132: Using Your Words to Tell Your Story!

In the world of social media, we all believe and feel we have a voice that should be heard. But with all the noise and screaming how do you stand out from the crowd?

In today’s episode, I want to talk about social media and using our platform to inspire, educate, encourage, and entertain. Our readers don’t want fluff, they desire authenticity. They want the real you. Our interactions on social media will either make or break us.

I’m a part of several online writers groups. The majority of writers within these groups are asking questions on how to be a better writer or how to even write their books. The one common thread that I see creeping around are people who think they know better than everybody else.

You know these people. They’re loud, condescending, and try to prop themselves up as if they know something that you don’t. However, most people can call their bluff and call them out and they disappear or remain quiet.

I want to give you three reasons why you should stop pretending and start being the real you on social media.

1. It’s about authenticity.

How many times do you scroll through your newsfeed and you see all these angry posts that are so political it turns you off and you don’t want to touch the platform for a few weeks? People don’t like to be vulnerable. They don’t like sharing what’s really happening in their life. They put on a mask and hide behind their social media smiles or anger in hopes that people will click like or that wow or love emoji.

Here’s the reality, people desire authenticity. The more you are able to connect with your readers on a personal level, the more you will be respected. People desire relatable individuals who can identify with where they are at in life. The more relatable we become the more people trust us.

2. It’s all about the story.

Writers write. It’s what we do best. And the number one goal of writing is to tell a compelling story that draws the reader in.

Whether you are writing a book, blog post, or your next social media post if you take just one moment and think about the needs of those you are writing for the more you’ll connect with them on a personal level.

It’s all about inviting people into your life and your story. So take a moment and breathe deep and allow your story to come to your mind and use that as a catalyst to connect on a personal level with your readers.

So give them the real you.

3. It’s all about your reader.

A recent post on a Facebook group I belong to was a very condescending and told authors that their work, writing, content, does not matter. And the real kicker, they basically said that your reader doesn’t care. So stop trying to make them care.

Truth to tell, it does matter. You’re writing matters. But, your reader matters more.

This is why the power of story is so incredible. The more we can tap into our own psyche and our own experiences the more the reader can identify with what’s happening in their own life. It’s about connecting on a personal and a very real level.

This is why using social media can be so powerful and can be used to your advantage. Tell the story of your life and allow your readers to get to know you. Not the fake and facade you, but the real you.

Let them know your dreams, your fears, your failures, and your successes. Invite them into your home and into your family. Let them see you for you. That’s what will give you the most power to influence the lives of those around you.

Don’t masquerade your life on social media, but be vulnerable, authentic, and use it to encourage, inspire, educate, and entertain the lives of your readers. And when you begin to write your next book, they will happily reward you with a buy.