We all know that we tend to buy from people and businesses we know, like, and trust.
Telling your story is one of the best ways to build that relationship with your potential customers and clients. Whether it’s the “About Me” page on your website, a blog post, an article, or even a podcast, your story is key to your business.
If people can identify with your story, they will feel involved, invested, and hopefully will want to support your business.
Here are my 9 tips to get you started.
1. Which story?
There’s lots of stories you could tell, and once you get started, you might want to tell them all! If you’re not sure where to start, think about:
· Your journey – what brought you to starting your business? Was there a moment that sparked the idea? Or did it evolve?
· Your “why” – do you have a passion to help people, create something new or change the world? Why do you do what you do?
· Your values – What are the qualities that are at the heart of what you do, and why are they so important?
2. Know your audience.
Picture your ideal customer or client. What brought them to you? What is it about your business that they love? This will help you to find the element of your story that your audience connects with.
3. Talk it over
A blank computer screen or notebook can cause your brain to empty immediately! If you don’t know where to start or what words to use, try this.
Ask someone to “interview” you. This could be a friend, your partner, or a work connection who you trust.
Take notes, or even better record it, using your phone, or Zoom.
If you don’t want to talk to a real person, try speaking your story out loud and recording it. This will really help when you start writing.
4. Don’t over-think it
You might have a clear idea about what you want to include in your story. But it’s a great idea to leave yourself some freedom and see where the conversation takes you - it might surprise you.
5. Get anecdotal
Sometimes, incidents from our lives can have a big impact on our values or our direction. It could be an experience at school, in a previous job, or within your personal life.
Including anecdotes in your story can be a really powerful way to hook in your audience – you might even want to start your story with a real-life incident.
6. Use your own words
Faced with that blank sheet of paper, you might hear the voice of your school English teacher loud in your ear! But you’re not writing an essay here. Listen back to your recording and use your own words. That way, your story will come across as authentic, natural and relatable.
7. Keep it short
People are busy and attention-spans are short, so keep your story focussed. It’s better to write 300 really compelling words, than 1000 words that ramble. If there’s too much to say, break it up into several shorter posts.
8. Inspire action
What do you want your audience to do after reading your story? Do you want them to follow you on social media, send you a message or book a call? Where can they read more about you and what you do? Make it really easy for potential customers to take action.
9. Be visible
This is your story, so your audience want to see you. Make sure you’re got some great photos of you to include in your piece. These could be headshots, or photos of you in your workspace, or even outside. Your pictures should contribute to your story so choose images that capture the “real you”.
I love helping my clients to tell their story in a way that is right for them and their business. If you would like me to help you tell your story, get in touch.