Even your parents are ashamed.

You’re a pretender. A bottom feeder. A joke!”

Those words didn’t just sting.

They crushed me.

Dhruv was supposedly a “friend.”

He had a way of slicing people open with words.

With me, it was full-blown condescension.

He didn’t miss. He kicked exactly where it hurt.

He even tried turning my own people against me.

Not just behind my back, but to my face.

We had our fights.

I always backed down before it got physical.

I just didn’t want to add more poison to a circle already dripping with it.

In truth?

He broke me.

I felt small.

I doubted myself.

And I walked close to the razor’s edge of depression.

Then one day I’d had enough.

I cut ties.

Burnt bridges.

Started over again.

But even from afar …

Dhruv lingered.

He became more than a memory.

He became my villain.

The symbol of every harsh challenge I had to fight past.

And in a strange way, he became the reason I grew.

That’s what villains do.

They force the hero to rise.

And the best stories prove it.

Robert McKee once said,

“A protagonist in a story can only be as intellectually fascinating and emotionally compelling as the forces of antagonism make them.”

Gabbar made Veeru and Jai.

Mr. Glass made Unbreakable (David Dunn).

Joker made Batman.

Villains awaken the hero and shape the journey.

I wanted to understand this.

So I dug into it.

What Makes A Villain Unforgettable?

1. One Bad Day

In The Killing Joke, Joker says:

“All it takes is one bad day to reduce the sanest man alive to lunacy.”

And he’s not wrong.

Harvey Dent had one.

Arthur Fleck had one.

You and I have had one too.

It’s the snap moment.

The day pain outweighs logic.

And something inside turns.

That’s when a villain is on the cusp of being born.

We also must understand this, though:

Heroes and villains have the same backstory – Pain.

The difference is what they do with it.

The villain says:

The world hurt me, so I’ll hurt it back.

The hero says:

The world hurt me, and I won’t let it hurt anyone else.

Heroes use pain.

Villains are used by it.

2. The Mirror We Don’t Want to See

The most powerful villain isn’t the one who stands against the hero.

It’s the one who was once just like them.

Professor X and Magneto.

Same trauma.

Same pain.

Same cause.

But one chose to build bridges.

The other ripped the metal from them.

They’re brothers in loss.

Divided by what they chose to do with it.

That’s what makes it hard to root for one without understanding the other.

The best villains are a version of the hero –

just one decision away.

3. The Terrifying Logic

Thanos didn’t want to destroy the universe.

He wanted to save it.

His solution, “wipe out half of all life” wasn’t chaos.

It was balance, in his mind.

It was control.

And that’s what made him terrifying.

He made sense.

He spoke with calm.

He believed he was the only one willing to do what needed to be done.

And for a second there …

we listened.

That’s what the best villains do.

They pull you to the edge of agreement,

then step off into the morally perverse.

Today, I no longer hate Dhruv.

He was the villain in my story.

But also the push I didn’t know I needed.

And maybe that’s the lesson:

If you’re building stories or living one,

don’t ignore the villain.

They’re not just there to be fought.

They’re there to shape who you become.

In our lives,

We don’t just face villains.

Sometimes we choose them.

We choose what we stand against.

And that decision defines our story.

As a Story Content Coach,

I’ve chosen my arch nemesis.

I stand against boring marketing.

The kind that numbs.

That scrolls past you.

That doesn’t make you feel a thing.

Because marketing should

– Move people.

– Wake them up.

– Make them care.

– Not just chase vanity metrics.

I’ve fought that villain for years.

And I’m not done.

So let me leave you with this:

What villain are you standing against?

The one that tests you, pushes you,

pulls you to the edge of reason

and makes the fight worth it …

because of who YOU become on the other side.

That’s the villain worth writing.

That’s the story worth living.

But in content online? People scroll fast.

What if they never make it to the point?”

This was a real concern from a coaching client.

And honestly, it’s a fair one.

You’ve probably felt it too.

This hesitation that story content might be “too much.”

Too long. Too emotional. Too… slow.

But let me tell you what I’ve learned coaching founders and coaches like you.

It’s not the story that’s too long.

It’s the setup.

Back in college, my communication professor had this ruthless habit.

If you were 20 seconds into your story and she was bored, she’d yawn. Loudly.

