As a professional copywriter, I’ve come to understand that there are four primary storylines that can effectively convince your audience. These are: The Report, The Explanation, The Sales Pitch, and The Innovation. Each of these storylines serves a unique purpose and can be used to engage your audience in different ways.
1. The Report: This storyline is all about conveying the facts. It’s the bread and butter of any good piece of content. When you’re writing a report, you’re essentially providing your audience with a detailed account of a particular subject or event. This could be anything from a summary of recent market trends to an overview of a new product or service. The key here is to present the information in a clear, concise, and objective manner. You want to give your audience all the facts they need to make an informed decision or form their own opinion.
2. The Explanation: This storyline goes one step further than the report by not only presenting the facts but also teaching new insights and proposing step-by-step actions. It’s about breaking down complex ideas or processes into simple, easy-to-understand terms. For example, if you’re writing about a new technology, you might explain how it works, why it’s important, and how it can be used in everyday life. The goal here is to educate your audience and provide them with practical knowledge they can apply in their own lives.
3. The Sales Pitch: This storyline is all about recommending new solutions that work. It’s where you get to showcase your product or service and convince your audience why they should choose it over the competition. This involves highlighting its unique features, benefits, and value proposition. But remember, a good sales pitch isn’t just about selling; it’s also about building trust and credibility with your audience. You want to show them that you understand their needs and challenges and that your solution can help them overcome these obstacles.
4. The Drama / Innovation: This storyline is perhaps the most exciting of all. It’s about inspiring new ways and beliefs of looking at the world. It’s where you get to challenge the status quo and propose innovative ideas or perspectives. This could involve introducing a groundbreaking product, sharing a revolutionary business model, or presenting a novel approach to solving a common problem. The aim here is to stimulate your audience’s imagination and encourage them to think outside the box.
In conclusion, each of these storylines has its own strengths and can be used to engage your audience in different ways. The key is to understand your audience’s needs and preferences and choose the storyline that best aligns with these factors. Remember, effective storytelling isn’t just about telling a good story; it’s also about connecting with your audience on a deeper level and inspiring them to take action.