How to Build Relationships with Your Customers Through Storytelling

Feb 17, 2023

If someone has a tale to tell which sticks in your mind long after hearing it this is the strength of storytelling. Research has shown that people enjoy the power of a story, because it's the way we communicate with one another. In the age of digitalization, how connected has become, it's becoming all more difficult to communicate. But storytelling is still able to hold its weight when it comes to building relationships with others.

This is where storytelling can be employed to enhance your business. When you think of selling your products, it's easy to assume it's best to talk only about your products on your website. Although that's a crucial aspect of online selling however, it's not what will sell your customers on your brand. The website may be excellent in explaining what you offer, but that often isn't enough to convince customers to "buy-in with your company. Benefits of having the relationship you have with your customers could be more impactful than you imagine, and a good narrative can assist you in getting there.

Story Telling is a Powerful tool to use when Selling Software Online

Online-based companies selling software could increase sales by using storytelling and creating a real connection with their prospective customers. How? The customers will be more willing to pay for online products and services which make them feel happy with their interactions and connections with the company. Creating a connection by sharing a story of your brand on your website can help foster this feeling and increase the sales.

If you're wondering whether you've got a story that you want to be told then the answer is unquestionable yes. Every company has a story to tell. Answer these questions, and you'll be well on the route:

  • How did you get the concept that your company is built on in the first place?
  • How did you agree on the name of the business?
  • How did you come to from where you are now?
  • Do you have a reason why you are passionate about what you do?

A well-crafted story can create positive interactions with potential clients, which will result in increased conversionand an increased sense of loyalty, which forms the basis of long-lasting relations with your customers. Most effective stories are ones that entertain tell, educate, and give the potential customer value.

Take, for instance, the company Marketo. The company's revolutionary marketing platform has been executed very well and also has an excellent story. On Marketo's website they write about the ways in which "Marketo has grown into a market leader in automated marketing however, at the heart it's a business for marketers, with marketers. Every day we wake up contemplating ways to improve the lives of our fellow marketers." You'll notice how Marketo doesn't go around and about about how awesome their software is, but delivers an interesting story about the fact that they have always had their customers in mind.

Stories to tell to create connections with customers

Stories are what can make your company feel human. These are the things that make your business unique. Let those stories speak for your company.

Marketo does so by talking about putting their marketers first. You'll notice how they don't simply talk about their general customers however, they're more specific to address the people who they target. Having trouble writing your own tales? Talk to your customers! Here are some questions for you to start:

  • What do you do better over other companies in the same market?
  • What do people love the most regarding your business?
  • What do they think of the business to people outside of it?
  • How did they come across you first?

Make their responses into stories that make connections with potential customers.

Connect with your Customers Through Photos and Video

You've heard the saying, "A picture is worth 1,000 words." Customers enjoy taking photos to give the impression of your company, its nature, and what makes them apart. Images give them a peek into your company.

Make use of images to convey the values of your business. The focus is on your client and the relationship you share with them. When you share what you believe in at your company, you tell the customer not just 'what' they're buying, but also 'who' they are buying from.

You can even tell the tale of your company through videos. Let the people side of your business and allow your clients to identify the company they're buying from. Because of how popular videos have been, adding it to the repertoire of your company stories could be a wonderful feature.

Allow Your Customers to Tell Their Story of Success

When your customers leave reviews in which they discuss how the product has been a success for them, it's important to post these reviews on your site.

Providing customer testimonials and telling an account of the customer's experience are fantastic (and straightforward) ways to promote your company. It allows potential buyers to get insight from their previous customers. with 80 percent of buyers are seeking opinions when they decide to buy so why not provide them with some positive input from your happy customers? Testimonials inspire your other customers to tell their own stories in addition to fostering better relationship between your company as well as the person who shared the experience.

For these testimonials from customers check out your online reviews, or talk to your sales team to get the names of customers with whom they feel might be willing to share their stories. They can be asked to compose a review themselves or take a step further. Interview your customer about how they enjoyed using the product or service you offer and create a case study for prospective buyers who will be able to read as they are making their purchase selection while on your website.

The detailed customer story can create a sense of belonging inside your business. Be sure to get the permission of your customers to publish their stories.

It's important to share valuable information with current and potential customers. In telling a compelling, meaningful, and compelling narrative is a strategy for marketing that can increase the growth of your business. So make your story one that inspires and motivate your customers.

Hannah Juley   Hannah is a recent graduate from UC-Santa Barbara. Her previous experience in marketing lead her to the position of Marketing Coordinator. Hannah assists with content, social media and department expenditures. In her spare time she can be found at the beach either playing volleyball or in an ebook.