That was her edit button.

Brutal. But honest.

She was listening for two things your audience craves:

– What’s happening here?

– Why should I care?

That’s Context and Stakes.

When either of those is missing,

the story falls flat.

And when you miss both?

You’ve lost your reader.

Where Most Story Content Goes Wrong

Too many of us get lost in the warm-up.

They describe the weather. The traffic. The day of the week.

All in the name of “setting the scene.”

But in Short form Story Content, you don’t have that luxury.

This isn’t a movie. It’s not a book.

It’s a few lines to earn trust, build connection, and deliver value.

And Context is the part that gets abused the most.

Let’s take a moment to show you what good context looks like based on a well-received story.

The Quick Hit Setup:

“April 28th, 2024, changed everything.

After 15 years of helping others grow their brands,

a prospect hit me with a hard truth:

‘If you’re so good at online marketing, why are you invisible?’”

Let’s break it down:

– Who:

Me, and a prospect who’s brutally honest.

– What:

A credibility-check in a business context.

– Where:

Implied. Likely a pitch, meeting, or client call.

– When:

Specific date, which adds believability.

Notice what’s left out.

We don’t need to know what I wore that day.

We don’t need the full backstory of how I got the meeting.

We just need enough to set up why this moment matters.

The Shift in Stakes:

“His words stung.

My ego took a hit.

But he was right.

I had spent years promoting others while neglecting to tell my own story.”

This is where the insight lands.

We’re not just watching a confrontation.

We’re stepping into a moment of self-awareness.

The takeaway isn’t about the prospect.

It’s about the shift that happens after.

That’s what makes the story memorable.

That’s what gives it Stakes.

Why This Matters for Your Content

Every piece of Story Content must answer two things fast:

– What’s going on?

– Why does it matter to me?

And here’s where most people get stuck:

They think being descriptive is the same as being clear.

It’s not.

You can be clear in one sentence.

You can be boring in five paragraphs.

The job of context is to create focus.

The job of stakes is to create tension.

Together, they pull people in.

Here’s a quick checklist to keep your stories sharp and powerful:

1. Cut the warm-up

Open in the middle of the action. No need to “build up” to it.

2. Set the scene fast

Give us just enough to feel grounded—3 lines max.

3. Raise the stakes

Tell us what shifted. What was at risk. What changed you.

4. Deliver an insight

What truth did you discover that your audience needs to hear?

5. Trim the rest

If a detail doesn’t support the message, cut it. Be ruthless.

When my client asked, 

“Isn’t storytelling too long for content?”

What he was really asking was:  

“Can I hold attention in today’s scroll-heavy, shortcut-driven world?”

YES.

If you lead with momentum.

If you set context quickly.

If you cut to the shift.

Because the No.1 killer of Story Content isn’t attention span.

It’s fluff. It’s delay.

It’s the wandering setup that forgets the reader is waiting.

So the next time you sit down to write, ask yourself:

– What’s happening here?

– Why does it matter?

– And how can I say it in fewer lines, with conviction?

Remember, the best story content isn’t short.

It’s sharp.

And sharp stories get people to stop, care, and remember.  

That’s all that matters.

If it were me, I’d be so dejected, I don’t think I’d have had the courage to conduct it at all.”

This is what a friend said to me after one of my weekend Story Selling Alchemy workshops.

I scratched my chin and let out a thoughtful “Huh.”

It’s true.

In the past, I wouldn’t have conducted it.

I’d have felt dejected.

But now, I see things differently.

I’ve been fortunate to learn from some amazing mentors and, over time, developed the resilience to treat setbacks as stepping stones instead of signs to quit.

Let me tell you a secret.

I’ve run workshops with zero attendees.

Yes, ZERO.

I’ve delivered sessions to an empty room, speaking to an imaginary audience.

I see it as practice – a Riyaaz, like a musician perfecting their craft. Each moment, no matter how small, is helping me grow into who I am meant to be.

But this mindset wasn’t always there.

Back in early 2022, as we were stepping out of the pandemic, I was lost. I’ve never been an ambitious person, but that time was a true low point.

I struggled to find myself.

I was simply surviving.

Bored.

Hating myself.

Overwhelmed by anxiety.

And no hope for the future.

