In the last newsletter, we talked about the power of storytelling and how it helps you connect with your audience on an emotional level. Now, it’s time to focus on the heart of your personal brand—your origin story.
People love to know where you came from and why you do what you do. Your origin story is the heart of your brand and helps people connect with you on a deeper level. You don’t have to have a dramatic, movie-worthy background to make your story impactful.
Example:
Let’s say you’re starting a brand around photography. Your origin story could be as simple as how you fell in love with taking photos during a family vacation, or how snapping photos with your phone turned into a full-time passion. The key is to be authentic and true to who you are—no need to overcomplicate it!
Action Step:
Write a brief version of your brand’s origin story. Focus on why you started your journey and what sparked your passion. Share it on your social media or website’s “About Me” page.
Use Emotional Arcs
The best stories have a beginning, middle, and end. There’s a struggle or challenge, a turning point, and then some kind of resolution. This is the emotional arc that keeps people hooked. Your audience doesn’t just want to hear about the success; they want to know about the struggle that led to it.
Example:
If you’re building a brand as a life coach, don’t just talk about the time you helped a client transform their life. Share the emotional rollercoaster—what obstacles did your client face? How did they feel when things weren’t going well? And most importantly, how did they turn things around with your help? This emotional journey makes the story powerful and relatable.
Action Step:
Pick one of your personal or client success stories. Write down the highs and lows—don’t just focus on the good stuff. The more you share the struggle, the more real your story will feel.
Make Your Audience the Hero
One of the most effective ways to use storytelling is by making your audience the hero of your brand’s story. Think about how your brand helps solve their problems, and let their transformation take center stage.
Example:
If you’re a nutritionist building your personal brand, instead of always talking about your own success, focus on your clients. Share their stories of transformation, their struggles, and how your guidance helped them succeed. You’re still part of the story, but your audience will see themselves in the hero role.
Action Step:
Ask a few of your clients or followers to share their own stories about how you’ve helped them. With their permission, create a post or video featuring them. This makes your brand feel more community-driven and relatable.
Next steps:
Now that you have a better understanding of how to create your origin story, think about how to make your audience the hero of your brand’s journey.
In our next newsletter, we’ll dive into visual storytelling and the importance of consistency across platforms.
