The power of storytelling: 3 most important stories to tell in your business
Bedtime stories are the best. When kids hear that familiar intro, they know they’re in for a good read. It doesn’t matter if they’ve already heard the story 162 times.
They’ll excitedly listen and wait for their favorite parts—the bit where the princess tries on a magical dress or when she slayed the dragon to save her kingdom.
Stories captivate even the people with the least attention span. They are powerful tools that not only get information across but also move people towards action.
Who would want to listen intently to important dates and names in a country? Nobody would remember key information without intense memorization, let alone care. But throw in some drama about who betrayed whom in the Battle of York, and you’ll get a curious, eyebrow-raising audience.
Or think of data: how a certain number of people do not have access to clean and safe water, for instance. Presented as facts, they don’t do much.
But if someone tells the story of a family who struggles every single day, walking 5 miles to a clean water source for drinking, people are more likely to listen.
What’s more, people are more likely to take action.
Using the power of stories for your business
Organizations use stories instead of data to compel people to donate. Committing to donate to a non-profit organization for a year isn’t simply sending money to their bank.
It’s sending a boy named Manuel to school for one year so he can finish second grade. You get updates about his life—his favorite subjects, the things he likes. Your donation has more purpose because of the story that you are now involved in.
People make more emotional than logical buying decisions, and stories are the best way to bring about the emotions that would convince your audience to buy from you.
Data proves this to be true: customers want to feel a connection with brands. A study by Sprout Social found that when customers feel connected to brands, more than half of consumers (57%) will increase their spending with that brand, and 76% will buy from them over a competitor.
They want to know what makes you special and why they should choose you.
That’s where the magic of storytelling comes in.
Storytelling is a game-changer. It lets you engage with your audience, build trust, and create a brand that people will never forget. When you tell a story, you create an emotional bond with your customers, making them more likely to remember you and stay loyal.
Your personal story: what helped you overcome challenges
Sharing your story sets you apart from the competition. Your business’s story differs from your competitors; no two stories are the same. If you’ve been agonizing over what sets you apart from your competition, think back to the very beginning.
Why did you create your business? What moved you to create it? What were your struggles, and how did you overcome them? How do you help people overcome their own problems through your business?
Answering these questions helps you build a story that makes your business unique. If that resonates with your audience, you can connect with them on a personal level.
Besides, it adds a human touch, showing that there are real people behind the brand who are passionate about what they do. This builds trust and loyalty among your customers.
Your brand’s story: the foundation of building the company
Crafting narratives about your brand is about finding your unique selling point and communicating it effectively. Showcasing your story on your website, social media, and other marketing materials can make a big impact.
What’s your brand all about? What values do you hold dear? Let your audience in on your mission and the impact you want to make in the world through great stories.
This helps them align with your brand and become loyal supporters.
Your clients’ powerful stories: walking in their shoes
Share stories from your clients who have benefited from your products or services. Their wins are your wins! This provides social proof and inspires others to choose you.
If you don’t know where to start in crafting your client’s success stories, here are a few guide questions to ask them:
- What problems were you trying to solve before working with us/buying our product?
- What made us stand out from other options?
- What made you happiest about our product/service?
- What have you been able to achieve since purchasing?
- How has your business/life been impacted since purchasing our product/service?
- What’s the main reason you recommend our product/service?
- What would you tell someone who’s considering buying from us?
These questions help you get to know your audience and, at the same time, frame the perfect story—with your client as the hero who had a problem and you coming in as the guide to help them vanquish the villain in their life.
Storytelling is marketing gold. It allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level, tugging at their heartstrings and leaving a lasting impression.
When customers feel a connection with your brand, they become loyal supporters and are willing to pay a premium for your products or services.
By sharing your story, your brand’s story, and your clients’ stories, you can engage your audience, build trust, and create a memorable brand experience.
So, go ahead and start telling your stories today!