Today, it can be said that social media is one of the—if not the most effective—channels to spread information. Business owners have seen this and begun utilizing it to increase their reach and boost sales. Research has shown that 78% of social media users have higher returns than those who do not. So, how can you use social media?
This piece discusses one aspect: storytelling. A compelling story can move hearts; this applies to business, too. How can you use storytelling to take social selling to the next level?
Why Use Storytelling?
Among the many branches of social selling, what makes storytelling unique, and why should you adopt it? Picture this: as a consumer, you come across a post on social media advertising a product. You may be inclined to look at it, but most simply scroll and write it off as just another ad. Now, imagine you come across a post about someone relating an experience; you are more likely to stick around, especially if you relate to them.
That is the power of storytelling. It makes the customers feel seen and connects you to them on a personal level. Authentic stories build the trust in your brand and increase the possibility of conversion. Beyond this, a good story will increase your engagement. Viewers are more likely to like, comment, and share relatable stories. Not only will this increase your audience, but it will also help you reach your target demographic as people share with those whom they know are interested in your brand.
How You Can Do This Properly
We have covered the why; what about the how? Let’s talk about the first step:
Making Your Story
Start by knowing your audience. Understand them, know their pain points and motivation, and craft your story around that. Use relatable characters; whether your stories are real or fictional, make them relatable to your audience. Use images and videos to help you as you tell your story. Also keep it brief; make all your points stand out in as little time as possible, especially on social media where people’s attention spans are short.
The Type of Story
There are customer success stories from satisfied customers of your product, insider stories where you showcase the inner workings of your organization, showing the production process, team, and more. Share how your brand began and your inspiration, goal, and values. All these capture your audience.
What Else Can You Do?
Some additional tips include remaining as authentic and transparent as possible. In short, be honest. Stick to it once you have established your identity; this can even help you stand out from the competition. Make your stories interactive, encouraging your viewers to participate and share reviews. This will show you how to improve your brand. Don’t forget to track your success. Monitor engagement metrics and conversion rates to determine how well your audience responds to your stories.
You will utilize storytelling by including these suggestions in your social selling strategy. As a result, you will drive sales, increase brand awareness, and form a deeper connection with your audience. If you’re interested in other aspects, you can learn more about social selling here.
