So, you’ve heard about the amazing benefits of storytelling and how you can use stories to elevate your business through increased engagement and deeper connections with your target audience.
If you missed my last post about the power of storytelling in business, check it out here.
Now that you’ve uncovered the benefits of storytelling, you’re probably excited to implement this powerful tool in your business. Great!
But not so fast. Before you get started, there are some things you need to consider. If your goal is to create genuine connections with your audience and to leave a positive, lasting impression, there are a few mistakes you’ll want to avoid.
Here are 5 mistakes to avoid when harnessing the power of storytelling in your business:
1. Don’t Make Stuff Up
This should be an obvious one, but in case you had any doubts, this is an absolute no-no. The primary goal of storytelling in business is to connect with your audience. So you don’t want to start the relationship off under false pretences. Your business’s reputation and credibility are on the line here, so when telling stories, make sure they are true stories. This includes your origin story, as well as your customer stories.
2. Don’t Go Overboard with Self-Promotion
This can be tricky to get right. You want to introduce yourself and your services to your audience and build trust by telling your story. But, when it comes to self-promotion, think of it as a delicate dance. A little can be intriguing, but too much and too often, you may end up putting some people off. You want to find a balance between self-promotion and relationship-building, so keep sight of what you’re trying to achieve through storytelling.
3. Don’t Forget Your Audience
Every audience is different. They have different backgrounds, different pain points, and different motivations. So if you’re trying to create better engagement and more authentic connections, you need to have a clear understanding of their wants and needs in order to craft a story that resonates. So get to know them. Read reviews and online feedback. Conduct surveys and interviews where possible to get more accurate insight into what they want.
4. Don’t Forget The Human Element
By now, you probably already know you can use storytelling to highlight the features of a product or the benefits of the service you provide. But don’t forget to highlight the impact they can have on the lives of real people. For example, a wellness coach might talk about how coaching can help clients break bad habits. A more compelling story might include a case study of an actual client who struggled with a specific habit and, with the coach’s support and guidance, learned to make better choices and break those habits to ultimately lead a happier, healthier life.
5. Don’t Make It Complicated
When it comes to telling an interesting and effective story, simplicity is key. Complicated stories can be difficult to follow and may not resonate as well with your audience. Consider who your audience is and what your goal is. Are you trying to build awareness? Increase sales? Stand out from competitors? The simpler the story, the easier it will be for your audience to connect with it. And by telling the most appropriate story in a way that is easy to follow and understand, you’re more likely to achieve the desired impact.
The main purpose of storytelling in business is to help you connect with prospective clients and customers. You have the power to turn a simple story into something extraordinary, a business asset that will help you drive results. By avoiding some of the above mistakes and instead crafting a narrative that is simple, relatable and impactful, you’re setting yourself up for success.
If you’re interested in learning about the best practices for using storytelling in business, be sure to subscribe and keep an eye out for the next edition of this newsletter.
Thanks for reading!
Author: Ackelia Williams, Scientist-turned-Freelance Copywriter
Ackelia traded in her lab coat for a laptop and now helps people unlock the power of storytelling in business and everyday life. Originally from the Caribbean, she now lives in the UK with her family but plans to embark on an adventurous life as a digital nomad in the near future.
If you’re looking to hire a freelance copywriter or to discuss how she can help you tell your story, email info@awcopywriter.com or book a call here.