OK, we need to talk about what I believe could be one of the biggest opportunities I see for the near future, and no, it’s not AI.
With AI making business opportunities so accessible and much faster, it’s like the dot com bubble on steroids. 🚀
So what’s this opportunity?
It’s storytelling!
Yes, I know it might not be the quick fix or magic pill you want, but I promise you this article is worth reading and acting upon.
I don’t want to gas this up, but storytelling could be the opportunity of a lifetime when paired with AI. 🤗
Also: You’re sitting on a million-dollar business idea – and don’t even know it
In this article, I’ll share with you:
- What storytelling is and why it’s crucial for 2025 and beyond.
- Common misconceptions about storytelling and how to avoid them.
- Three steps to get you started, even if you’ve never thought of yourself as a storyteller.
But before we jump into it, I’ll share a little about who I am and how I arrived at this conclusion so you don’t have me committed.
Quick intro
If you’re new to my work, my name is Lester, but my friends call me Les. 👋
I’m a founder with a successful exit and currently the executive chairman of a group of e-commerce brands, but I’m an award-winning performance marketer at my core, and spotting trends is my thing.
Here’s a fun fact: To stay ahead in the competitive e-com space, my team and I developed internal tools and processes to spot trends faster than anyone else. We operate more like a data company than a traditional e-com brand. 🤓
That’s why I can confidently say storytelling is the future of business.
By the way, if you’re into data-driven business and marketing insights and strategies, check out my free newsletter, No Fluff, Just Facts. I share what’s working in the world of business, along with marketing insights and trends I’m seeing.
What is storytelling’s impact?
Let’s start with the stats from Headstream research:
- Brands can see a 30% increase in conversion rates with compelling storytelling.
- 55% of people who love a brand story are more likely to buy the product in the future, and 15% will buy the product immediately.
- Storytelling significantly boosts consumer trust; 81% of consumers say they need to be able to trust the brand to buy from them.
- Storytelling also helps convert leads by as much as 30%.
Of these stats, the one that stands out the most to me is:
If prospects love your brand story, 55% are more likely to buy the product in the future, 44% will share the story, and 15% will buy the product immediately. 📈
Also: Why you should ignore 99% of AI tools – and which four I use every day
Simply put, storytelling sparks the emotion that inspires action.
Communicating with the people who give you money is more than just a good idea. It’s an art that turns words into a picture they can see and believe in.
Think “1,000 songs in your pocket.”
Without me even telling you, you know I’m talking about Steve Jobs and the iPod.
That is the power of storytelling.
We often focus on features and not telling stories, but I’m here to tell you that no one cares about features. They care about whether this product or service solves their problem.
Storytelling is about sharing messages, emotions, and values in an authentic way. It is how we connect with people, whether in casual conversations or through bigger media. ✅
In business, storytelling transforms standard marketing into an engaging journey that captures the consumer’s heart.
This is entirely different from telling someone about the product or service’s features.
Why is storytelling so crucial?
As we speak, at least a billion new AI whatevers were launched, and a new model for something or the other was created.
The sheer volume of AI events is overwhelming, and keeping up with tech is literally my job. 😩
With everything so chaotic today, what does the future look like when anyone can do anything?
Building a company is simply about telling an AI what you want, and poof, it’s done.
Also: Email marketing is back and big social is panicking – everything you need to know
The only thing that will separate you from the tons of competitors is who can tell a better story that cuts through the noise and humanizes their product or service. 🤝
Here are the key reasons why storytelling is a great business strategy:`
- Connection: Stories create emotional engagement and foster community through shared experiences and values.
- Differentiation: A compelling story sets your brand apart in a crowded marketplace. It articulates your unique value proposition in a way that facts and figures alone cannot achieve.
- Persuasion: A good story can be more persuasive than traditional advertising by subtly influencing behaviors and decisions.
- Mindshare: Stories are memorable. They stick with us long after the facts fade, helping brands build and maintain their legacy.
Storytelling helps your brand stand out and feel real. It keeps the human side of your business front and center in today’s AI-driven world.
Common misconceptions about storytelling
Storytelling is sometimes overlooked or shunned in the business and deemed unimportant, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. ❌
It’s not just for creative industries: Storytelling isn’t just for movies, books, or ads. It is a powerful tool in any industry, shaping how people connect, understand, and remember ideas.
It requires dramatic flair: Many think storytelling takes natural talent, but anyone can learn to tell engaging stories.
Also: Will AI destroy human creativity? No – and here’s why
More than entertainment: While stories can be entertaining, storytelling translates dry data and abstract concepts into compelling narratives that drive action.
Brevity over length: There’s a notion that stories need to be long and detailed to be impactful. However, a concise story that gets to the heart of the message can be much more powerful than a lengthy one.
Beyond a marketing gimmick: Some people see storytelling as another passing marketing trend, but it has always been a simple way to share ideas and build relationships. It is wild how often businesses overlook something this basic.
3 steps to get started with storytelling
First off, don’t overthink this.
Every story has a beginning, middle, and end. The key is to keep everything in the proper order.
Also: From zero to millions? How regular people are cashing in on AI
Here are three simple steps to get started with storytelling in your business: 🤔💭
-
Know who you’re talking to: First, you must understand your audience by knowing their needs and wants. This helps you create stories they will care about, making your message stronger and more memorable.
-
What’s your main point?: Think about the main thing you want to say with your story. What’s the most important idea or value about your brand that you want everyone to know? Keep this message clear and straightforward. This is the heart of your story.
-
Make it relatable: Start your story with something your audience can understand and relate to. Describe their problem and explain how your product or service can fix it.
When you use these steps, storytelling becomes natural. You will stand out, catch interest, and connect better with your audience.
My two cents
I know I threw a lot at you today, and you might wonder why you should trust a stranger on the internet.
First, you shouldn’t unless that stranger is named Les, and he’s talking about the importance of storytelling. 🤭
On a serious note, don’t just take my word for it.
Reflect on how noisy the media landscape has become, including your social feeds.
Now, think about the businesses or creators that stand out. Ten times out of ten, the creators and companies that make an impression do so because they make you feel seen and achieve that through storytelling.
Also: You won’t believe how B2B marketing is shifting – here are 5 ways to land more deals
Still not convinced? You just read this entire article on what arguably is a boring subject. 🥰
Why?
Storytelling!!
The businesses that will win are those that:
- Cut through the noise with clear, engaging narratives.
- Craft compelling stories that resonate on a human level.
- Build genuine connections with their audience.
The future belongs to those who can weave powerful stories that forge lasting relationships with their audiences. ❤️
By the way, 📩 want more data-driven marketing insights and tips on how to tell more compelling stories? Sign up for my free newsletter, No Fluff Just Facts. I share what’s working in the world of digital marketing, the latest trends, and the occasional pep talk to keep you inspired. Click here to sign up. It’s totally free!
😇 Hope this helps. I’m rooting for you.
Get the biggest stories in tech every Friday with ZDNET’s Week in Review newsletter.
