Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in marketing. It’s how we connect, build trust, and create memorable experiences for our audience. But here’s the catch: most people think they need a new story every time they show up online.
That’s not true. In fact, the most successful marketers—politicians, entrepreneurs, and creatives alike—rely on repeating a few great stories to build their brand.
What I Learned About Storytelling While Traveling
When I started traveling, I didn’t expect to learn anything about marketing, but it happened anyway.
Living in hostels, I met new people almost every night. And here’s what I realized: I kept telling the same 5–10 stories because they worked.
These stories were my icebreakers. They resonated, made people laugh, and created instant connections. It didn’t matter that I was telling them over and over. To my audience (aka the people I was meeting), it was new, exciting, and memorable.
Take this example:
Instead of saying, “Guatemala is cool,” I’d share,
“I hiked an active volcano in Guatemala that erupted every 20 minutes. It was one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen.”
That story wasn’t just about the volcano—it was about creating a moment of awe that made people think about me when they heard about Guatemala.
Why Storytelling Works in Marketing
Good marketing is no different. It’s about creating those same “wow” moments for your audience. When you share a great story, you:
- Connect your audience to an experience they can relate to or aspire to.
- Share a piece of who you are, making you memorable.
- Keep your audience coming back because they feel connected to your journey.
The Trump Tactic: Repetition Builds Trust
Let’s talk about Trump for a second (I promise, no politics here—just marketing).
I’ve heard him tell the same story about calling Elon Musk at least five times—on podcasts, at rallies, and in interviews. Why does he keep repeating it?
- It reinforces his brand as someone connected to influential people.
- It resonates with his audience.
- It creates familiarity and trust through repetition.
Here’s the thing: even though people have heard it before, they don’t mind. Familiarity makes people feel comfortable—and comfort builds trust.
That’s the power of repetition.
How to Find Your 5–10 Stories
Crafting your core stories is key to building trust and connecting with your audience. Here’s how to get started:
1. Reflect on Your Journey
What moments define you or your brand? Think about:
- Your biggest wins—moments of triumph that showcase your expertise.
- Your challenges—stories of overcoming obstacles your audience might relate to.
- Your lessons—insights that shaped how you do business or serve your clients.
Need help digging deep? Use these prompts to uncover powerful stories:
- When did I first realize I was passionate about [insert your niche]?
- What’s a moment when I felt like I really helped someone solve a problem?
- What’s a time I failed but learned something valuable?
- What’s a challenge my audience struggles with that I’ve personally faced?
If you’re still stuck, bring in AI for support! Try this ChatGPT prompt:
“ChatGPT, I’m struggling to come up with stories that will make my audience trust me with their problem and buy my [service/product]. Can you ask me questions one by one to help me uncover impactful stories? Here’s my niche: [insert niche].”
AI can help you organize your thoughts and turn your experiences into engaging narratives tailored to your audience.
2. Connect Them to Your Audience and Business
Crafting a story isn’t just about entertaining—it’s about building trust and showcasing your expertise. Ask yourself:
- How can I make my audience care?
- How does this story position me as a leader in my industry?
- How does this story address their problem and show I’m the solution?
Your story should:
- Showcase your authority: Highlight your expertise or unique approach.
- Build trust: Show that you’ve faced challenges or helped others overcome theirs.
- Guide them to action: Subtly tie your story to why they should choose you.
For example, instead of saying, “I helped a client,” share:
“One of my clients came to me frustrated because they couldn’t grow on Instagram. We worked together to simplify their content strategy, and within a month, they gained 1,000 engaged followers. Stories like this remind me why I love what I do—and show why strategy matters!”
3. Reimagine and Repurpose
You don’t need to come up with a new story every time. Take your 5–10 core stories and repackage them into different formats:
- A short, punchy Reel for Instagram.
- A personal anecdote in an email newsletter.
- A long-form video on YouTube that dives deeper into the story.
- A carousel post that breaks down lessons from the story.
Here’s how to make it easier:
Use ChatGPT to brainstorm repurposing ideas. For example:
“ChatGPT, here’s a story about [insert story]. Can you help me turn this into a Reel, a carousel post, and an email newsletter? Please include ideas for hooks and CTAs.”
AI can help you reimagine your stories to fit every platform, ensuring you stay consistent while saving time.
The Beauty of Repetition
Repetition doesn’t bore your audience—it builds trust. Not everyone will catch your story the first time, and even those who do often find comfort in familiarity.
Repeating your stories, with small variations, ensures your message resonates and sticks.
Ready to start crafting your stories?
Click the button below to book a FREE strategy consultation with yours truly 😊
Happy marketing!
Love always,
Eileen 😊