The much-acclaimed Game of Thrones show finale recently featured Tyrion Lannister saying, "There's nothing in the world more powerful than a good story." This buzzed-about scene and ending to the show were the perfect introduction to Social Media Club LA's most recent panel, "Boosting Your Social Media Strategy with Stories and Live Video".Moderated by SMCLA President Lindsay Mauch,  the panel featured four enigmatic leaders in the digital marketing industry: Dawn Ferguson, Director of Social Media and Influencer Partnerships at Fabletics, Daniel Zamilpa, a digital and creative producer and founder of The Dapper Daniel, Marcia Zellers, an accomplished Senior Executive of marketing strategy in Entertainment, and Kathryn Hayman, VP of Brand Integration at Bollare.The panel began with some best practices and case studies for stories, including examples of clients and partnerships all panelists had worked with. Some of the best practices include:

• Include a call to action with a swipe up to a trackable bit.ly link

• Make the connection between static posts and stories

• Show tutorial videos showcasing products you are promoting

• Includes stickers, polls, emoji sliders, and gifs to engage your audience

Zellers notes that in 2019, we can expect integration in Instagram stories with ad polls, co-watching, donation CTA stickers, and more. "The benefit of integrating live video and story is simply that humans find it compelling," said Zellers. "In the history of media, everything ends up as video because it most mimics the human experience," she said. How do you make sure your content is compelling and interactive, Mauch asked? "Consumers want to see authenticity and realness, something that isn't overly stylized," said Hayman, who often works with fashion and design clients. Zamilpa gave more logistical tips, noting that he always makes sure he has several power bricks in his car so he doesn't run out of battery. He also suggested you always have access to a wifi hotspot, as you don't want to be a social media manager without wifi.

Ferguson noted some real-life experience with popular activewear brand Fabletics, sharing that they often repurpose live videos after the live broadcast as content for paid media. She also noted the importance of stellar conversation within your live content: "Content isn't king, conversation is king. Content is just something we talk about -- based on real conversation." Ferguson also noted depending on your live broadcast, a moderator for the discussion could be helpful, especially with celebrity guests who may find it helpful to have a guide for the conversation. She also recommended going live within private Facebook groups at least one per week to stoke engagement.For a platform that has over one billion users, 500 million people are using Instagram stories daily. Indeed, nothing in the world is more powerful than a (good) story. Want to learn more?

Check out these tips, tricks, and best practices from our panelists now!Be a part of our story by joining us on June 13th at the ultimate LA selfie location, a Dodger game! What’s better than a Dodger dog on a balmy early summer night as we get social together and watch our local favorite, the red-hot LA Dodgers play the equally hot Chicago Cubs on Thursday, June 13 at Dodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine! We’re cheering on the Boys in Blue in LA Dodger Stadium’s “All You Can Eat” Pavilion. Your ticket price includes unlimited Dodger Dogs, nachos, peanuts, popcorn and non-alcoholic beverages (soft drinks, iced tea and water). Beer is available for sale (for those 21 and older – ID required). And it gets even better…It’s Joe Kelly bobblehead night! Get a Free Joe Kelly bobblehead doll to all attendees (while supplies last). 

See you there - get your tickets NOW!