The lazy creator’s guide to more engaged followers
Use this technique to increase audience retention by up to 65%.
In a cluttered studio apartment overlooking Central Park, the chaos of Manhattan was whirring outside as a 26-year-old hunched over his second-hand laptop. The glow of the screen was the only light in the room, giving way to the hundred of photos he’d taken of strangers that week.
This was no longer just a hobby. It was a passion.
But this passion wasn’t paying any bills.
He was broke - so broke that rent was a looming question mark, and every swipe of his MetroCard felt like a gamble. He had no formal training, no connections, and no backup plan.
But he had one thing no one could take away: an obsession with capturing the lives around him.
Every day, he walked the streets of New York with a second-hand camera, snapping photos of strangers and trying to piece together their stories. It wasn’t glamorous, and most days, it felt like a losing battle. He’d post his images online with short captions, but the response was lukewarm at best - a few likes, a handful of comments.
Weeks turned into months. His bank account was shrinking, and his self-doubt was growing louder. The project that once felt like a calling was now teetering on the edge of collapse.
The weight of failure pressed harder every day. But one photo changed everything.
It wasn’t just the image itself; it was the story that unfolded around it. A young man shared his fight against addiction, and instead of telling it in one post, the photographer tried something new: he stretched it into a multi-part series.
Each post revealed a new layer, pulling readers in deeper with every scroll. By the end, the audience wasn’t just engaged - they were invested.
This new series style didn’t just spark a shift. It caught fire.
More and more people started following, sharing, and commenting. Suddenly, the project wasn’t just surviving - it was blowing tf up. What began as random photography project after being laid off, was turning into something bigger than he ever imagined.
Did you know that posts with storytelling sequences can increase audience retention by up to 65%?
When building a personal brand, it’s not just about the content - it’s the way the story unfolds.
Serialized storytelling taps into our natural curiosity, creating a psychological commitment to see things through. By structuring stories as ongoing narratives, we transform passive followers into loyal readers.
The man behind this revolution in storytelling? Brandon Stanton, the creator of Humans of New York.
What began as a personal experiment in photography turned into a global storytelling movement. Brandon didn’t just document lives - he amplified them. His multi-part stories built suspense, created emotional connections, and kept millions of readers returning to his page daily.
But Brandon’s success wasn’t about the complexity of his tools or the size of his audience. It was about sequence.
By sequencing stories to keep people engaged, he turned fleeting attention into deep emotional investment. And whether you’re a solo creator or a multi-layered organization, this approach can amplify your message in the same way.
Here’s how to use my S.T.A.C.K. Framework to create story sequences that create more engaged followers:
• S – Start Small: Begin with one compelling story. Focus on a single, relatable moment that draws your audience in.
• T – Tease the Hook: End each part of your story with a question, cliffhanger, or unresolved moment to build suspense.
• A – Align with Emotions: Make your audience feel something - curiosity, hope, or empathy. This keeps them invested.
• C – Connect the Dots: Tie each part of the sequence to a bigger theme or message your audience cares about.
• K – Keep It Simple: Avoid overcomplicating your story. Use clear, concise language and let the narrative flow naturally.
Why This Works
Story sequences are powerful because they engage your audience on multiple levels.
First, they build anticipation, creating a sense of curiosity that keeps readers coming back to uncover what happens next. By leaving parts of the narrative unresolved, you invite them to invest in the outcome.
Second, they foster emotional connection by giving readers time to relate to the people, struggles, or themes within the story. This deeper connection ensures the story isn’t just consumed - it’s remembered.
Lastly, they naturally boost engagement. When a story resonates emotionally, readers are more inclined to comment, share, and revisit, amplifying your message far beyond the initial post.
Here’s What You’ll Get Out of It
A clear strategy to craft story sequences that keep your audience hooked.
A proven framework to structure content that builds emotional connection.
A practical method to amplify your reach and create loyal followers.
“The smallest stories are often the ones that resonate the loudest.”
Your Turn
Think about a story you’ve already shared or one you’ve been meaning to tell. Break it into smaller pieces - each with its own hook - and let the sequence unfold over time.
Start with a simple moment, ask a powerful question, and build suspense to keep your audience coming back. Don’t overthink it.
The smallest details can create the biggest connections.
What’s one story sequence you could begin sharing today?