I don’t know if you’re like me, but lately I’ve found myself less and less drawn to facebook and instagram because I feel, well, like I am being sold to. Does that drive you crazy too?  It’s almost like the online version of the perfume lady chasing you down to give you a spritz of the “freshest scent.”

Now don’t get me wrong, I’ve built a business using these platforms over the past 5 years, but when I started using social media it was a different ballgame.  I started at a time when facebook was still showing everyone in the feed and the concept of social media marketing was still in it’s infancy.  People were intrigued.  People were curious without being guarded.

As my business has grown so has the way I’ve approached marketing.  Where I used to throw out a link, cross my fingers and hope for a sale, my business has become more of a  share my story and guide people to tell theirs.

Yes.
Eventually I get to the link.
But before I ever give the link, I give them the story, I build trust, and then I invite to the opportunity.

Unlike the perfume lady who is spritzing anyone who breezes past, savvy social storytellers know that building trust means that they don’t talk to everyone who comes by, but the select few who connect to their story.

Social media marketing works.
But perhaps a different way to approach it is to tell your story to a specific audience that NEEDS to hear it.

I wanted to share 6 books that greatly impacted the way I approached my social media marketing.  Hope these resources help you as well!

Your story matters.
You matter.
Happy sharing!

XOXO,
Katy

Building A Storybrand, Donald Miller 
This book is EVERYTHING!  Little shifts in your words can change the entire message of your brand! Donald Miller walks readers through the simple marketing strategy of becoming the guide of a story not the hero!  He explains how you can clarify your message to increase audience engagement and conversion into happy clients.  He also has an amazing podcast worth checking out.

Everybody Writes, Anna Handley
Need ideas for content?  Feeling stuck in your own work.  Anna Handley speaks right to the heart of any writer on how to improve your content. Whether you are on instagram, wordpress, faebook or twitter, you can improve your writing with these simple to apply tips.  Handley breaks each chapter into small, easy to apply ideas that will help you communicate your ideas effectively. It’s a great tool for editing!

The Gifts of Imperfection, Brene Brown 
It’s all about authenticity and vulnerability. Capturing an audience who connects with your messages starts with being unapologetic about your beliefs.  In Brown’s book, readers are given the skills to let go of the need for perfection and latch on to the peace that comes with acknowledging who we really are.  I read this book as I found myself transitioning from cancer fighter to cancer survivor and shifting that role on social media.  It’s a powerful read, and Brene Brown does an amazing job of simplifying the message with her own experiences.

Contagious, Johah Berger 
I first heard of Jonah Berger when I was listening to a podcast.  I was immediately hooked by the simplicity of his message: creating contagious content. This is a great tool for learning more about WHY consumers purchase and what causes them to act.This book I actually read in spurts.  I found myself taking a lot of notes, and then slowly implementing the skills to my own work.

Content Inc., Joe Pulizzi
Pulizzi walks readers through 6 tactile skills for cracking the code when it comes to content. He helps readers walk through their sweet spot of what they love to do and what they know how to do.  He helps you take curious visitors to your site and turn them into long term customers.

No matter what resource you use, the most important step in the process is to help your audience feel like they matter.  When your audience sees your story as a source of hope, you have the opportunity to deliver on your (now clarified) message.