The 22 Rules of Storytelling: How to Create a Story that Resonates with Your Prospects and Customers

Pixar has a reputation for creating some of the most captivating and memorable stories in the world of animation. Their films are loved by audiences of all ages and leave a lasting impression. So, what makes their stories so special? The answer is the 22 rules of storytelling, which have been developed and refined by Pixar’s Brain Trust over the years.

But how can these rules help you create high resonance messaging for your company when marketing to prospects and customers? The truth is, the principles of storytelling are just as applicable to marketing as they are to filmmaking.

1. Show, don’t tell: instead of telling your customers about your products or services, show them how they can solve their problems and improve their lives.
2. Create relatable characters: make sure your messaging connects with your target audience on a personal level by creating relatable characters.
3. Tell a compelling story: use storytelling techniques to make your marketing messages more engaging and memorable.
4. Focus on the audience: keep in mind what’s interesting to your customers and what they need to know.
5. Make it personal: use personal anecdotes and stories to build rapport with your customers and make your messages more relatable.
6. Use emotional appeals: tap into emotions like excitement, happiness, or fear to make your messages more impactful.
7. Create a clear message: make sure your messaging is concise and easy to understand.
8. Show the benefits: instead of just listing features, highlight the benefits of your products or services to your customers.
9. Use visual aids: use images and videos to make your messages more engaging and memorable.
10. Make it memorable: use catchy phrases and memorable visuals to make your messages stick in the minds of your customers.
11. Use social proof: leverage testimonials, case studies, and other forms of social proof to build trust and credibility.
12. Focus on the customer’s needs: make sure your messages address the needs and pain points of your customers.
13. Tell a unique story: make your messages stand out from the crowd by telling a unique and memorable story.
14. Use humor: add a touch of humor to your messages to make them more lighthearted and memorable.
15. Make it actionable: provide clear and actionable steps for customers to take after hearing your message.
16. Use a call to action: make sure your messages include a clear and compelling call to action.
17. Make it timely: tailor your messages to the current season, trends, or events to make them more relevant.
18. Use positive language: use positive and uplifting language in your messages to create a positive and hopeful tone.
19. Be consistent: make sure your messages are consistent with your brand and messaging.
20. Use customer testimonials: let your customers speak for you by using their stories and testimonials in your messages.
21. Use storytelling techniques: use techniques like conflict, resolution, and climax to make your messages more engaging.
22. Make it shareable: create messages that are easy to share and spread, to help you reach a wider audience.

By following these 22 rules of storytelling, you can create high-resonance messaging that connects with your prospects and customers on a deeper level. So, start putting these principles into practice and watch your marketing messages soar!