The Art of Storytelling in Social Marketing
Let’s talk about the secret sauce of online marketing: storytelling. Don’t freak out, I’m not asking you to write a novel. I’m talking about real stories - your stories, your customer’s stories, and the story behind your brand. If you’re out here trying to sell a product, build a following, or just looking for brand awareness, you need to know how to make people care - and storytelling is exactly how you do that.
Have you ever been scrolling Instagram, totally zoning out, but then someone shares a story about their messy morning and you’re suddenly invested? That’s because stories make us feel something. They’re relatable. They build connection. And most importantly, they stick.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
If you’re ever come to one of our workshops you’ve no doubt heard me say, “People don’t buy products, they buy people.” Let’s pretend you’re selling a skincare line. Facts and statistics are great, but nobody is going to remember that your new face serum has 12% niacinamide (there’s zero chance I spelled that right), unless you can also show them how it transformed someone’s skin or, even better, WHY you created it in the first place.
Start with Your “Why”
Clueless as to where to start? Start with your why. Why are you doing what you’re doing? What problem are you solving? How does your product, service, or content make someone’s life better?
For example, when I started going all in on Amazon hauls, it wasn’t about selling cheap fashion. I had found myself getting sucked into watching Amazon hauls. Even if I wasn’t buying, I was drawn to them. I asked myself what were these influencers doing that had me hooked? And then it clicked - they were showing me 10+ pieces in under a minute and thirty seconds. It was about time, and getting the most out of it. Combine that with the ease of purchase/returns and a great price point, and it made perfect sense. I’m a busy mom and I don’t have an unlimited spending budget, but your girl loves to shop. I wanted to provide that same content to my followers, most of who are in the same boat. That’s a small part of my story.
Keep It Real
Let me be clear - nobody likes a perfect story. Read that again. Perfect isn’t relatable, and it’s definitely not interesting. People want to see the messy middle, the struggles, the “oh shit, is this even going to work?” moments.
So, share your behind-the-scenes. Talk about the times you almost gave up. Show the human side of your brand. The more real you are, the more people will trust you. And trust = sales. Simple math.
Know Your Audience
Here’s the thing: your story has to speak to the people you’re trying to reach. For me, my customer is typically a mom who’s juggling work, kids, and life. She doesn’t need a fancy pitch in a perfectly designed living room. She needs quick and easy. She want’s to see the clothes on a “real” body before she buys. That’s what’s going to make her life easier, and in turn, make her buy into my brand.
Keep it Simple
Good storytelling isnt complicated. You dont need to overthink it or make it overly polished. A quick story about why you love your product or how it solved a problem for you can be just as powerful as a long, drawn-out post.
One of my favorite tricks? Start your story in the middle of an action. “I was five minutes late, coffee in one hand, and my phone in the other when I realized I’d found the perfection solution…” That’s it - now they’re invested.
The Bottom Line
Storytelling isn’t about selling - it’s about connecting. It’s about showing people who you are, what you stand for, and why what you’re offering matters. So, next time you sit down to write a caption, get on stories, or go live, think about the story you’re telling.
Because here’s the truth: your story could be the one ting that makes someone stop scrolling, pay attention, and say, “I need this in my life.” And when that happens? That’s the start of buy-in.
Now go tell your story - and make it a good one!
Always cheering you on!
