome any adversity to get here? people love a good origin story. not only does it help your followers get to know you a little better, but it can inspire them too.

• educational stories: provide value where you can. include how-to videos or carousels that strengthen your credibility with your followers. if your followers aren't emotionally or mentally stimulated, they won't hesitate to click that unfollow button.

it's time to let your story unfold. don't be afraid to get personal on social media and incorporate storytelling into your social media strategy. at the end of the day, people crave connection and want to support brands or people whose values align with theirs.