I drove my wife crazy, asking,

“What’s my purpose?”

I felt like everything in me needed fixing.

Ironically, when I stopped trying to fix myself,

I finally found myself.

Maybe that’s why failure doesn’t bother me as much now. I’m okay with it.

I dive into things I wouldn’t have considered before.

I show grit where I’d once have turned tail.

I smile through most adversity.

Perhaps it’s maturity that comes with age – the clarity of who I am and who I want to become.

The first time I read Wayne Dyer’s words, they sang straight to my soul.

“Our job in this lifetime is not to shape ourselves into some ideal we imagine we ought to be, but to find out who we already are and become it.”

And that’s the heart of what I want to share today.

We all carry stories that keep us stuck.

These are the stories we’ve been telling ourselves for years.

Crippling stories like:

– “I’m too busy to focus on what truly matters.”

– “I’m falling behind while everyone else is ahead.”

– “I’m unsure of what I really want or where I’m headed.”

– “I have to be everywhere and do everything to stay visible.”

These stories can keep us trapped, but there’s a way out.

Let me share how I began to reframe those stories,

and how it helped me not just in my business but in life.

1. Reframing Time:

I used to believe I didn’t have enough time for the things that mattered. But I realized it wasn’t about time. It was about priorities and focus. I started carving out just 20 minutes each night to reflect on my day and jot down “Story Notes.” 

I wanted to make every day matter. That small shift made a world of difference.

2. The Comparison Trap:

We’ve all been there.

Looking at someone else’s success and thinking, “Why am I not there yet?” I used to get caught in this loop. But then, I learned to flip the script. Instead of shrinking away, I asked myself, “What can I do today that I didn’t do yesterday?” I only wanted to compete with myself.

This shift made me look within and honor my own story.

3. Knowing What You Don’t Want

When we feel lost, it’s easy to think we don’t know what we want.

But sometimes, the first step to clarity is knowing what we don’t want. Too many choices can paralyze us. By eliminating what doesn’t serve me, I created space for what does. It’s liberating to cull the options that drain you and, in doing so, make room for what actually counts.

4. Less is More

The myth that you have to post all the time to stay relevant is exhausting. More is only better when it is intentional. Trust me, it’s ok to post less but with purpose behind your words.

Share what matters. Don’t just fulfill some arbitrary quota.

It’ll bring more engagement and impact than you ever expected.

Why does all of this matter?

Because it’s not just about changing the stories you tell your audience. 

It’s about the stories you tell yourself.

The stories we believe shape our reality.

When you reframe those stories, you open yourself to new possibilities.

Take a moment and reflect:

– What stories have you been telling yourself?

– Are they empowering you or keeping you stuck?

If you’re ready to reframe your story,

to inspire both yourself and your audience,

have the courage to take that first step.

I’m here to help.

Talk to me – https://swiy.co/claritycall 

I swear to God, 

as soon as my boss said those words, 

I felt eyes burning into the back of my head.

I had no say in the matter. I was a rookie journalist, pranked and sent to cover the “grand” reopening of a renovated public toilet at one of Mumbai’s busiest railway stations – Churchgate.

Annoyed but resigned, I grabbed my gear, called my cameraman, and made my way there. But as I neared the station, I threw my hands in the air and said:

“F#$& it!

I’m already stuck with this.

I might as well try something different.”

So, instead of treating it like a dull, throwaway story, I started looking for a fresh angle. I asked my cameraman to get a clear shot and roll as soon as the chief guest arrived.

It was a public health officer, droning on in front of the press. And after what seemed like an eternity, he finally cut the tape.

The moment he did, 

a swarm of commuters shoved him aside and rushed in.

It was hilarious. 

I had the footage to prove it.

But the real story revealed itself when I jokingly asked some commuters who had barged in if they really missed the public toilet.

One man told me it was the only place to relieve himself before his two-hour commute home. In the two weeks the facility was closed, he had developed a urinary tract issue.

“Nature doesn’t like it when its call goes unanswered,” he said with a shrug.

That was it. The story had a spin, a human insight.

I didn’t think it was funny after that.

Was I made fun of back at the station? Yes.

But my boss smiled and told me I handled it well. That small moment boosted my confidence and taught me a lesson that still shapes my work today:

The best content isn’t about what you say.

