Do you own or operate a business? Are you finding it hard to increase your reach, engage your audience, and get your name out there?
You’re not alone!
Two of the biggest challenges for growing businesses? Spreading brand awareness and generating leads. And because of that, 20% of businesses fail in year one!
So, you’ve made it past your first year? Well, 50% go under after year five, and 80% go under by year ten. Those are some sobering statistics!
How can you solve this problem and become part of the percentage that succeeds? There are many ways to promote your brand, but we’ve narrowed it down to one big one. Have you considered the benefits of storytelling in marketing?
It’s worth being a part of your marketing plan. Here’s why.
1. Stories Are More Memorable
Take it from psychologist Jerome Bruner. His research about storytelling reveals something powerful.
People are 22 times more likely to remember facts when they’re told as a story!
Make your story linear, easy to follow, and have it come to some conclusion. Make an obvious line from Point A to Point B. A little conflict and resolution will make it more realistic, too.
Keep it honest and simple.
2. Storytelling in Marketing Answers the “Why”
People can look at your product or service and understand what it is, what it does, who you are. They understand the value it serves them. They know where they can get access to it.
They see your list of services (hopefully laid out in a sleek, scalable web design). But do they know why your business exists?
The “why” alone could turn your potential customers into loyal ones. If you have a heartfelt or interesting story about why your business came into fruition, tell it! Us humans like to form these kinds of connections to those we’re buying from.
3. Stories Establish Loyalty
Consider an artist.
You may buy a piece of art off the walls of a gallery if you love the way it speaks to you. But if you meet the artist that same day, and they tell you an impactful story, you’ve become more than a buyer.
You’re a supporter of a local, blossoming artist! And you’ve now established loyalty to said artist. Maybe you buy more pieces from them; maybe you get a tattoo!
The point is, you become a part of their success story.
4. Stories Play on Our Emotions
Our brains love a good story.
In fact, when we’re told a great story, our brain releases Oxytocin. When we trust a brand or feel their kind energy, we want to be a part of that. It invokes cooperation and collaboration.
When Oxytocin gets released, we become more empathetic. And that means we want to help people — or their businesses!
Tell Your Story
Put yourself in a classroom. Have you ever had trouble retaining data and facts from a boring lecture? But when the professor told an enticing story, you remembered it for years to come?
That’s the power of storytelling in marketing.
Want to do even more than tell a great story? Check out the other 5 habits of highly influential business owners!
