It’s always easier when you plan ahead.
Yet, it’s always hard to plan ahead.
My number one tip for starting a website project? Plan ahead.
A Personal Development Journey
This year, I’ve really started off on a personal development journey. I tend to do this often at the beginning of the year, as I ask for a number of books for Christmas (books have been on my Christmas list since I was a kid). One thing I’ve been noticing more in the books I’m reading is the power of storytelling—how a well-told narrative can inspire change, shift perspectives, and make personal growth feel more relatable and real.
I’ve already finished:
Throughout these books, I’ve realized I’ve implemented many of these strategies through the years. I just hadn’t named them or researched why they work. It’s been nice to be validated in my thinking—giving me a boost of confidence and reassurance that I wasn’t completely off base.
As I’ve reflected on my journey, I’ve also come to understand the power of storytelling. It’s been an essential tool in building connections with clients, crafting messages that resonate, and ultimately, driving success in business. These books have inspired me to share with you things I’ve learned, in hopes that it helps you spark business success and start planning your website.
The Importance of Content
Content is arguably the most important piece of your website (and ironically the piece that I don’t do for you directly).
Your content. Your STORY is crucial. Your website needs to tell:
- A true story
- A story spoken directly to your target audience
- A story that speaks to your early adopters
If you haven’t written your story yet, now is the time. Below are some tips to get you started.
Creating Compelling Content
Your story must:
- Create tension (make your audience think)
- Build anticipation and excitement (make your audience not want to miss out)
- Create urgency (make your audience feel like they have to take action right now)
Your audience must feel this compelling narrative and be motivated to act.
The Power of Sharing
You must give your audience a reason to SHARE YOUR STORY. Ask yourself, will sharing your story help your audience?
- Increase their status?
- Enhance their social affiliation?
- Increase the usefulness of your product or service?
It’s your job to guide them through this journey – provide the scaffolding, as Seth Godin would say.
The Journey of Storytelling
What does scaffolding mean? It means you will help your audience go from wanting your product or service to using your product or service to sharing your product or service. These actions will then turn YOUR story into THEIR story. This is the key—the power of storytelling is what transforms your narrative into theirs.
This is word of mouth, this is how you get the clicks.
Why Will They Tell Others?
Seth Godin says it comes down to 3 key things:
- Will it increase my status?
- Will it enhance my social affiliation?
- Will it decrease my fear?
I’ll break it down for you. Here’s how getting a new website could help you:
- Status: A new website will help you “look the part” in your industry
- Social Affiliation: A new website can draw in better leads, helping your marketing and growing your social audience
- Fear Reduction: A new website can help you not feel like a fraud. It can help you feel confident when you’re going out, sharing what you do.
Once you have a new website and you feel confident, you look the part, and you advertise it on social media, others will see it and ask you about it. How did you plan for it? How did you build it? What did you use?
Now, it’s your story to tell. You’ll let them know how you worked with me, what I did to make the process easy, how fast it was from start to finish, what tips you’ve learned, and the results you’ve seen.
The power of storytelling comes into play here. See, it’s your story, it’s not mine. I don’t need to tell them what I can do, because you told them for me.
Now, they come to me ready to get started.
At the end, they tell their followers, business partners, and friends.
That is word of mouth.
So, how do we build a new website together?
Great content leads to great design. When I understand your story, I can:
- Implement a design that reflects your vibe
- Make your story easy to digest
- Create an impactful layout
- Lead your audience to action
Using the power of storytelling, we can take your target audience through the journey you want them to experience. By sharing your story, we allow them to start creating their own narrative in their heads. This helps them connect with your message and, ultimately, prepares them to take the next step — to purchase from you. Storytelling is more than just words; it’s about crafting an experience that resonates with your audience and guides them to action.
The Key to Success
The key to a successful website (and business) is to:
- Be authentically you
- Tell your story in an attractive way
- Create a sticky, persistent narrative
And, the only way to do this, is to plan ahead. To know your story, and then implement it in everything you do. Guess what? It will even make your marketing easier!
The Ultimate Takeaway
If there’s one thing to remember – from Marie Forleo and Seth Godin – it’s this:
Writing to someone is far more effective than writing to everyone.
In Summary
It’s time to get started writing your story, creating your content and sharing it with the world. When sitting down to do this, be sure you:
- Know your audience
- Speak to their fears
- Show empathy
- Demonstrate how you can help
- Create a story worth sharing
Your website (and business) will work for you when you master these principles.
Need help? I’ve got a content document coming soon, I can’t wait to share with you!
Ready to go? Contact us today to get started on designing your website to tell your story!
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the power of storytelling help in creating a website?
The power of storytelling is crucial when designing a website. By sharing your unique story, you can build a connection with visitors, making your website more memorable. A compelling narrative helps guide your audience through their journey, from discovering your brand to becoming loyal customers. It also sets the tone for how you present your content and services, leading to a more engaging user experience.
Why is content so important when leveraging the power of storytelling?
Content is the backbone of storytelling. To tap into the full potential of storytelling, your website’s content must align with your brand narrative. The power of storytelling is in how your content reflects your story—whether it creates tension, builds anticipation, or generates urgency. This helps drive action and guides your audience toward making a purchase or taking another step in their journey with your brand.
How can I use the power of storytelling to boost engagement on my website?
To boost engagement using the power of storytelling, focus on creating a narrative that resonates with your target audience. Make sure your story speaks directly to their needs, fears, and desires. Build a compelling narrative that encourages them to act, whether it’s to explore more of your site, sign up for your newsletter, or make a purchase. Engaged visitors are more likely to share your story, turning your narrative into theirs.
What are some practical ways to implement the power of storytelling in my website design?
When incorporating the power of storytelling into your website design, focus on content that’s visually appealing and easy to navigate. Use a layout that reflects the tone and vibe of your story. A well-designed website that tells your story effectively will engage visitors and guide them through the customer journey. Your design should reflect the emotions and experiences you want to evoke, from curiosity to urgency.
How does the power of storytelling affect conversion rates?
The power of storytelling significantly impacts conversion rates by building trust and emotional connection. When your audience can relate to your story, they are more likely to engage with your brand and take action. Crafting a compelling narrative that addresses their needs and aspirations can inspire them to move from passive visitors to active customers.