It’s about how you say it.

Find Your Angle

Most business owners struggle with content because they think more content = better content.

They focus on volume, trying to keep up with trends, rather than focusing on what truly makes content work:

Perspective.

You don’t need to create more content.

You need to create better content.

That means:

– Finding the angle no one else is taking.

– Looking at common topics through a unique lens.

– Bringing in personal insights, experience, and storytelling.

In journalism, a unique angle is the difference between a forgettable story and one that captivates an audience.

The same applies to your business content.

If you want to stand out, ask yourself:

– What do I love talking about?

The topics you can’t shut up about are where your best insights lie. Use them.

– What frustrates me about my industry?

That’s your opportunity to challenge the status quo and connect with an audience that feels the same way.

– What values do I stand for?

When your content aligns with your beliefs, it attracts the right people and builds trust.

Why Unique Perspective Matters More Than Ever

Every niche feels saturated today.

Everyone’s talking about the same topics – marketing, coaching, business growth …

But the problem isn’t what they’re saying.

It’s how they’re saying it.

Most content lacks a distinct point of view. And in a world where AI-generated content is everywhere, the only thing that makes content truly valuable is insight.

Here’s an example:

Think about the fitness industry.

Every personal trainer is talking about weight loss, muscle gain, and nutrition. But not all of them approach it the same way.

– One coach focuses on meal plans and workouts.

– Another approaches weight loss through psychology, helping clients fix their mindset first before ever touching a dumbbell.

Same topic.

Completely different impact.

The difference?

Yep. Perspective.

The best content shapes how people see that information in a way that only you can.

How to Find Your Unique Content Angle

Here’s how you can start thinking differently about your content:

1. Use Your Personal Stories

Just like my urinal story, your everyday experiences hold gold. What unexpected lessons have you learned that others in your field haven’t shared?

2. Challenge the Norm

What industry advice do you disagree with? What’s a common belief that you think is misleading?

3. Infuse Your Values

When your content reflects what you believe in, it attracts an audience who aligns with you. If sustainability, authenticity, or innovation matter to you, let it show in your messaging.

4. Make Boring Topics Interesting

Sometimes, the best content isn’t about finding a new topic; it’s about presenting an old one in a fresh way. Look at how comedians take everyday life and turn it into a hilarious insight. You can do the same with your content.

5. Ask, “Why Should Anyone Care?”

Before you hit publish, ask yourself, “Why would someone stop and engage with this?” If you can’t answer that, go deeper.

Your Unique Angle Is Your Superpower

My story taught me something most content creators never learn:

Even the most mundane topic can be interesting

IF you look at it the right way.

Your perspective is your edge.

It’s what makes people pay attention, come back for more, and, most importantly, trust you.

So, what’s the angle only you can bring to your content?

For most of my life,
I played small.
I never aimed to win.
I did things for the sake of it.
Sometimes for fun, but never with ambition.

But I know something has changed.

It took me over 40 years, but I finally see who I want to become.

The journey has been about stripping away the noise, uncovering the essence of my story, and realizing my vision is too big to ignore.

Some days, I doubt I’ll make it.
On other days, I know my dream is so big that it HAS to come true.

A few years ago, my wife and I were searching for a meaningful gift for her grandmother’s 80th birthday.

We chose stationery, hoping she would write down her stories – the folklore, the wisdom, the moments lost with time. I had lost my own grandparents without capturing their stories.

That loss hit me in the gut.

Sure, storytelling can be about being relatable, getting known, and building influence.

But for me, it means far more.

Storytelling is about preserving what matters.

And that’s what fuels my ambition and vision as a Story Content Coach.

I’m writing this to you on World Storytelling Day because storytelling is what makes people take notice, care, and connect with your vision.

Why Your Brand Vision Matters

Storytelling has become a buzzword,
But most people don’t know how to use it well.

Many stop at a simple brand origin story, “Why I started my business”, and miss the deeper power of storytelling.

Your vision is the foundation of your influence.
Because people want to associate with people and brands with a clear vision.

Steve Jobs once said:
“The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller.”

It’s true.

Your audience needs to see a compelling character – YOU – leading the charge.

The only question is,
Will you take charge of the narrative of your future?

