Social Media Storytelling – Find your Muppet.
Social Media Storytelling – Find your Muppet.
A lone man. Two Muppets. And a David Bowie/Queen song.
It’s not a bad joke but a YouTube video of a man who makes two Kermit the Frog puppets lip sync to the classic Bowie/Queen collaboration “Under Pressure.” Next to the man is a handmade sign indicating he is out of work with a family to feed.
Yes, it sounds weird. But YouTube commenters are calling it “hilarious,” “brilliant,” “moving,” and “humane.” And it’s getting attention. The brainchild of a performer who wanted to bring attention to the plight of the homeless, this story had garnered more than 600,000 views by early October.
Engaging stories aren’t just for gifted filmmakers or talented writers. Stories can be an excellent tool for brands to use in their social media strategy for initiating conversation and nurturing online engagement. They may not need to be dramatic, but they do need to be personal and authentic.
It’s time to share your story. There are human beings behind your products and you can leverage social media to help consumers connect with the people who power your brand.
Take ElizabethDavidDesigns. Liz is a small business entrepreneur who sells custom eReader and iPad covers through Etsy, an online community of buyers and sellers. From funky peace sign emblazoned fabrics to chic Amy Butler prints, her creations have become increasingly popular—so much so that customers now wait 4-6 weeks for their order.
But instead of posting a dry, listless announcement about delayed orders, Liz writes on her shop’s homepage:
“…rest assured I am working on them 24/7 with the same highest quality standards my customers know to expect from me. In addition to this, a family emergency this summer has put me behind schedule but things are back on track and I am catching up…”
Even if we’re waiting for that new Kindle cover like a kid on Christmas morning we can relate because we’ve been in Liz’s shoes. Grandpa gets sick or Junior breaks a leg just as business is picking up. And because we can relate, maybe we’re not as upset that we need to wait 4-6 weeks for that crazy cool cover.
What’s your story and how will you share it?
To learn more about using social media strategies to share the stories behind your brand, contact the team that blends social media science with a human touch, Social Strategy1.