Writing a story instead of simply promoting or selling?

[yuri21]

Just curious. When do you write stories instead of simply promoting or selling? This thought crossed my mind as I was writing a fact-based article for Ezine, which will be submitted once I've accumulated a few more articles. Do any of you mix stories with fact-based articles or only when you promote products?

With this article I'm writing, I actually re-edited the tone a little so that it sounds less like "boring and cold facts" but more "informal and reaches out to the consumer". However, I'm very wary of coming across as being too pushy and over-annoying if I mix stories with facts.


Your thoughts? :)

[NicoleDean]

I love stories - if they're directly related to the content, and especially if they help me to better understand the concept. Some of the best copywriters on earth teach the use of storytelling in order to better connect with your readers and sell. :)

[yuri21]

Haha... I re-edited my article because yeah, no one likes being lectured to. Also, I will come back to my articles for a "fresh review" later so that I can look at them from a new perspective. And I agree that stories are cool because well, it is fun to read the writer's personal touch. ;) And often, there's something we can relate to and there's useful info and so on. But best of all, story content is not totally clinical and dry and doesn't strike the reader as "elitist, arrogant and annoying" because a lot of articles supposedly geared at "intellectual readers" don't bother with explanations and adopt an assumption that the "reader knows all'.

Hmmm... looks like I just need to be able to integrate stories well into my articles. Gotta do some research on this, then. :D

[NicoleDean]

Another great benefit of putting stories into your content - it makes them harder to rip off. :)

If another marketer rips off my content and starts talking about their two kids and two puppies and their Grampa LeRoy and they have none of those, that'd be just weird.

[wade_watson]

Nicole makes a good point. I find a nice anecdote or two can fill out an article that might have been a bit short, too. And it always helps to add a more personal touch.

You bring up something that occurred to me early on about article services like Ezine Articles. They are very "how-to" oriented. You don't really get that much simple reporting or storytelling there and the proprietors don't seem to encourage it. Of course, for marketing purposes, everybody seems to be compelled to teach or review something.

Lots of bloggers are more story oriented, though. If your stories can create a healthy following, you could probably use some of Lynn's methods to monetize the blog. I suppose most anybody who can write can make money online one way or the other.

Wade

[yuri21]

Nicole: Well, my private life is pretty "bland" and also, I'd like to keep it "private". :) So, my style of storytelling will have to do. :p I can inject a bit of humor, I guess. And so on.

Wade: Uh oh, so it's not okay to use storytelling for Ezine Articles? Darn... looks like I'll have to write another article. :p Oh well. ;) I can add on more stuff to this present article and then slice it up into short posts for quick reads on my blog. ;D

Thanks for the tips, everyone. ;)

[NicoleDean]

This point is actually something that I've really enjoyed about www.jimmybrown.com - he's always been very personable in his writing.

Here are a few reprint articles of mine that may show you my "style":
http://www.ladypens.com/top-10-ways-to-stay-sane-as-a-work-at-home-mom/
http://www.ladypens.com/working-from-home-examining-your-why/
http://www.ladypens.com/work-at-home-moms-and-stress/

Hope it helps!
Nicole

[wade_watson]

Reading a well written sentence can be like strolling down a friendly lane on a brisk autumn morn. A richly textured paragraph can evoke the warmth of a large floor pillow in front of a cozy, crackling fire. A fine story can be like a ride in an open carriage through the cobblestone streets of a colorful old village.

Right, Jason? :)

Wade

[dreamweaver]

Storytelling is a compelling way to deliver a message. Since I live very close to the International Storytelling Center (ICS) and the National Storytelling Network (NSN) in Jonesborough, TN, storytelling is very much a part of my life. Have even taken some courses - what fun!

http://www.storytellingcenter.net/

http://www.storynet.org/index.html

Thousands of folk from all over the world attend the annual storytelling festival each October and listen to stories all day and well into the night. And they pay quite a bit of money for a ticket to the weekend event! Ah, the power of stories.....

East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN has the only masters level program in storytelling in the country. Although I did hear recently that another institute of higher education had begun a program!

If you go to NSN's website, they have a special interest group on storytelling in organizations. You might find some inspiration there for the telling of stories in your writing.

As storytellers are inclined to say to one another -

"Do Tell!"

And have fun doing it!

All the best,
Martha

[webmann]

I have a couple of fishing blogs, travel blogs and gardening blogs where it's all about the stories as a way to get more sales.

When I tell a story about going to one of my fishing hot spots and used a specific lure or artificial fly to catch a huge trout for supper my readers want that lure or fly. If I just tried to promote that same thing I would never make a sale at all.

[drmani]

Stories work - see this:

http://guydz.com/moneypowerwisdom/index.php/2009/11/27/a-heart-kids-story/

Even fables work - see this:

http://ezinemarketingcenter.com/pam-guru.pdf

The key is to grab your reader's attention, keep it until you've
delivered value, and by then, have motivated them to take the
next step.

How best to do it is often a matter of trial, testing, making
mistakes and learning from them! :)

All success
Dr.Mani

[dreamweaver]

LOL - no wonder folks want that lure or fly - the expectation of food. Wonderful way to "lure" them into a purchase. Sharing information at its finest!

Stories are so powerful. Guess that is one reason we begin reading to our little ones - sometimes even before they are born.

Do Tell!
Martha

[dreamweaver]

Beautiful illustrations of the power of story, Dr. Mani.

How is little Arul now?? What an adorable little guy.... And what wonderful work you do.

My 3 1/2 year old granddaughter often begins her conversations with me with "oncest upon a time!" Kids love to imagine.... seems they have an inborn talent for weaving stories.

Once upon a time I began weaving an adaptation of the story about the goose that laid the golden egg. Might just have to go back to that one! Thanks for the memory jog...

All the best,
Martha