How to Share Your Vision Through Storytelling

Every great story follows a structure.
Here’s a simple way to craft yours:

The Challenge: What obstacle did you or your audience face?

The Realization: What moment changed your perspective?

The Action: What did you do differently after that realization?

The Impact: How did it change your life, and how can it change theirs?

Let’s break this down using me as an example:

The Challenge:
Business owners, coaches, and consultants struggle with content. They feel invisible, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to get noticed.

The Realization:
The world rewards those who share their stories with clarity and confidence.

The Action:
I immersed myself in the art and science of storytelling, studying its power and practicing it daily.

The Impact:
Now, I teach story content strategies that help business owners be remembered, attract influence and impact.

Ann Handley said, “Your FROM Line matters more than your SUBJECT Line,” because YOU are what people buy into – your hopes and dreams merging with theirs.

Oprah Winfrey built her influence by sharing stories that empower.

Seth Godin turned marketing into a movement by making people believe in the power of ideas.

Their brand vision shaped their influence.

The same is possible for you.

So, what’s your vision?

Don’t just create content.
Make people care.
Share your story.

Today take a moment to define your brand vision,
And tell the world about it with pride.

But there was a time I found it extremely hard to keep up.
I stood at a crossroads.

Two voices pulled me in opposite directions:

Somedays, I felt:
“I’m doing so much, but the needle moves so slowly.”

Other times:
“I’m not doing enough. That’s why it isn’t moving as fast as I wish.”

Both felt true.
Both weighed me down.

I had a choice:

• To sit in defeat.
• Or to take imperfect action, even when progress felt invisible.

I knew what I had to do,
but something was holding me back.

Right then, a thought crossed my mind:

“Can someone who is known for showing up share their inability to show up?? Would my vulnerability make people doubt me, make them think less of me?”

I teach storytelling. I help business owners, coaches and consultants show up with confidence in their content.

So, shouldn’t I have it all figured out?

That’s a strange paradox, isn’t it?

We hesitate to share our lows, fearing they’ll make us look weak, unqualified, or less of an authority. We convince ourselves that vulnerability will hurt our credibility.

But the truth?
It’s the opposite.

When was the last time you were moved by someone’s story?

• Was it a polished, flawless version?
• Or was it the one where they admitted their messes, misses, and struggles and showed how they pushed through?

People doubt perfectly crafted narratives.
But they do connect with real ones.

So here’s the shift I made:

1. I embraced the struggle.
   Instead of seeing doubt as a failure, I reframed it as proof that I care about my craft and my impact.
2. I took action, even when it felt pointless.
   Progress isn’t always visible, but showing up consistently creates momentum.
3. I shared my story.
   Not for sympathy. Not for validation. But to lead by example. Because if someone like me can push through, so can YOU.

And that’s exactly what I want you to do today.

Take a moment and think:
What stories do you avoid telling?

It’s likely the one your audience needs to hear most.

So, here’s what you MUST do:

• Share a moment when you struggled, doubted yourself, or felt stuck.
• Then, share how you moved forward (or are still moving forward).
• Don’t overthink it. Keep it real, keep it simple, and press post.

Vulnerability isn’t weakness.
It’s empathetic leadership.

Your audience needs someone who understands their journey and leads them to their desired state.

Will you be that person?

I never completed my marketing MBA.

Yeah, it’s a pattern with me.

I couldn’t see the point of learning archaic marketing models that most small and medium businesses rarely use.
Sorry, Philip Kotler.

I dodged that bullet!

But now we’re drowning in another kind of outdated formula – the internet marketing blueprint that everyone and their grandmother follows.

And trust me, it’s heading toward obsolescence too.

Because marketing isn’t just about formulas.
It’s about connection. And the best way to connect? Storytelling.

The Story Content Framework That Works

If your content isn’t solving problems, it isn’t working. But problem-solving content isn’t just about listing pain points and quick fixes—it’s about taking your audience on a journey.

This framework helps you do just that:

To create content that actually shifts perspectives, use this structure:

1. What They See: What do they think is the problem? (The surface-level issue.)
2. What’s Beneath: What’s actually causing it? (The root cause.)
3. The Turning Point: When did you realize the real issue? (Your aha moment.)
4. The Fix: How did you solve it? (Your actionable insight.)
5. The Takeaway: What’s the lesson or call to action? (The mic-drop moment.)

