How To Increase Your Engagement on Social Media Through Storytelling
Ever wonder why your social media isn't getting that engagement? You've created beautiful work and put yourself out there but no one is engaging, apart from when its a selfie? Increasing engagement on social media can always be a long process of trial and error and throwing empty questions into the void.
I'm here today to tell you why storytelling is a great tool for increasing your engagement and growth. Whether it's a business or personal account, stories help to humanize and build trust, which will lead to better engagement and growth.
Think of any successful brand. I use the word brand because don't forget it's a brand, not just a shop. The core reason why most successful businesses do so well in terms of engaging with their customers is because they convey their story effectively. Here are some tips on how you can increase your engagement on social media.
Start with the basics
What are your values? What's important to you? If its a personal page is it your animals, family or a passion that you have such as makeup? Thinking of yourself as a business and using similar tools can really help you understand your purpose and give you meaning in what you do. Have a look at the end of the post for some helpful resources!
Authenticity at it's core
Don't be afraid to get chatty. I love doing this in my social media posts by asking how people are or what they've been up to which really helps to start the conversation in the comments. Don't forget that you are talking to your followers and they want to see what you're up to. Another tip is to sound like yourself. There is a lot of marketing jargon going around but it's the genuine and real content that makes people engage and relate. Don't be afraid to throw in a joke here and there too!
As well as asking questions I like to tell personal stories such as what I've been up to over the weekend or allowing myself to be vulnerable by not only showing the best parts. I've been speaking out a lot about my mental health recently which has connected me to so many individuals going through similar situations.
Here are some more resources incase you want to dig your teeth deeper into the topic.*
The Storytelling Book by Anthony Tasgal
Social Media for Fashion Marketing: Storytelling in a Digital World by Wendy K. Bendoni
Hype Yourself: A no-nonsense PR toolkit for small businesses by Lucy Werner
Do Purpose: Why brands with a purpose do better and matter more by David Hieatt
Podcast: Boosting Engagement on Social Media by The Brand Cure
Blog: Three Social Media Copy Hacks To Maximize Engagement by Cynthia Diwar
*Disclaimer some of these are affiliate links but I'm only recommending products that I truly believe in or have tried myself.