I don’t know about you, but I have always been a voracious reader. Growing up I devoured series of novels like The Boxcar Children, The Babysitter’s Club and Harry Potter like it was nobody’s business. I’ve always been into novels more than non-fiction, probably because I love a good story. I love to be transported, to fall in love with characters and to be completely engrossed in what will happen next.
If you think about it, writing blog is a lot like developing and telling a story. I keep coming back to this post from Copyblogger about how Downton Abbey can inspire narrative marketing, because I really think it’s helpful and inspiring, whether or not you’re a fan of the show. I focus a lot on the writting aspect of my personal blog, and people tell me it’s a huge part of why they visit. There are a lot of talented and stylish bloggers out there, but if you can weave a story and draw your readers in with dramatic content – you’ll put yourself miles ahead of your peers.
3 Easy Steps For Storytelling On Your Blog:
1. Set The Scene
- Whenever I write a post about an outfit I wore or highlight a product I love… And actually almost any time I write a post, I set the scene for my readers. I want them to know where I was, what I was doing, who I was with and why. I want to put my oufit in context, or show where I might take a certain handbag or wear a certain dress.
- Try to paint a picture for your readers that goes beyond what they can see in your images. Tell them about the smells, and the sounds. Let them know why you are where you are, and what you’re going to do there. Hot tip: In an outfit post, use Instagram or scenic photos from that day to help illustrate the story of where you were, what you saw and what you did!
- In a trend story, or a post that showcases a certain item that you love, illustrate an occasion or two that puts your content in a certain time, place, season or reason.
2. Illustrate Colorful Characters
- A key to great storytelling is creating compelling characters. In the case of your blog – that main character, the protagonist, the hero, the love interest… That’s you!
- Give your readers someone to care about. Somone to root for. Someone to love. Visitors will keep coming back if they have a vested interest in what happens to you, or are at least curious.
- You are so much more than the clothes you wear, as are your readers – so connecting with them on a personal level will help you relate and build a strong loyalty. Share only as much as you feel comfortable, but don’t be afraid to develop your character. The other elements of your life – your family, where you live, what you do for a living, your hobbies and your travels – they all help define your style!
- Perhaps if you’re not comfortable divulging every facet of your personality, create a personality! If you’re creating a packing list for a spring break story or how to wear neon – tell your readers a little about the girl who’s wearing these things. Why is she wearing them, where will she go, who will she meet…
3. Bring The Drama
- Think about the phrase, “a real page-turner.” It’s a story that is so addictive and exciting that you have to read on and you must know more. This translates to action, intrigue and drama.
- Whether it’s recounting an adventure or creating a seriously fierce outfit – drama gets readers excited, and it gets them sharing.
- Not every post you write will be full of highs and lows and tragedy and comedy – but you can tell those kinds of stories through social media on a smaller scale. Mix a dose of daily life with a hint of adventure into as many of your channels as you can.
- Create suspense when you can. Leave your readers hanging on the edge of their seat for your next post. Give them a hint or teaser of what’s to come, whether it’s a giveaway, a new outfit, you name it. Ways to do this include: showcasing part of an outfit on instagram; giving a hint at the end of a post; a colorful sentence or two on Twitter or updating your Facebook page status.
Try some of these tips in your next blog post. Transport your readers into the story of your life and your style.
i like all the points to this post but i follow several blogs that have minimal verbiage/storytelling and mostly pictures…in fact, sometimes the only words on the page are the links to the article of clothing/accessories. this is the opposite of what this post challenges you to…so i guess i don’t know which direction i should take my blog. right now, the content consists mostly of pictures and very little words….and i kind of like that.