And to execute it powerfully,
follow these Four storytelling steps:

Step 1: Spot the Struggle → What They See

Think back to a time when you struggled with the same problem your audience faces today.

For me, it was when I realized traditional marketing wasn’t built for small businesses. It was designed for corporations with deep pockets.

I kept thinking, “Marketing shouldn’t feel this disconnected from reality.”

What about you? What moments made you rethink the way you approach your work?

Step 2: Dig Deeper → What’s Beneath

The problem wasn’t just outdated marketing tactics. The real issue? Small businesses weren’t being taught how to communicate their value in a way that actually connected with people.

That insight changed everything for me.

Step 3: Connect the Dots → The Turning Point + The Fix

Once I saw the real problem, I stopped following generic marketing advice. I started focusing on storytelling—because the businesses that win are the ones that make people feel something.

And when I applied that? My content started getting more engagement, more trust, and more conversions.

Step 4: Deliver the Shift → The Takeaway

Share your solution in a way that’s easy to apply. Make it tangible.

Marketing isn’t about selling. It’s about making people believe in something. And stories do that better than any funnel ever will.

Why This Works

People won’t remember what you tell them.
They’ll remember how you make them feel.

Ask yourself:
Am I just listing solutions?
Or am I leading my audience to a real transformation?

By structuring your content like a journey,
you create moments of change, clarity and inspiration.

The best part? This works in any format:
LinkedIn posts, emails, videos, or sales pages.
Anytime you need to make an impact, this is your playbook.

That’s how you stay ahead,
while everyone else is still stuck chasing the next marketing fad.

“If you’re so good at online marketing, why are you invisible?”

His words stung.
My ego took a hit.
But he was right.

I had spent years promoting others while neglecting to tell my own story.

That moment, coupled with a heartfelt push from my wife, was the wake-up call I needed.

Fast forward less than a year, and embracing personal brand storytelling led to 15 million impressions, over 50 leads, and 9 new clients.

Here’s the truth:

In today’s world, the internet is splitting in two.

On one side, there is AI-generated content – quick, optimized, and impersonal. 

On the other, there are people – real, imperfect, and memorable.

Personal brand storytelling is how you ensure people remember you.

It’s not just a marketing tactic.
It’s a way to build trust, establish credibility, and connect with the people who need what you offer.

So, how do you use it to stand out?

1. Mine Your Life for Stories
   Your most powerful stories are already within you. You just need to recognize them.
   • What pivotal moments shaped your perspective?
   • What challenges did you overcome that align with your audience’s struggles?
   • What small, everyday experiences reflect your values?
     
2. Use Those Stories to Show How You Help
   • Instead of saying, “I help businesses grow,” share a personal story about the challenges you faced and the lessons you learned.
   • Instead of listing your services, explain why your unique journey makes you the right person to help them.
     

When you share your experiences with authenticity, people don’t just listen.
They relate. They trust. They choose you over someone else.

Your story is your unfair advantage.

Use it wisely.

Video marketing is more than just getting new customers in today’s quickly changing digital world. It is a dynamic force that propels small businesses to exponential growth. Video marketing does more than just make sales; it builds credibility, trust, and interest in possible investors.

Here is a detailed look at 10 game-changing ways to use video marketing to its fullest potential:

Showcase  your knowledge with useful content

Businesses can show off their knowledge and authority in many ways through video material. Businesses build a strong presence and trustworthiness by giving useful tutorials, advice specific to their industry, or behind-the-scenes looks.

As an example, a real estate agency becomes known as the local real estate authority by giving thorough property tours, neighborhood insights, market analyses, and expert comments, the agency. It attracts buyers looking for solid information and direction.

Get people to trust you by telling real stories

Being real is the most important thing for gaining trust. Sharing personal stories, the stories behind goods, or the journey of the business makes the brand more relatable and helps people connect with it on an emotional level. Think about:

Stories from the Bakery: Stories about heritage recipes that have been passed down through generations, the journey of finding ingredients that are created in an ethical way, or heartwarming customer experiences not only give the brand more depth, but they also build a loyal customer base based on shared values and experiences.

