Why Your Social Media Strategy Isn’t Working (Yet): The Two Storylines You Need to Start Using
We hear it all the time:
“It’s all about storytelling.”
But no one actually explains what that means or how to do it without sounding like a high school memoir assignment.
Here’s the truth: the most successful creators and businesses online aren’t just “posting consistently”—they’re telling two very specific types of stories in every single piece of content. And once you start using both, things shift fast. Like... 30-days-and-your-engagement-doubles fast.
Let’s break it down.
Part One: The Story Inside the Post
Every single post—whether it’s a Reel, a carousel, or a throwaway text post—needs a micro-story inside of it. Most people skip this and go straight to facts or tips. But humans don’t connect with bullet points. We connect with people.
Think about your favorite movies.
The main character never walks on screen and says,
“Hi, I’m Jocelyn. Here are 10 facts about me.”
That’s not how we bond with characters.
We care once there’s tension.
We care when there’s a plot.
So instead of posting “5 Steps to Buy a Home,” tell the story:
“My client just got their dream home for $100K under asking. Here’s how we did it…”
Same value. Entirely different emotional hook.
Every time you post, ask:
What story am I telling?
What’s the tension or transformation?
What makes someone lean in and think, “Wait, what happened next?”
Part Two: The Story Between the Posts
This is the one no one talks about—and it’s the one that matters most.
Your content shouldn’t just be mini-stories. It should also be one ongoing storyline: your movie.
Every piece of content is a new scene, a new beat in the arc.
Your business is the main character.
Your audience is watching it unfold in real time.
This means:
Show behind the scenes of product development
Share your struggles, pivots, and turning points
Ask for advice along the way
Build a character arc people can root for
By the time you launch that product or service, your audience is already invested—because they were part of the build. That investment? That’s what converts.
Why It Works
When people are emotionally connected to your story, they’re 10x more likely to:
Follow and stay
Engage with your content
Buy from you when the time comes
Because you’re not just a brand.
You’re a main character. And we’re all waiting for the next episode.
TL;DR:
Every post should tell a mini-story (problem, moment, transformation)
Every piece of content should also fit into your larger brand arc
This is how you create loyalty, connection, and actual sales
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure how to structure your content this way, that’s literally what I do for clients every day.
How to Apply Storytelling to Your Own Content
we broke down the two types of storylines that make content magnetic:
Micro-stories in each post
A long-form narrative arc across your brand
Now it’s time to put it into action.
Whether you’re launching something new or just trying to show up consistently, storytelling helps your content connect, convert, and stick. Here’s how to start:
Step 1: Find Your Micro-Stories
Instead of just listing tips or making announcements, zoom into a moment:
A small win
A surprising challenge
A behind-the-scenes process you’re in the middle of
🎯 Think: “What happened, and what did I learn?”
Step 2: Map Your Big Picture Arc
Ask yourself:
What journey am I on right now?
What am I building, navigating, or evolving?
What do I want people to root for?
That becomes your character development—the story between the posts.
Step 3: Use the Free Worksheet
We created a simple 1-page worksheet to help you:
Map out your plotline
Craft posts that carry your story forward
Check in with your content strategy before you hit “publish”
👉 Download the worksheet here
Final Reminder:
When people feel emotionally invested in your story, they’re more likely to stick around—and more likely to buy when the time comes.
Need help applying this to your brand? That’s what we do.