Why do I need to tell my story?
Why is visual storytelling so important to your expert-based business?
It builds connection, rapport and trust with those you serve.
So, how do you feel when you’re approached online by some random person whose trying to shove a product or service down your throat?
Recently, the uptick in these jarring messages has unfortunately increased, especially on LinkedIn.
Before I can remove my finger from the keyboard after hitting ACCEPT on this connection request, the accepted connection places their greasy spam wheels in motion.
He or she has already sent me a looooooong, stock email that lists every single accomplishment in their lives, educational background, and of course, the product or service that they’re pushing.
Sprinkle a little scarcity in there - “signup today and receive XX% off…” for good measure.
I feel like I need to take a shower after reading through their spiel.
Not exactly a great way to build connection and trust with those you serve, huh?
In fact, it’s not an effort at all - it’s a copy/paste job with no attempt to nurture any type of relationship whatsoever.
It’s this copy/paste mentality that contributes to the massive amount of noise on social media.
This method sets you up in the minds of those you come in contact with as a commodity.
If you’re looking to build a community of superfans who eventually will buy, book or refer your specialized services to others, you need to make them feel special and taken care of by creating content that builds relationships.
Be a superhero that solves your audience’s problems by sharing your expertise.
Balance out your superpowers with content that’s more relatable to those you serve by sharing the ups and downs of being a business owner.
Give your audience an entry point into your life by sharing your experiences as a human being living on this planet, and what that looks like in your world.
Be informative, entertaining and inspiring with your words.
Don’t simply copy/paste sales jargon that’s meant to scare them into impulse buying your product or services.
Create a clear and definable signal that shines a light on who you are, who you serve and why you do what you do.
This makes you a real person and not just someone who’s looking to make a buck off of them.
Now, the expertise and personal stories that you share represents only half of the puzzle.
You also need image content that rounds out the storytelling experience for those you serve.
Leverage branded lifestyle portraits and other image content that visually punctuates the sentiment of every story that you share with those you serve.
How so?
It breaks down the fourth wall between you and your audience and allows them the unique opportunity to see how you create your magic that has such a profound effect on their businesses and lives.
It affords them the chance to envision themselves working with you.
The relationship between the written word and the visual is critical.
Your expression, body language and activity in the image clues them into aspects of your personality and gives them a sense of who you are as a person.
If you’re consistently posting content with branded lifestyle portraits that demystify your process and reveals the real you, that will ultimately build connection, rapport and trust to those who consume your content.
They feel like they know you, and when that happens, the opportunity for that audience member to graduate to a paid client increases exponentially.
Now, is this a fast and breezy process?
Nope, it’s a long road that requires thought, effort and commitment to consistency. And not everyone will come along for the entire ride.
Regardless, it does go a long way to creating a community of advocates, referral partners, cheerleaders, and ultimately, paid clients.
And that’s a pretty magical ROI if you ask me, :)
PS - For those of you who aren’t in the know, I mail out these blogs 3x a week, and lemme tell you, they’re a real party, so, if you’d like to get in on this,sign up for it here and I’ll throw in a free gift for you, because I care, :)