Get people involved in the community

Video marketing is more than just making material; it’s also about building a strong community. Having live sessions, Q&A forums, or interactive talks makes people feel like they are important and connected. For instance, a fitness center can hold community events, nutrition webinars, and live workout challenges. It not only gets more people involved, but also builds a supporting network of health-conscious people who share tips and stories, which makes them more loyal and likely to advocate for your cause.

Getting new customers without spending too much

Providing value through informative or entertaining videos cuts down on the cost of getting new customers by a large amount. Businesses can get people who are really interested in their products by giving them useful information, how-to guides, or by solving common problems.

Lets take the example of a gardening store. By giving in-depth lessons on seasonal planting, organic gardening, and fixing common gardening problems, the store not only attracts gardening fans but also establishes itself as a trustworthy source for gardening goods and information, which leads to more loyal customers.

Get people interested by giving them interactive content

Using interactive elements like polls, quizzes, or live sessions keeps people interested and pushes them to take part. A decor company can host live design consultations or interactive sessions where viewers can actively design mock spaces or suggest decor ideas. It is a great way to get people interested and show off the firm’s knowledge and customer-centered approach.

Make content for thought leadership

Businesses can become thought leaders in their field by creating educational material. Businesses become valuable resources by giving useful information, tips, or skilled advice. For instance, a finance consultancy can give detailed analyses of market trends, investment opportunities, and personalized financial planning advice not only teaches, but also strengthens the consultancy’s reputation as a trustworthy financial advisor, bringing in clients who are looking for expert help and advice.

Show off case studies and testimonials

Potential buyers will trust and believe you more if you show them success stories, client testimonials, or case studies. As an example a digital marketing company not only proves its expertise but also builds trust with potential clients by showing thorough case studies of successful campaigns, client testimonials, and measurable results, the agency . It leads to more inquiries and sales.

Make a regular schedule for watching videos

Posting plans that are always the same keep readers interested and excited. Sharing useful material on a regular basis keeps people interested and loyal. As an example:

Local Restaurant: Putting together a series of chef’s table experiences, cooking lessons, or behind-the-scenes looks into the cooking process not only attracts foodies but also makes the restaurant seem real, interesting, and a must-see for foodies.

Customize content for the audience you want to reach

Customizing content to meet the needs, challenges, or interests of a particular audience makes it much more engaging and helps you connect with them. Parts of strategies are:

Tech startup: Holding interactive webinars that address specific tech issues, giving personalized product demos, and answering specific user questions directly involve and meet the needs of the audience, which increases brand loyalty and advocacy.

Use analytics to make your plans better

Businesses can use video analytics to track success, learn how their audiences act, and make changes to their future plans based on this information. As an example:

Web-based store: By looking at video engagement measures like views, watch time, and audience demographics, you can make product launch plans more effective, learn more about what customers want, and improve content to get more engagement, which leads to more sales and happier customers.

Video marketing is a complete strategy that includes more than just making content. It’s about making connections, establishing credibility, and encouraging participation. If small businesses use these ten tips and look into the huge potential of video marketing in their field, they can not only stay in business but also grow in today’s digital world.

If you are a beginner and unsure about facing videos, I highly recommend going through this article ‘8 Actionable Steps to Overcome Camera Fear and Boost Your Small Business with Video Marketing‘. We have put together simple steps to overcome your camera fear. Adopt these tactics with open arms. Video marketing can completely change your small business if you use these strategies in line with your skills, industry, and brand’s values.

With consumers becoming more and more socially aware, the one thing businesses cannot succeed without is a purpose – a purpose that drives the businesses’ values, vision, mission and day-to-day operations. It is not really the brand or the product/service customers connect with. They connect with purpose of the brand. What does the brand truly believe in, what does it live by?

So, if you are a solopreneur or a small business owner who wants to make a big impact, pause and think what is it in this world that matters to you and how would you like to give back to society while running your business.

This article will give you the reasons to make your business purpose driven and explain how you can go about it with a straightforward strategy.

The Power of Purpose-Driven Branding

83% of employees believe that a company must lead with purpose. This statistic highlights the importance of purpose in motivating and engaging your team. When your employees identify with your brand’s purpose, they are more likely to be passionate about their work and actively contribute to your business’s success. This, in turn, positively impacts employee morale and productivity.

