Telling stories has been part of us for generations. An exciting tale often attracts human beings, partly because we are wired to share information via narratives. Digital storytelling involves creating stories via digital technology and involves different mediums such as text, images, animation, etc. Digital storytelling should be part of your content strategy and follows similar principles to the age-old storytelling, which are:

• • A good introduction
  • Creativity
  • A clear and strong message
  • Visual rather than verbal

The aim is to connect with your audience or customers by telling them stories that resonate with them. In addition, the stories should elicit some emotions that prompt them to take action, such as subscribe or purchasing something. Here is how to use storytelling in your content strategy.

1.    Use the Right Content Strategy

You must first plan out your content strategy. Document your plan, which should include the story of your brand. A brand story concentrates on what makes your brand tick and what sets it apart from your competitors.  As your brand grows, so should the story. Your consumers need to gain some insight into both the highs and lows your brand has gone through. This allows you to tell the readers the hero's story, the hero’s journey, and your brand being the hero they relate to and support.

2.    Find the perfect Hook

In fiction, the author knows how to get the reader hooked in the first paragraph. When you include storytelling in your content strategy, you can borrow a leaf from fiction writers. If you are not good at writing, hire a Copywriting Content writing services company to do the job. These are consummate professionals who will get the hook done just right and grab your reader’s attention.

The hook may follow four formats:

• Quote- The use of a quote will grab the reader’s interest. If the quote is not well known or easy to understand, explain its relevance to your content.
• Statistics-Statistics are valuable for informational content. Numbering headlines and subheadings is another way to attract a reader’s attention.
• Question-Asking a question prompts the readers to think about an issue. A question adds mystery and intrigue, helping a reader to visualize a scene. You need to answer the question afterward.
• Anecdote- An anecdote is a story within a story and a short story that develops an instant rapport with the reader.

3.    Use the Appropriate Visuals

Most online readers have a short attention span. They hate huge text blocks after a heading, but an image will capture their attention. The image should both capture and hold the readers’ attention. When selecting the visuals to use, consider:

• Consistency-your brand’s style should match every image
• Use a video when and if possible
• Add quotes and numbers to help tell your story

Conclusion

Content marketing keeps evolving. Each year, more metrics are used to define how well storytelling strategies work for businesses and brands. In addition, more influencers use storytelling strategies on platforms that include videos and images.

However, there is a change, with businesses taking advantage of their customers’ emotions. Companies are using storytelling to market their brands and ensure they build trust and customers relate with them.