The power of a good story, weaving emotion, drama and conflict cannot be underestimated. Marketers understand people react to stories, not sales pitches, so the best brands hire the best marketers who craft stories to pull us in. The more connected we feel, the more likely we are to buy.
As a small business owner, you need to share your story on your social network(s). Every business has stories, and you don’t need to hire the top marketers to tell them. Think about and describe your own journey, from passion to reality. Do you have photos of your office before you painted it? Of you and your team putting it all together? Of your first customer/client?
Use the tool you almost always have with you—your smartphone! Jot down notes as ideas come to you for stories. Take photos constantly, as you never know when they’ll come in handy! Capture every day moments, as well as special moments, to use in your story flow.
Share your values and vision through photos and weave together a beautiful and emotional story. Does your company support a nonprofit or organization? Why did you pick that organization to support? Some words from the heart along with some illustrative photos tell a powerful story.
Here is how to produce compelling stories in a few simple steps that will have your audience looking for more.
- Plan
Map out your storyboard. Step-by-step describe the photos/graphics and write out the accompanying text. - Prepare
Revise and edit your story. Write out the final posts. - Post
Schedule each post. Your posts don’t need to, and probably shouldn’t, post one after another. Leave people wanting more! - Follow Up
This is critical! Read and respond to all comments! - Repeat
You know, it was so much fun developing a story to share, you’re going to do it again!
Remember, people love to root for the “little guy” and the “underdog.” They want to see small business owners succeed! Show them who you are, why you do what you do; share your vision, your passion, and your values. Give your audience a reason to cheer your success!
Want to see what it looks like? I created a SlideShare to show you!
http://www.slideshare.net/SavvyLisaK/social-storytelling-43758104
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