Imagine your brand was on a stage in front of a mammoth crowd alongside other brands. Many brands before you have said the same generic mumbo jumbo over and over. The crowd is getting bored. It gets to your turn to speak. You want to stand out. Your brand depends on it. 

What do you do?

You may find this hard to believe, but your audience is dying to hear your brand stories. They are naturally inclined to crave them.

“But nothing is interesting about my brand.”

I hear you, but nothing could be further from the truth.

You’ll be amazed at how thrilling your experiences are and the impact they have the potential to make on your audience. On top of that, your stories have the power to build longer-lasting connections with the people your brand serves.

Who are you? 

What do you do?

How did you begin to do what you do?

Why do you do the peculiar things you do?

What hurdles have you had to jump to get to where you are?

These are unique stories waiting to be told, and if you don’t start telling them, you’ll miss out on opportunities to make your brand memorably stand out from the sea of brands out there.

The Science Behind Storytelling

You’ll never guess what happens to our brains when we hear stories.

There’s an actual science behind it.

Say I start telling you a gripping story—like the story of the night I slept alone in a three-story hostel at a law school campus because I resumed a day too early, only to be awoken by the sound of someone attempting to twist the doorknob at 4 AM—you’ll experience a lot more than your heart racing.

For starters, your brain will secrete a chemical called oxytocin. It’ll enhance feelings of empathy and trust. As you follow my story, your brain will start mirroring mine—scientists call this neuro-coupling.

Ever wondered why you cried after watching an emotional movie?

Or why you feel emotional connections to movie characters?

Well, this is it. It’s the power of storytelling.

This info should gladden your heart.

Do you know why?

Your prospects have brains. Through storytelling, you can help them connect with you and your brand in many ways. 

Did you know?

Some of these stats would blow your mind.

• People remember stories 22 times more than they remember facts.
• 68% of consumers agree that compelling brand stories influence their buying decisions.
• 75% of consumers think it’s a good idea for brands to use storytelling in their marketing.
• Companies that tell their stories enjoy a 20% increase in brand loyalty.

Can you see how powerful storytelling is?

Brands that use storytelling perform far better than competitors that stick to facts and figures alone.

4 reasons you should tell your brand stories.

You’ve heard it countless times.

“Tell your brand stories.”

But why should you? 

What difference does it make? 

There are many reasons you should tell your brand stories. Keep reading, and we’ll explore four of those reasons.

1. Stories humanize your brand.

When people come in contact with your brand, you want them to see more than just a brand. You want them to see and resonate with the humans behind the brand—else, you’ll be yet another brand without a soul. 

Stories, when told correctly, humanize your brand.

Let’s use the Air B&B brand as a case study.

On the surface, it looks like just another brand. But through their stories, we know that the brand exists because two friends couldn’t pay rent in 2007 and let three strangers rent a space in their San Fransisco home. What started as a means to raise rent money has grown into the massive brand we know that links strangers looking for a home away from home with homeowners willing to open their doors.

Can you see how this story humanizes the brand?

Now, you don’t just see a brand. You see the people behind the brand.

Why is this important?

People buy from people. Not brands. People.

The more stories you tell, the stronger the emotional connection you build with your audience. Be free to share your challenges and struggles, as well as your wins and success stories.

Humanizing your brand through storytelling also helps you build trust with your audience.

2. Stories help your brand stand out.

Look around you. Brands are popping up left, right, and center. It’s getting tougher to stand out from the crowd.

Brand stories help you differentiate your brand from the millions of brands. No two brands are alike. No two brand stories are the same. You can highlight your brand’s uniqueness and distinctive qualities through strategic storytelling.

Carry your audience along. Show the behind the scenes. Make them feel like a part of your story. Only a few brands do this well, and you stand a chance to stand out if you do it.

Through storytelling, you can also showcase your brand’s mission and values, and before long, you’ll attract an audience that resonates with your brand message.

3. Stories drive engagement

Want to boost engagement on your brand content?

Tell engaging stories.

I once watched an ad with such compelling storytelling that I didn’t realize I had spent a few minutes in one spot as it reeled me in. Plus, I was this close to paying for service even when I knew I didn’t need it.

That’s what a good story will do for you— It’ll reel your audience in with a subtle invitation to interact with your content. 

A plus side to this is that storytelling builds brand loyalty. When your audience is drawn to your stories, it increases the likelihood of them turning into your loyal brand advocates. 

4. Stories keep you top of mind.

You may not remember figures and facts about a brand, but you’ll recall a compelling brand story.

Storytelling is one of the secrets to making your brand memorable. The more you share your brand stories, the more you establish your brand identity and imprint your name in the minds of your audience. 

Ready to tell your story?

Who are you? 

What do you do?

How did you begin to do what you do?

Why do you do the peculiar things you do?

What hurdles have you had to jump to get to where you are?

These are unwritten stories waiting to be told—unwritten stories your audience is dying to hear. 

You have two options.

Start telling your story today.

Continue putting out the generic stuff other brands are putting out. 

You are a smart brand owner. I trust that you go with the first option.

Thankfully, at The Fourth Writers, we can help you write your stories in ways that humanize your brand, drive engagement, help you stand out, and keep you top of mind. We are only a few clicks away. Check us out here: The Fourth Writers Copywriting Services.