Let’s start with understanding what “Social Media” actually is in a tangible way.

Social media is a living breathing ecosystem online made up of various small and large platforms, each different and unique in their own way. But something that makes them similar is that everyone on these “ social platforms” is in some way connected to each other through: content

For example:

Tweeters are connected to other tweeters though tweets and Re- tweets
Instagramers are connected to other instagramers through photos
Pinterest users are connected to other pinterest users through “ pins”
Snap chatters connect through “ Snaps”
Tumblr’s connect with other Tumblr blogs by curating content that someone might like and can connect too.

Through content is what makes social media “ social” in a lot of ways.

So what does Storytelling has to do with all of this?” – You might ask.
Great content is Storytelling.

Okay so ever heard of Red Bull?
Yeah you know, that energy drink company that is also one of the greatest brands’ on planet earth.
Do you know the “secret sauce” that has helped them build their brand?
Yep, you guessed it: Storytelling.

There is no brand quite like Red Bull. Red Bull has built an influential and a powerful brand in the 21st century by mastering the art of storytelling.
#1 Storytelling Principles
When I say storytelling, I DON’T mean to “Tell-Your-Story”. That is, not the history of the founders or your ‘humble’ beginnings or whatever..
No, No and No.
Storytelling revolves around the notion that: To influence people, just figure out what already influences them.

You identify your brands core values – What do you stand for?
What are your core values, believes and attitudes?
Think about your core customers – What do they stand for?
What do they value the most? What are they motives and believes?
The secret is to be congruent and align your core values, attitudes and believes with your customers.
Absence of product and full exposure of your value proposition is the key to storytelling through content.

Finally, once you've identified your core values and value proposition, it’s time to identify a social platform and start storytelling.

#2 Identify a platform – Research
Remember when I told you that “every social platform is different and unique”. Well now is the time to get your thinking cap on, and start researching.

Identify a social platform that you will use to storytell: Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, Vine, LinkedIn etc.
Research your chosen platform and understand how people really produce and share content on it. And more importantly, understand for what meaningful purposes do people actually use the platform itself .