Should you share personal stories in your social media content?
Sharing personal stories on social media is a hot topic. You might be thinking - I run a business, not a personal blog. Do people really care about my life? Or maybe you’re concerned about oversharing. How much is too much? What if people judge me?
Fair questions. But honestly, personal stories can be a powerful tool for building trust, making your brand relatable, and creating better connections with your audience. But it’s all about balance – what you share, why you share it, and how it aligns with your business.
Let’s take a look at just that…
Why personal stories work
Social media is all about connection. People don’t just buy from businesses – they buy from people they trust and relate to. Personal stories help you:
Build trust with your audience.
Make your brand feel human instead of just another business trying to sell.
Keep your content engaging and memorable.
Think about the accounts you love following. Chances are, it’s not just for their business tips – it’s because of who they are and the way they share their experiences in a way that feels real and relatable.
What to share vs what to keep private
Not every personal story belongs on social media. You don’t need to spill your life all over the internet to build a connection with your audience.
Great things to share:
Your journey – Why and how you started your business.
Challenges you’ve overcome – Especially if they’re relevant to your audience.
Behind-the-scenes of your business – A look at your daily work and processes.
Small personal details that make you relatable – Your love for tea, books, or a particular hobby. (Obvs, these are mine - you use yours!)
Things to think twice about sharing:
Something deeply personal that you haven’t processed yet.
Stories that feel irrelevant to your business.
Content that might make your audience feel uncomfortable.
A great rule of thumb: If your story helps your audience, inspires them, teaches them something, or builds trust, it’s worth sharing. If it feels too raw or doesn’t serve your audience, keep it private.
How to share personal stories without oversharing
The key to storytelling is balance – being authentic but staying professional, open but not uncomfortable. Here’s how to do it:
1) Use a business-related lesson
Instead of sharing something personal just for the sake of it, tie it back to your business.
When I first started my business, I struggled with [problem], but here’s how I figured it out.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson about [industry topic].
2) Show personality in small ways
You don’t need a deep, emotional post to be relatable. Sharing something light – your morning routine, your go-to work playlist, or your favourite way to unwind – adds personality without oversharing.
3) Set boundaries
You decide what feels comfortable. If something feels too private, trust that instinct. You’re in control.
4) Make it about your audience
Invite them into the conversation. End your personal story with a question:
Have you ever experienced something similar?
What’s your go-to routine for [related topic]?
This shifts the focus from just you to shared experiences, making your content feel more like a conversation than a broadcast.
Simple story ideas you can share today
Want to start storytelling but not sure what to post? Here are five easy ideas to get you started:
How you started your business – What sparked the idea?
A funny or unexpected challenge – Something relatable from your industry.
A personal habit or routine – Something small that makes you, you.
A behind-the-scenes moment – Show your workspace or a “day in the life.”
A lesson from a past mistake or experience – What you learned and how it shaped your business.
So, should you share personal stories on social media? Yes! But only in a way that feels right for you.
Personal stories help you build trust and connection.
You set the boundaries – share what feels comfortable.
The best stories are relatable, relevant, and valuable to your audience.
Start small – you don’t need to share your whole life to make an impact.
Need help creating content that connects?
If you want more help using storytelling in a way that feels natural and effective, book a Content Power Hour with me! We’ll go through your content strategy and map out exactly how to integrate personal stories into your brand in a way that works.
And don’t forget – my Five-Day Instagram Stories Challenge is the perfect way to start showing up with confidence on social media! It’s just £10, and you can complete it at your own pace.
Struggling with content ideas for your business?
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