Content marketing (a form of inbound marketing) is a crowded space. There's so much noise out there, it can be hard to get your voice heard. But if you want to stand out from the crowd, you need to tell stories.

Stories are powerful. They can connect with people on an emotional level, staying with them long after they've finished reading or watching. When you use this technique in your content marketing, you build a deeper connection with your audience, strengthen brand loyalty and, best of all, drive more conversions.

Make your brand more memorable. 

People are more likely to remember stories than they are to remember facts and figures. This is because stories engage our emotions and imagination, which helps us to remember them more easily. When you tell a story about your brand, you're more likely to get your message across because your audience will be more engaged and interested in what you have to say

Create an emotional connection with your audience

Stories, told well, can tap into people's emotions, which help to build trust and loyalty. When we connect with a story on an emotional level, we're more likely to remember it and feel a sense of connection with the characters and the storyteller. It’s a very human element and, offered sincerely, can strengthen a bond.

Make your brand more relatable

Since we were children, stories have helped people relate to others, as well as to places, feelings and experiences. The same is true to your brand. This is because stories allow us to see ourselves in the shoes of others, and to experience their emotions and challenges. When we can relate to a brand on a personal level, we're more likely to feel a sense of connection with it.

Stand out from the competition

With so much content being created each and every day, it's important to find ways to stand out from the crowd. Storytelling can help to accomplish this by creating content that is more engaging, memorable and ultimately, shareable. When we're bombarded with content, it's easy to get lost in the fluff. But stories have a way of cutting through and capturing our attention. Stories are inherently engaging, tapping into our emotions, imagination and curiosity. That kind of engagement makes a story (i.e. the information) more likely to be shared with others

How to incorporate storytelling into your content marketing strategy. 

So perhaps you’re thinking that content marketing has merit (it does), and that storytelling is an effective way to do it (it is). But now what? Well, let’s take a look!

Start with your audience

To create effective stories, you need to understand your target audience. We talk about it a lot. What are their pain points, goals and aspirations? What kind of content do they enjoy consuming? Understanding this crucial information will help you craft stories that resonate..

Use different formats

Stories can be told in a variety of formats. From blog posts and videos to podcasts, social media posts and more, utilize what works for you – and your audience. Again, this goes to the first point of understanding your audience. How are they consuming content? Not every format will be for you and your business, but try experimenting with different formats to find what works best.

Be authentic

Authenticity is absolutely key when it comes to storytelling. Don't try to create a story that doesn't ring true for your brand or audience – folks will see right through it, and you’ll probably feel… awkward and embarrassed. Worst of all, it’ll only serve to erode trust between brand and customer. Instead, focus on telling stories that are genuine and authentic.

Make it relevant

Your stories should be relevant to your brand and the products or services you offer. Make sure your stories tie back to your brand message and help to reinforce your brand values. This is an extension to the previous point. If it ain’t relevant, then neither are you!

So, are you ready to start using storytelling in YOUR content marketing strategy? If so, contact Lake Country Digital today! With more than ten years experience in crafting stories for the likes of National Indoor RV Centers, COjam: The Colorado Jam Scene, Holiday Rambler RVs, Mile High Spirits - Denver’s Distillery and more, Lake Country Digital can help you create engaging, memorable and shareable stories that will help you achieve all of your marketing goals!