Let’s start with a truth bomb: STORIES SELL. No matter what you do—whether you’re a photographer capturing life’s milestones, a coach helping women find clarity, or a shop owner selling handmade treasures——the secret to making real connections with your audience is storytelling.
The truth is, people don’t buy products or services; they buy feelings, connections, and experiences. They buy into you. And the best way to build that connection? Through storytelling.
Let’s break down why storytelling is so powerful, how to make it feel natural (not awkward!), and how you can start weaving your unique story into your business today.
Why Storytelling Works
Humans are wired for stories. Think about it: since the beginning of time, stories have been how we pass down wisdom, teach lessons, and connect with one another. Our brains light up when we hear a good story. It’s why you remember a friend’s hilarious vacation mishap more than a dry business pitch.
In marketing, storytelling taps into that same part of the brain. It builds trust, evokes emotions, and makes your brand memorable.
Here’s how storytelling works for your business:
It makes you relatable. People want to work with someone they trust. Sharing your story—your why, your struggles, your journey—makes you feel human and approachable.
It builds emotional connections. Facts tell; stories sell. Emotions drive buying decisions. When your audience feels something, they’re more likely to take action.
It differentiates you. Your story is your secret sauce. It’s the one thing no one else can copy. It’s what makes your brand unique in a crowded market.
How to Tell Your Story Without Feeling Cringe
Okay, I hear you: “But Elena, I don’t want to be one of those people oversharing on the internet.”
I get it. There’s a fine line between storytelling and oversharing. The key is to share stories that feel authentic and relevant to your audience’s experience.
Here’s a simple framework to help:
- Share Your “Why”
Your audience doesn’t just want to know what you do—they want to know why you do it. Why did you start your business? What problem were you trying to solve? What impact do you hope to make?
Sharing your why makes your mission relatable and inspiring.
Example:
“I started my business because I was tired of seeing other women entrepreneurs burn out trying to do it all. I wanted to create tools that simplify content creation and help women show up online without sacrificing their sanity.”
- Get Personal (But try and stay relevant)
Your stories should have a purpose. Share moments from your life that relate to your business’s mission. It could be a challenge you overcame, a lesson you learned, or a pivotal moment that shaped your journey. * Staying relevant isn’t always a must…more on that writing technique on another day!
Example:
“There was a time when I felt stuck, staring at my computer screen with no idea what to post. I realized it wasn’t about being perfect—it was about being real. That’s when I started creating weekly content prompts to make showing up easier for myself and my community.”
- Make It About Them
Your audience should always see themselves in your story. It’s not just about you; it’s about how your story resonates with them.
Ask yourself:
- What does my audience need to hear?
- How does my story offer hope or encouragement?
- What lesson can they take away from my experience?
The Types of Stories You Should Tell
Wondering what kind of stories to share? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Origin Story
Every business has a beginning. Share yours! How did you start? What challenges did you face? What keeps you going?
Example:
“When I started my business, I was a full-time stay-at-home mom with big dreams of building something that allowed me to work from home and live the life I loved—even when the world kept telling me it wasn’t possible. I took a leap of faith, pushed through the doubt, and created a business that gives me the freedom and flexibility I once thought was out of reach.”
- Client Transformation Story
Showcase how your product or service has made a difference in someone’s life. Share the before-and-after of a client experience.
Example:
“When Sarah came to me, she was overwhelmed by content creation. After using my prompts and tools, she told me she finally felt seen and heard by her audience—and she tripled her engagement in just one month.”
- “I’ve Been There” Story
Empathy builds trust. Share a story about a time you struggled with the same challenges your audience is facing.
Example:
“I know how it feels to think, ‘Why would anyone care about what I have to say?’ But once I started showing up authentically, my business transformed. And yours can too.”
How to Share Your Stories (Without the Overwhelm)
Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of sharing more stories? Here’s the good news: you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Your stories can be repurposed across different platforms.
Here’s how to do it:
- Social Media Posts: Share snippets of your story with a powerful opening line to hook your audience.
- Blog Posts: Dive deeper into your stories to build trust and provide value.
- Email Newsletters: Use storytelling to connect with your subscribers and keep them engaged.
- About Page: Make sure your website tells your brand story in a compelling way.
Wordsmith Makes Storytelling Easier
If writing your story feels like a daunting task, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Wordsmith is designed to help you create authentic, on-brand content quickly and easily. With custom writing styles and prompts, you can share your story without second-guessing yourself.
Just feed Wordsmith the details, and watch it create a blog post, social media caption, or newsletter that sounds just like you.
Your story is your superpower. It’s what makes your business stand out, and it’s what will draw your dream clients to you. You don’t have to share everything—just the moments that matter, the experiences that shaped you, and the lessons you learned along the way.
The next time you sit down to write, remember: it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being real. Your audience isn’t looking for flawless; they’re looking for you.
