Is it important that your message is heard? What are you trying to portray?
Social media, a hot topic across virtually every industry this year has merit, value and has brought to light a new form of telling your story. The backbone of social media has existed for some time; with blogging and social networks ranging from the earliest Internet forums to chat protocols such as IRC (Internet Relay Chat). One could say that the first social networks were those held around campfires, talking and telling stories. While this may be true, the digitized aspect of social networking now has changed everything.
Over time social media centric networks such as MySpace, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn began to take us on a roller coaster ride that felt wobbly at the beginning and then we realized that we like it and want to stay on the ride for a while. Some are still debating whether the ride is worth getting on, and some may be getting off, but the smartest know this ride is in it for the long haul.
A typical story told on social media
There are countless social media case studies that show how connecting with their target market, while offering compelling, unique and valuable content whether written, visual or audible, can harvest the ultimate story telling situation, maximize sales, create a community around, and build your brand.
One organization that we worked with, American Red Cross of Montana, found they were able to leverage social media as a way to raise awareness of their mission and day-to-day services. They are able leverage social media to not only create an awareness around their emergency services, but also around training and volunteer opportunities, creating a community around their mission. During Internet marketing workshops we’ve presented, a theme that shines through is to use an approach that works best for you, that is tailored to your niche and marketplace, after putting thought and research in to what really matters in your overall marketing objective.
What your story should portray about your brand
A great story has a couple of elements worth noting.
- First of all, its memorable. There are many different ways stories are memorable. It can either be outright crazy, funny, sad, weird, and filled with useful information. A great story is worth repeating. If your goal is to create a viral marketing message, then you may consider using out of the ordinary methods to tell your story. It doesn’t have to be a video to “go viral”. It can be a well crafted article or blog post, or podcast. The point is think outside of the box and put yourself in your market’s shoes. What is interesting to them?
- Second, a great story is told with conviction. If someone stands before you, tells a story and is monotone, doesn’t have a sparkle in their eye or seem to care about what they are telling you, do you listen, or at least feel inspired to believe them? No! Why would you? People have big lie detectors ingrained in their brains, and social media amplifies this instinct. If you aren’t genuine and are not sharing what is truly of value to your market, then don’t even try it.
Your story should always portray what the core focus of your organization is all about. If you are a florist that wants your arrangements to spread the message of love and inspiration to the world, tell us about it! If you are a Fortune 500 company that has a goal to sell your product that you are certain will change the world in a positive way, then tell us about it! Don’t hold back, now is the time to tell your story using social media.
Use the inbound marketing tool set for success
After crafting a memorable story filled with conviction, now is the time to share it. There is no better way than to use the tools in the inbound marketing tool chest to do so.
- Blogging
- Social Networking
- Landing Pages
- Email Newsletters
- Well written copy
Now tell your story with social media. It is worth telling, your audience is listening, and the bounce back marketing effect it will have is tangible and increases the awareness of your brand.