Three Secrets (Shhh!) to Successful Storytelling in the Digital Age

Storytelling has always been a creature of adaptation. The campfire epic had a different style and focus than the modern novel, and the IG poet needs to master different linguistic conventions than Shakespeare did. The most memorable storytellers know both that history is full of models for them to steal, beg and borrow from and that they have to create and craft their own stories with their unique audience in mind.

I first began to use the term “digital storytelling” when working with brands who had strong corporate cultures that they felt weren’t being adequately conveyed via their presence on social media.

They had amazing stories but were missing the skill set and proper framework for adapting those stories to fit the mores and templates of the digital age. Through the process of working with them, I gradually began to understand the missing links, and unlocking moves that define best practices for digital storytelling.

I’ve streamlined them into three keys: segmented (by audience), share-able (and short-form), and measurable.

Let’s start with the first one. Digital storytelling is by nature segmented. With tools like dark posts and advanced targeting at our disposal, we’re able to deliver different messages to different segments of our audience, and…