5 Storylines That Convert Every Time

In Romania, we have a saying: 'Mâna întinsă, care nu spune o poveste, nu primește pomană. It means (more or less): A hand that asks for something but doesn't tell a story, won't receive anything.

That’s why stories are important.

Because they're the universal language of emotions, bridging gaps and resonating with the very core of our being. Aaaand because they sell 🤑

In the business world, here are 5 basic storylines that successful brands use over and over again in emails, sales letters, landing pages, and other communications. We use them because they work.

Each storyline has its magic, and once you get the hang of it, you'll want to use them in your marketing and sales pitches again and again.

1. Loss and Redemption:

“I had everything. I was on top of the world. Life was great. Then ___________ happened. I had to figure my way out of ________________. But it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because I went through __________, and I learned/received ___________. Now I ___________.”

The Story:

Meet Maria.

She owned a cozy coffee shop, a loyal clientele, and big dreams. But then, COVID-19 struck. Like many other entrepreneurs, her world turned upside down. The place was empty. Business plummeted, and the future looked uncertain.

But Maria wasn't one to be defeated. With the world going digital, she saw an opportunity amidst the chaos. Enter Digitescu Agency. With their expertise, they reimagined her entire business model and Maria's business transformed into a successful online coffee shop. Customers could now order their favorite blends from the comfort of their homes.

Today, Maria doesn't just sell coffee; she delivers joy, one cup at a time, all over the country. And the secret ingredient behind this success? A blend of Maria's resilience, a pinch of innovation, and the robust strategy of Digitescu Agency."

Pro Tip: When crafting a Loss and Redemption story, it's essential to focus on the emotional journey as much as the factual events.

Dive deep into the feelings of despair, confusion, and hopelessness during the "loss" phase, and then contrast it with the hope, clarity, and triumph in the "redemption" phase.

This emotional rollercoaster not only captivates your audience but also makes the redemption feel even more triumphant. Remember, it's not just about what happened; it's about how it felt and how those feelings transformed over time.

2. Us vs. Them

The story:

When it comes to marketing, there are two types of people: the 'Talkers' and the 'Do-ers'. The 'Talkers' love their jargon, their flashy presentations, their buzzwords and their big promises. They're all about the hype.

Then there are the 'Do-ers', like me and hopefully, like you. We believe in action, in results, in actually rolling up our sleeves and getting the job done.

So, in this marketing showdown, I have to ask: Are you ready to move past the talk and start doing? If so, let’s get this party started!

Pro Tip: See what I did there? 😉 Notice the clear distinction between the 'Talkers' and 'Do-ers'? By creating a clear divide and positioning myself on one side, I’m inviting you, my audience, to join me.

It's a subtle call to action that encourages the audience to take a stand. So, next time you craft a message, think about how you can create a divide and position yourself clearly.

It's a powerful way to engage and rally your audience.

3. Before and After:

"I used to be ___________. Look at me now, I'm ___________!"

Transformation tales are universal and resonate across industries.

Take the tech world, for instance: "I was overwhelmed with manual tasks. Then I integrated Software A. Now, I automate half my day!"

Or in the realm of personal development: "I was a chronic procrastinator. After attending Workshop B, I'm now a productivity ninja!"

While these narratives might seem straightforward, their impact is profound. Sometimes, a picture can paint the entire journey. But never underestimate the power of a well-told transformation story. It's a compelling way to showcase change and inspire action.

Pro Tip: When crafting a "Before and After" story, focus on the emotions tied to each state. It's not just about the physical or situational change; it's about how that change made someone feel. The deeper the emotional journey, the more relatable and impactful your story becomes. Remember, people connect with emotions, not just facts!

No Way Omg GIF by ABC Network

4. Eureka Moment/ Amazing Discovery

“Oh my god, you guys . . . wait til you hear about this amazing new thing I just discovered! You’re not going to believe it! I wasn’t sure it would work, but it’s amazing. You’ve got to try it!”

Sound familiar? That's because the influencer marketing world thrives on this very storyline. It's the tantalizing tease, the irresistible revelation that keeps audiences hooked, waiting for the next big thing their favorite influencer will unveil.

Pro Tip: When using the "Amazing Discovery" storyline, authenticity is key. Your audience can spot a fake revelation from a mile away. Make sure your excitement is genuine and based on real experiences to build trust and credibility.

5. Secret Telling:

"Psst... I've got a stash of game-changing growth techniques up my sleeve. Curious? Sign up for my newsletter to unveil it."

This storyline is a classic in the marketing playbook, and one of my favourites. That's how I got you hooked, right? 😉 In the end, everyone loves being in on a secret, especially if it promises value!