How to Use Stories to Engage Your Audience and Build Your Brand
Remember storytime when you were younger? It might have been one of the rare occasions your teacher had all eyes and ears on her. This is because you were intently listening to all the details, on the edge of your seat and wondering what might happen next. Now we’re older and instead we find ourselves listening to the latest juicy drama our best friends want to divulge to us over a latte – and we’re just as interested! This is because we are wired to not only listen to stories, but also tell them. It’s how our ancestors used to pass on critical information to the next generation.
Using Storytelling to Connect
Who said you can’t use storytelling in marketing? In fact, it is increasingly becoming one of the most important parts of a brands strategy. A good story can connect you with your audience in a way that nothing else can! A good narrative is more than just an interesting story; it’s an opportunity to tap into people’s emotions and become part of their lives. Telling stories about your company, products, and services will help you differentiate yourself from your competitors and reach potential customers on an emotional level.
The focus of this guide is how to use stories to engage your audience and build your brand. Here’s how it works. Start by thinking about what makes you different, what you stand for and why people should care – and then present that message in a way that grabs the attention of your audience, keeps them interested and encourages them to spread the word. Think about it: why do people share things online? It’s because they enjoy the content, and so they want to show their friends what they found interesting or helpful or entertaining.
Brands Sliving at Successful Storytelling
H&M has made the importance of storytelling part of their brand identity, both through its campaigns and in stores. It’s no coincidence that one of their most popular slogans is ‘We share clothes, you share stories.’ They know that by telling the story behind each garment, they are able to connect with customers on an emotional level. That connection is worth ten times what the customer paid for the item, so it’s easy to see why these companies make storytelling such a priority.
Nike has always been known to tell inspiring stories through their branding and marketing campaigns. They have built an empire off the backs of athletes that inspire us with their determination and perseverance. And they’ve done it all while staying true to their mission statement – Just Do It.
Starbucks is another company that has done a fantastic job telling stories. They weave narratives into everything from their menus to the cups they serve coffee in. When you walk into any Starbucks you’re instantly transported into a world where anything can happen, and you never know what you’re going to find there next. Pumpkin Spice Latte in a seasonal cup anyone?
3 Ingredients for Writing a Powerful Brand Story
1) Start with an interesting story. It doesn’t have to be life-changing; it just needs to be compelling enough to capture the attention of your audience.
2) Include your message in that story. What’s the point you’re trying to make? Where are you going with this? How does it relate to your brand? What can you offer them as a result of reading this story? Make your message clear, concise, and at the forefront of your narrative. That way, when you get to the end of the story, people will know what they should do next.
3) Tie up any loose ends and lead readers towards an action step. Is there something they can do now that they couldn’t do before because they read this post?
The same strategy can be applied to your business too. Storytelling can help build trust and loyalty as well as improve your company’s reputation. Customers will feel more invested in your company when they get involved with it and care about how it does or doesn’t change over time.
Lastly, remember that great stories rely on characters with whom we can identify or who resonate with our own beliefs or values – even if only subconsciously. So be authentic!