How to use storytelling to make your content stand out

Key quotes:

• "Stories can (and should!) be used in blogs, social media posts, video, emails, presentations, speaking notes…and much more."
• "Start with thinking of the person who is hearing this story."
• "My three keys messages were: I then structured my blog post, social media messaging and Facebook Live video around these three key messages."
• "Rather, I focused on my key messages, sharing some personal challenge and insights on these points."
• "By structuring my thoughts around 3 key messages, I was able to be consistent, get my points across and make a connection with my audience using a variety of tools to share my story."
• "Finally, once you’ve created your story (video, writing, social media post, etc) find the best way to share it with your audiences."

Key quotes:

• "Early in my career, when I was struggling to find an engaging approach to communication in a complex industry, my boss encouraged me to emulate the tactics of well-known brands."
• "So, how can you write memorable stories that capture your audience and turn them into loyal customers, regardless of your brand or industry? Check out eyewear brand Warby Parker’s mission for inspiration: Warby Parker was founded with a rebellious spirit and a lofty objective: to offer designer eyewear at a revolutionary price, while leading the way for socially conscious businesses."
• "It doesn’t matter what kind of business or industry you’re in; there’s always a story to tell that involves people."
• "But to make them engaging and memorable, you should include some basic story elements like a conflict and turning point, or descriptive words that paint a picture."
• "Sometimes the best way to tell your brand’s story is through the voice of a fictional character."
• "Whether you sell business cards like Moo or are a utility like DC Water, be sure to use images that convey your message when telling your brand’s story."

Key quotes:

• "How did this company manage to elevate itself from a business that simply sold products to a brand that told stories? The art lies in uncovering your brand’s narrative and telling it in a way that not only cuts through the online noise to capture your prospect’s attention but also makes them feel something about your business."
• "It’s the story of “how this brand’s product or service changed me.” People forge visceral, emotional attachments to the stories they experience, and science backs this up through neural coupling and mirror neurons."
• "Now, the consumer is in the driver’s seat and, when presented with so many options from which to choose, they not only care about the products and services you offer, but also they want to know your story, your why."
• "Talk about your passion, vision, and mission and how they’ve impacted your brand and how your business operates in a tangible way."
• "An honest origin story humanizes your brand — it allows prospective customers to form a relationship with a person (or team) with a vision instead of being a cog on their income statement."

Key quotes:

• "There are countless resources available to businesses looking towards visual storytelling as a way to generate engagement and cultivate relationships with their audiences."
• "Every platform from Youtube to Instagram and Facebook offers a live video feature and businesses who use live video are noted for generating higher rates of engagement than with other forms of content."
• "Even more interesting is the fact that of individuals surveyed said they have a for live video from a brand when it comes to types of posts on social media."
• "Furthermore, research by found that among the 1,300 adults they surveyed, 71% felt that VR made a brand “seem more forward thinking and modern” and 53% said they would be “more likely to purchase from a brand that uses VR than from one that doesn’t.” If you’re looking to truly stand out when it comes to your storytelling efforts on social media, then staying ahead of the curve is the best way to get attention and gain leverage over your competition."

Key quotes:

• "When marketing messages are merged with a consumers’ wants, needs, and preferences, the result is a compelling content strategy."
• "Before you start designing your content strategy, snapping photos, and crafting clever captions, give serious and considerable thought to these six questions: Every customer goes through various stages of making a decision."
• "Then you map what they feel, need, and want along the way—how you can meet and surpass each step in the journey with your marketing, messaging, and expertise."
• "When creating a storytelling strategy, you have to focus on the kind of content they want to consume, which would influence their decision-making rather than what you, as a brand, want to publish because you’re not the one buying your products."
• "Now that you’ve laid the foundation for your brand and learned everything you need to know about your customer, you’re ready to start crafting stories."
• "Use your customer journey in this exercise and determine what stories and supporting marketing tactics you can use to create and share your message when your audience needs it most."