Hey friend!
Do you ever wonder how social media and storytelling intertwine, especially for writers and creators like you? We’ve got a special guest who brings a wealth of knowledge in navigating Instagram and building vibrant, authentic communities. Meet Naomi Sowell, a seasoned social media strategist, writer, and lover of books. In our recent episode, Naomi dives deep into how social media, far from being disconnected from the arts, can become a powerful tool for storytelling and connection.
Tip #1: Treat Marketing as an Art and Tell Your Story
When we think of writing or creating, Instagram might not immediately come to mind as an artistic medium. However, as Naomi explains, marketing itself is an art, and Instagram can be an extension of that art. Whether you're an author, bookstagrammer, or entrepreneur, the platform is a space to share your journey with the world.
Naomi’s love for social media began with her involvement in marketing for her siblings' music group. Influenced by Rick Barker (Taylor Swift’s former manager), she quickly learned the importance of community-building and storytelling. Over time, she translated these lessons into the world of books and writing.
Tip #2: It’s Not Just About Posting Photos
Often, people think Instagram marketing is just about posting a pretty picture or a selfie—but Naomi is quick to correct this misconception. True Instagram marketing is about serving your audience, engaging them with meaningful content, and building genuine connections. Posting for personal purposes is fine, but marketing requires intentionality.
Naomi's advice? Strike a balance between personal and public content, ensuring you’re providing value to your community. There’s also a fine line between sharing relatable moments and oversharing, which is where discernment comes in—sometimes certain stories are better shared with close friends or even a therapist!
Tip #3: Build Genuine Community with Storytelling
One of the gems Naomi shared is the idea of fostering engagement through storytelling. Reels have become her favorite tool for engaging her audience, especially as they offer a dynamic way to share content, whether through original audio, trends, or vlog-style snippets. Reels are also a way for her to create a sense of excitement around her creative process, like sharing updates on her work in progress.
Naomi also emphasizes that creating connections isn't about quantity—it's about quality. Engaging with your followers by genuinely interacting with their content creates lasting bonds.
Tip #4: Balance Trends with Original Content
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to hop on Instagram trends, Naomi's advice might bring you some peace. Trends can be fun, but she urges creators to focus on content that resonates with their own voice and style. Consistency is key, and you’ll only stay consistent if you enjoy the content you're producing.
Don't get caught up in comparing yourself to influencers who have all day to create elaborate posts—it's okay to do things at your own pace and within your own capacity.
Tip #5: Stay Authentic and Invite God into the Process
Staying authentic while maintaining creativity is a challenge many creators face, but Naomi believes these two elements go hand in hand. She encourages creators to invite God into the process and reflect on why they’re creating. Is the content you’re posting just to boost your own ego, or is it to serve your community?
When you allow God to guide your creativity, it not only becomes easier to stay authentic, but it also brings a sense of purpose to your work.
Tip #6: Take Breaks Without Fear of Losing Engagement
Speaking of breaks—Naomi is a firm believer in the importance of rest. She shares how she takes Sundays off from Instagram, following the concept of a Sabbath, where she can refresh and recharge. Naomi assures us that taking breaks won’t destroy your engagement. In fact, it can improve your content in the long run as it helps to avoid burnout.
Final Thoughts
At the heart of everything Naomi shared is this: social media is a tool for building real connections. It’s not about numbers, likes, or follows—it’s about people, stories, and creating a community that lifts each other up. As Naomi beautifully put it, “Every number has a name, every name has a story, and every story matters to God.”
What are your thoughts on social media storytelling? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Opmerkingen