What is Social Media Storytelling? (Plus 3 Story Ideas You Can Try Today!)
Hey everyone,
I wanted to write a quick post today about social media storytelling, what it actually is, why it’s important (especially now), and how you can start using it to grow your brand and actually connect with your audience.
I also have a free resource you can download if you're struggling with what to say online right now:
👉 Free Download: 10 Social Media Storytelling Types to Help You Connect, Build Trust & Convert
And if you want to learn the full strategy step-by-step, I’ve created a full Skillshare course too:
👉 Watch the full course on Skillshare
Let’s get into it!
So, What Actually Is Social Media Storytelling?
Social media storytelling is basically… telling a story (I know, obvious!) but doing it in a way that feels like you.
Telling a story helps you to create content that’s:
Honest
Relatable
Intentional
Instead of always feeling like you’re “promoting” or “showing up,” by telling a story, you’re just being a human online, and that’s what makes people care and stop scrolling.
Why Is Storytelling So Effective on Social Media?
To put it simply: people remember stories more than tips, stats, or features.
We’re living in a time now where AI can write 100 posts in 10 seconds. And while that’s cool (and helpful!), the downside is that everything is starting to sound the same.
The social media feeds feel full of noise, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably read 10 carousels that all say the same thing this week 🙃
That’s where your story becomes your edge.
Why storytelling works:
It humanises your brand (you stop sounding like a robot)
It builds trust and emotional connection
It makes your content memorable (stories stick, tips fade)
It helps you stand out, especially if you’re a small business or freelancer
I’ve seen it in my own content too. The posts where I’m honest, a bit vulnerable, or just real, they always do better than the polished tips I spent ages on. Every. Single. Time.
3 Story Types You Can Share Right Now
You don’t need a dramatic life event or thousands of followers to tell a good story. In fact, the most powerful ones often come from everyday moments, especially the ones that feel a bit vulnerable to share.
Here are three types of stories I personally use all the time in my content and courses, and how you can adapt them too:
1. Your Origin Story – Why You Started
This could be about how or why you started your business, blog, or creative journey.
For me, it all started with my scoliosis.
“Years ago, I had spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis, a major operation that honestly changed everything. At first, I started a blog just to process it all. But what I didn’t expect was how many people would reach out saying they felt less alone because of my story. That moment lit something in me. It made me determined to push myself, to help others, and to create work that actually means something. That’s what eventually led me to marketing, teaching, and now creating courses to help small businesses grow.”
🧠 Try this: Think back to that “why” moment for you, what pushed you to start?
Here’s an example of my own origin story:
2. A Behind-the-Scenes Moment – What People Don’t See
People love to see the real stuff and what actually goes into the work you do, especially the messy middle bits.
For me, I regularly share snippets of my course creation process on Instagram, from filming days where the tech doesn’t work, to the reality of working around a full-time job and still trying to launch something. Honestly, these posts do so well because people can relate. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being real.
🧠 Try this: Next time something goes wrong or feels chaotic, capture it. Share the story behind the moment.
Here’s an example of my own behind-the-scenes story:
3. A Transformation or Win - Big or Small
This is about showing growth, even if it’s just something you’re proud of.
For me, I’ve shared a lot about my scoliosis journey, but one thing I love posting about now is running, something I never thought I’d do after spinal surgery. A few years ago, I wasn’t sure I’d ever run again after surgery. Fast forward to now, I’ve completed two marathons. And I share these moments not to ‘show off,’ but to remind people that your story doesn’t have to hold you back.
🧠 Try this: What’s something you’ve overcome, even if it felt small? Share it. It matters more than you think.
These posts are great because they inspire, without feeling like you’re trying to “sell” anything.
Here’s an example of my own ‘transformation’ story:
Need Help Coming Up With Stories?
I’ve put together a free guide with 10 storytelling types that work well on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn or even email - and it’s yours to download:
👉 Download the FREE storytelling guide here
It’s perfect if you’re stuck staring at a blank caption or you want to post something more meaningful (but have no idea what).
Want to Learn the Full Strategy?
If you want to dive deeper into storytelling for your brand or small business, I’ve created a course over on Skillshare that goes into everything in more detail, and it’s even been awarded a ‘Staff Pick:’
👉 Story-First Social Media: Boost Engagement With Authentic Storytelling
In the course, I walk you through:
Why storytelling works (backed by actual research!)
3 story types that build connection and trust
A simple storytelling formula for writing content that sounds like you
Tips to make your stories more effective
How to put together a 3-part story series to post straight away
You’ll also get access to a free workbook and templates, so you can start writing without the overwhelm.
Final Thoughts
If your content’s feeling a bit flat or you’re not getting the engagement you used to, try telling a story.
Because in a world full of AI-written content, the most powerful thing you can do… is sound like you.
If you give any of these story types a go, I’d love to see them! Tag me on Instagram or drop me a message, always cheering you on 💛
Take care,
Louise
P.S. Don’t forget to:
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