Storytelling isn’t just for bedtime or bestselling novels. It’s one of the most powerful tools you can use on social media to build trust, show your personality, and connect with the people who might one day want to work with you.

And no, you don’t need a big, dramatic life story or a plot twist worthy of Netflix. You just need a moment that meant something to you – and a willingness to share it.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• What storytelling really means on social media

• Types of stories you can tell (even on the most boring days)

• Simple formats and hooks to help you get started

What is storytelling on social media?

Storytelling is showing, not selling.

It’s letting people see the human behind the business. It’s saying, "Here’s why I care about what I do." Or, "Here’s what it’s really like to run a business like mine." Or even, "Here’s a small moment that says a lot."

When you share stories, you’re creating connection. And connection leads to trust – which is essential if you want someone to choose you over the other 300 people in your industry.

What kinds of stories can you tell?

1. Client success stories
Social proof with heart. These don’t have to be full testimonials. A lovely DM. A comment. A client message that made you smile. All count.

2. Behind-the-scenes moments
The planning, the post-its, the client call prep, the email drafts. Showing your process makes you relatable. It shows what it’s like to work with you.

3. Your own journey
The not-so-polished bits. The scrapped ideas, tech fails, or captions that never saw the light of day. The days where you thought, "What am I even doing?" That’s the stuff that resonates.

4. Everyday human moments
The tea you bought by mistake. The dog on your Zoom call. The new way you’re managing your to-do list. They might seem unimportant, but these are the stories that make people think, She’s just like me.

You DO have stories

Even on the most boring day, there’s something worth sharing. Humans are naturally nosy – we love a peek behind the curtain. The kind of content that makes someone say 'same!' is what builds loyalty.

Stories don’t need a moral or a transformation. They just need a spark of truth.

Formats that make it easy

Want to ease into storytelling? Try one of these simple formats:

• POV (point of view): e.g. "POV: You finally post a reel and it actually feels good."

• Then vs Now: Progress stories are powerful – and show what you do without saying 'I do X'.

• Behind the scenes: A photo of your desk, a prep list, a quiet moment. Gold.

• Mini confession + lesson: eg "I used to get this totally wrong... here’s what I do now."

• The day it clicked: A turning point moment your audience can relate to.

• Struggle, shift, solution: A simple three-part format that tells a full story fast.

Hooks to start your storytelling

If the blank page gives you the fear, try one of these prompts:

• I never used to talk about this, but...

• You’re not going to believe what happened when I...

• Let me take you back to 2019...

• A little behind the scenes moment from today...

• If you’ve ever felt [insert relatable thing], here’s a story you’ll relate to.

• This is the kind of thing no one tells you when you start a business...

Write them down, adapt them, reuse them. You’re welcome.

Where to tell your stories

Start with Instagram Stories (yes, with a capital S):

• They’re temporary, so there’s less pressure

• They’re mostly seen by your followers, so it feels safer

• You don’t even have to show your face (use B-roll and text or voiceover!)

Stories are a great practice ground for reels and longer-form storytelling posts. And they’re one of the best places to build trust.

The bottom line

You don’t need to be a professional writer or a marketing expert to tell stories.

You just need to be willing to share moments that feel honest. Because when you do, your audience will connect with you, trust you – and remember you.