But it’s not just your employees who value purpose-driven brands; consumers do too. 54% of consumers want to buy a product that supports a cause and are willing to pay extra for socially and environmentally responsible products. By aligning your brand’s purpose with a cause or values that resonate with your target audience, you can attract and retain loyal customers who believe in your mission.

5 steps to brand your business with a meaningful purpose

Express Your Purpose

The first step in building a purpose-driven brand is to express what purpose you would like to connect to your business. What is that one cause that inspires you to keep going even during the toughest of times? Is it the desire to do something good for the environment or your passion for helping stray animals?

To illustrate this point, let’s take a couple of examples. Imagine a pet food store whose mission is to improve the lives of stray animals in the community by providing nutritious food and promoting responsible pet ownership. Their values center around compassion for animals and creating a more caring society for pets.

Similarly, a restaurant owner might run their business to promote sustainability and community nourishment, ensuring everyone can savor sustainability with every meal. Defining your purpose will guide every aspect of your business and influence the decisions you make.

Take a moment to reflect on your purpose and write it down. Ask yourself, what drives me? What impact do I want to make? By defining your purpose, you gain clarity and direction for your brand.

Infuse Your Purpose into Operations

Once you have defined your purpose, it’s time to infuse it into your day-to-day operations. Incorporating your purpose into your work makes all the difference. It shows that your purpose is not just defined for the sake of it but that you are taking active steps to put it into practice.

For example, the pet food store mentioned earlier could ensure that every aspect of their operations reflects their commitment to helping stray animals. From sourcing ethically produced pet food to offering adoption information, the store would make decisions that align with their purpose, such as organizing adoption events and collaborating with local animal shelters to provide support.

Get Buy-In from Employees and Stakeholders

Building a purpose-driven brand requires the support and buy-in of your employees and stakeholders. It’s important to communicate your purpose to your team and encourage their involvement.

In the case of the restaurant, the business could actively engage its employees in sustainability initiatives, such as organizing community cleanup events and partnering with local farms to highlight the importance of locally sourced ingredients. They could encourage customers to participate in bring-your-own-container programs to reduce waste. By involving employees and stakeholders in your purpose-driven initiatives, you create a sense of community and inspire others to support your vision.

Communicate Your Purpose

To build a purpose-driven brand, you need to let the world know what you are working towards. This step involves effectively communicating your purpose through social media campaigns, brand storytelling, and other marketing efforts.

A sustainable clothing store can effectively communicate its purpose by using social media campaigns that showcase eco-friendly materials and ethical production processes, along with relevant hashtags like #EcoFashion. Their brand storytelling can narrate their journey toward sustainability, emphasizing values and environmental impact, while marketing materials encourage sustainable choices through newsletters and eco-friendly packaging.

Collaborations with environmental organizations and initiatives, such as donations and recycling drives, demonstrate active involvement in sustainability. Regular impact reporting, and sharing data on waste reduction and environmental improvements, builds trust with customers and solidifies the brand’s commitment to its purpose, ultimately attracting like-minded consumers.

Measuring Your Impact

To ensure the success of your purpose-driven brand, it’s essential to measure your impact. This step involves tracking relevant metrics and gathering feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of your initiatives.

For a purpose-driven yoga store, measuring impact can be achieved by tracking several key metrics and gathering customer feedback. They can assess their success by monitoring factors such as the number of participants in their mindfulness workshops, the percentage of customers purchasing eco-friendly yoga mats and clothing, and the reduction in single-use plastic waste from their store.

Additionally, the store can regularly seek feedback from their yoga community through surveys or direct conversations to gauge customer satisfaction, understand their perception of the store’s commitment to mindfulness and sustainability, and identify areas for improvement.

By measuring these metrics and gathering feedback, the store can adapt its initiatives, refine its purpose-driven approach, and ensure it’s making a positive impact in line with its values.

By following this straightforward strategy, you can create a purpose-driven brand that speaks to the hearts and minds of your customers, fostering an engaged community that passionately supports your mission. Remember, purpose-driven branding is not just a trend; it’s a long-term strategy that can transform your business and make a lasting impact.

If you found this article helpful, consider checking out the video where I discuss 10 mindsets you must overcome to make your small business fly. Together, let’s inspire and support each other as we build purpose-driven brands.