Why Storytelling is the Best Social Media Strategy for Small Businesses
Let’s be real—stories sell. Whether you're growing a brand, marketing a service, or just trying to connect with customers, storytelling is what makes people actually care about what you do.
And the best part? You already have a great story to tell.
This week, we’re breaking down:
✔ Why storytelling is a game-changer for small businesses on social media
✔ Instagram’s latest update on longer Reels (and what it means for your brand)
✔ Why Gen Z is officially over microtrends (and what that means for marketing)
📲 Instagram’s Latest Update: Do People Actually Want 3-Minute Reels?
Let’s talk about Instagram’s latest algorithm shift—they’re now favoring longer videos and extending Reels to three minutes.
A year ago, Meta introduced 90-second Reels, but they didn’t take off. Now, in an effort to compete with YouTube Shorts, Instagram is pushing longer content.
But here’s the thing…
❓ Do people actually want to watch three-minute videos on Instagram? Maybe.
✅ Does Instagram want you to THINK they do? Absolutely.
This shift feels less like "listening to user behavior" and more like Instagram deciding what it wants us to do.
How to Use Longer Reels in Your Social Media Marketing Strategy
📌 Tell a deeper story: Feature your brand’s journey, a customer transformation, or behind-the-scenes content.
📌 Break up your content: Don’t make a 3-minute video just because you can. Keep it engaging and use natural storytelling beats.
📌 Use it for education: If you’re in marketing, real estate, fitness, or consulting, this is a great chance to explain concepts without being rushed.
💡 Final Thought: The algorithm may love longer videos, but don’t force it. Use 3-minute Reels when it makes sense—but keep short-form content in the mix.
🎭 Why Storytelling Wins on Social Media
We don’t fall in love with brands because of their products—we fall in love with their stories.
Think about Toms Shoes.
Toms had a great mission—buy a pair, give a pair. People loved them for it. But let’s be honest… the shoes themselves? Not exactly legendary.
The point? A great story can make people love your brand, even if your product isn’t life-changing.
How to Start Telling Your Brand’s Story Today
📝 Know Your “Why” – What inspired you to start? What problem do you solve?
📸 Document the process – Show behind-the-scenes content, from daily operations to creative struggles.
💬 Engage with your audience – Don’t just post—reply, comment, and start conversations.
💡 Challenge: Post a story-driven piece of content this week. Tag @socialsbydillan or @hivethink, and I’ll share it!
📉 Gen Z is Tired of Microtrends—Here’s What That Means for Brands
A recent New York Times article highlighted something we’ve all felt—Gen Z is exhausted by the speed of trends.
🚀 What’s trending today is over by next week.
📌 TikTok feels like a nonstop ad campaign.
🎭 There are way too many “cores” to keep up with.
But this isn’t just a Gen Z problem—it affects everyone consuming content.
So, what does this mean for small businesses and marketing strategy?
✅ Authenticity Wins. People want real, relatable brands.
✅ Slow is the New Fast. Long-term brand building beats chasing trends.
Instead of jumping on every microtrend, focus on building a brand that actually lasts.
🎨 Chattanooga’s Art Scene is Worth Appreciating
Do people actually call Chattanooga "The ‘Noog"? I’ve lived here my whole life and have always said it in my head but never out loud. Now I have. Is this a thing? Should it be? Let me know.
Anyway, NoogaToday recently highlighted “18 Murals Around Chattanooga”, and it got me thinking—our city is covered in incredible art, and we should all be taking advantage of it.
From the Pollinator mural downtown to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. mural, these pieces add so much personality to our city.
📌 Take a photo with a mural for Instagram
📌 Use Chattanooga’s art as a backdrop for storytelling
📌 Support local artists by highlighting their work in your business
These little moments are what make Chattanooga special.
📢 Coffee Break Chattanooga: March 14 Event Details
If you’re a small business owner in Chattanooga looking to sharpen your social media game, come hang out at Coffee Break Chattanooga this Friday, March 14.
🎤 Storytelling Panel Featuring:
Madison McCann (SpeakEasy Productions)
Josh Davis (Human Powered)
Brandon Clift (ManKind Podcast)
🎶 Live Music: Eric Kirkendoll of Waxing & Waning (Spotify)
🎨 Featured Artist: Lauren Paints Rainbows (Instagram)
🚴 Non-Profit Spotlight: White Oak Bicycle Co-op (Website)
📍 Venue: Hawthorne at The W (329 Broomsedge Trail, Chattanooga, TN 37405)
It’s a great excuse to grab coffee, meet local creatives, and learn how to use storytelling to grow your brand.
