The human mind attempts to remember and understand things by piecing bits of information together into a story.
There have been countless studies showing that if given a list of facts and figures to remember, most of us will only hold on to a few scraps of information, and not the whole picture. But if we hear a story, we will remember it. Even the details.
So it makes sense to add stories to our web content. But how? And what type of stories can you add?
Here are nine stories that work to compel and connect with your readers.
1. Personal Stories
Personal stories are some of the most powerful stories to share. They are an effective way to make connection with your readers. Most readers are curious about your experiences, no matter the niche/industry you’re in.
If you can find a way to weave a personal story (typically, a tragedy to triumph) into your writing, the response will be good.
2. Hypothetical Stories
These types of stories are more imaginative. You want your reader to envision something (good or bad). You can start with something like “Imagine being …..”
Or paint the picture for them of a situation. The more specific you are, the better this works.
3. Case Studies
There’s nothing more effective than a well-told case study. Especially in sales.
We don’t want to hear an individual or company telling us how great they are. But we’d devour a thorough case study that demonstrates positive results.
4. Historical stories
A few weeks ago, I read a newsletter from a copywriter who shared the most fascinating and relevant story to make a point in the email.
The key?
It was relevant. Stories have to be carefully chosen for their relevance and application to whatever is the idea you’re sharing.
Historical stories also work because they’re rooted in an accepted truth. They have credibility just by virtue of them being recorded history.
Plan, reflect and stay on track with your writing projects and motivation. Get your Writer’s Journal
This adds weight to what you’re writing about when you link your idea to a historical story.
5. Customer stories
These aren’t necessarily testimonials. They are just stories your customers share with you about their experiences relevant to what you do/create.
They help readers feel connected – to the customer and to you. This is part of community building or the feeling of belonging to community.
6. Reader stories
Similar to customer stories, these are stories from your readers (who haven’t necessarily purchased) that can help build community.
Don’t have any reader stories? Ask for them.
Send out a newsletter inviting your readers to reply and let you know what they’re struggling with and how you can help them. (This is also great information for writing delightful blog posts and creating even more delightful products and services.)
7. Personal failure/struggle stories
What have you been through that can inspire your audience? Share stories you’re comfortable sharing that show vulnerability. This builds relatability and trust.
We are all imperfect and all have had personal struggles. Sometimes when we land on a website/blog, we put the writer on a pedestal ‘oh, they can’t possibly understand what I’m going through’.
By sharing personal struggle stories, your readers feel more connected to you.
But!
You don’t have to go all out with this. There’s no need to share stories that are dramatic (unless you want to) or stories that you’re unsure about sharing. Getting uncomfortable is one thing. Putting your entire life (and dirty laundry) on display is another.
8. Biographies
These can be historical biographies or stories of people you know in person. It’s not only famous people who have stories worth re-telling.
We all do.
9. Community stories
These are stories that belong to a tribe, group, industry, niche, community. Even though they are not specific to one person, they are still powerful. There are a few reasons for this:
(1) they carry more weight in that they are shared stories
(2) shared stories immediately make people who are part of that community feel more connected.
For example, artists share the story of struggling to stay true to their art while earning a living/gaining exposure.
Sharing stories may take a bit more time and thought and sometimes research than throwing together a blog post, but they work well to build connection with your readers.
You’ve probably noticed I mention connection a lot. It’s the entire point of writing, connecting with your readers.
Take the time to craft stories for your readers.
Most times, it makes the writing process more enjoyable.
And is more enjoyable for your readers.
This is something I struggle with when it comes to my writing. I love all of your examples!!! You made it easy for me to see how I can weave more stories into my writing.
Hi Lumi,
Thank you for stopping by. Makes me happy to hear this makes it easier for you to weave stories into your writing.