How can you use storytelling to add playfulness to content marketing?

I once created a comic carousel to tell a story. The message was funny yet serious: It was about a CEO who wanted leads but did typical CEO things that didn't get him what he wanted. It had around 30 slides. Yet it got over 100,000 impressions, inbound leads, and around 900 likes. The point is not to share a comic because it is a comic. The point is to take an uncommon angle to portray an everyday situation. It told a story and it entertained people. It was playful yet serious. Long story short, if you want to entertain people, blend the unexpected with stereotypes, the status quo, and relatable elements.

I think playfulness is a heavily underrated attribute, especially on LinkedIn. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of only saying things like: - I’m so honored to announce - I’m so excited to share - I had such a great time last night at - etc etc Because we fear being seen as unprofessional. Or childish, or uninteresting, or weird. But in trying so hard to be like everyone else, we often forget to be ourselves. And to enjoy ourselves in the process. Playfulness allows us to be ourselves and to share ourselves authentically in an engaging, and even sometimes quirky way. And that’s ok because it’s real. And people want that. If we’re having fun then others will want to have fun with us.

Your content shouldn't be begging to be consumed. It should speak and storytell for itself. When you click "post," it should be content that you want to see while scrolling through your own feed. It should be stress-relieving for people, not panic-inducing.

Um Storytelling im Content-Marketing spielerisch zu nutzen, kreieren Sie fesselnde Geschichten, die Ihre Marke oder Produkte in allt?gliche Situationen einbetten oder emotionale Erlebnisse schaffen, die mit Ihrem Publikum resonieren. Nutzen Sie Charaktere oder Alter Egos, um eine narrative Brücke zu Ihren Zuschauern zu bauen. Integrieren Sie interaktive Elemente wie Quizze, Umfragen oder Abenteuer, die Nutzer einladen, Teil der Geschichte zu werden. Visuelle Erz?hltechniken, wie Videos oder Infografiken, k?nnen die Geschichte lebendig machen und die Botschaft verst?rken.

Completely agree @davidnathan! Adding playfulness to content marketing in the life science tools industry can be a game-changer. It can make complex scientific concepts more digestible and memorable. This approach can humanize your brand, making it more relatable and trustworthy to your audience.

Let's be real: most stuff we read is boring. But add some fun, and boom ?? —your marketing gets way cooler. It sticks in people’s minds, they want to share it, and it just feels more like something they'd chat about. Look at Old Spice, Taco Bell, and KFC for examples.

Storytelling works. If we can see ourselves in it, then even better. Stories can be concrete, credible, and emotional. The right narrative will help your message to be remembered.

From evolution, wars, to romance, journeys, and even your business, everything is a story in a way. It's what connects all of us and the stories we tell give meaning to everything we do.

Storytelling is useful, as long as you don't make it all about yourself. Structure the "villain" of your story as the problem your product solves. Put your audience/ potential customer as the "hero" and make your product "the guide" the magically helps the hero save the day. That way you're putting your customer at the forefront of the message.

Storytelling isn't just effective, it's transformative. Think of your brand's stories as a journey where your audience can experience joy, curiosity, and surprise. A trick? Use metaphors and analogies that relate to everyday life to add a playful twist. This approach makes complex topics relatable and digestible, sparking interest and smiles. Remember, it's about weaving your brand values and identity into narratives that captivate and entertain. By doing so, you're not just selling a product or service; you're inviting your audience into a world where your brand lives and breathes. Embrace storytelling with a playful heart, and watch your content come alive.

One of the easiest ways to spice up your writing with some playfulness is to use metaphors, analogies and simile (like using 'spice up' in this sentence). Ask yourself 'what is this like a little bit?' and then use that to conjure up imagery too.

To sprinkle playfulness into your blog/video/graphic storytelling, think beyond just words. A tip? Embed interactive elements directly into your narratives. Imagine ending a blog post with a quiz related to the story you've just told, or integrating polls that let readers choose what happens next in a series. This not only makes your content more engaging but also turns passive reading into an active, enjoyable experience. It also keeps readers/viewers engaged. Use humor and vivid imagery to paint pictures in your readers' minds, making each post memorable. Remember, the goal is to make your audience feel a part of your brand's story, creating a deeper, more emotional connection.Let your blog be a playground for your readers' imaginations!

Gamify your content marketing efforts by incorporating elements of gameplay, such as challenges, competitions, or rewards. Engage your audience with interactive quizzes, or contests, that encourage participation and foster a sense of fun and excitement. Surprise and delight your audience by telling unexpected or unconventional stories that capture their attention and spark their curiosity. Play with twists, turns, and cliffhangers to keep your audience engaged and eager to learn more.

If you're making content for social then almost every channel is firmly 'entertainment first'. People are going there as a distraction, a break from their day or problems... so be light: entertain... then educate or inspire.

Gerade auf den SocialMedia Plattformen kannst das Storytelling nutzen und auch interessant gestalten. Viele Brands zerbrechen sich den Kopf darüber, wie sie das Storytelling gestalten sollen und machen es sich selbst sehr kompliziert. Vereinfache dir das Thema und fang einfach an deinen Alltag bei SocialMedia zu dokumentieren. Welche Projekte, Herausforderungen, Erfolge, Tipps… hast du gerade und schreib einfach darüber (Linkedin) oder sprich darüber (Instagram Reel/Story). Das ist doch die t?gliche Story die du dir selbst erz?hlst/erlebst und lass uns doch einfach auch dran teilhaben.

Emails doesn't have to boring, have fun in your email marketing by doing these things: ?? Toss in some memes (yes, they work), ?? Sprinkle in a bit of humour, ?? and Stay real - share your own experiences or your customers' success stories. This mix can spice things up and keep your audience hooked.

People remember stories, and these narratives resonate with their lives. If a brand can successfully align its brand story and content storytelling in a way that makes customers feel included, it's invaluable. When creating a story, ensure that the messaging and tone match your brand tone. This consistency delivers uniform messaging across all social media platforms and to sales representatives. Experiment with different storytelling methods to determine what works best for your audience.

Playfulness doesn't have to be silly. It can be in simple things like wordplay, moving around while you're thinking, gamifiying the way you work, or even just sitting back and let your mind wander a little. Funny how in 2024, the word "professional" still implies the opposite of these. Challenge your beliefs or at least, change the labels on the boxes in your mind.