Storytelling Techniques for Creating Viral Content

My LinkedIn content got 145,022 views in 7 days. The crazy part? I don’t even have a big audience (yet). 1 thing that’s helped me expand my reach. Better storytelling! I learned some storytelling techniques from my new favorite book “Storyworthy” by Matthew Dicks. This book has been a game-changer for my writing. Here are 7 storytelling principles from Storyworthy that helped me get 145k views in 7 days. (steal them!) 1) 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗜𝘀 𝗮 5-𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 - Great stories hinge on a single, transformative moment. - It’s that moment when everything changes. - For example, in one of my recent carousels, I showed how formatting can 4x reach. It’s a powerful realization for those who don’t think about mobile formatting. 2) 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗕𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗱 - “I was once this, but now I am this. I once thought this, but now I think this. I once felt this, but now I feel this.” - Posts that showcase a transformation are inherently compelling. - Highlighting the journey from A to B can be really powerful. 3) 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 - “Stakes are the reason an audience wants to hear your next sentence. They are the difference between a story that grabs the audience by the throat and holds on tight and one that an audience can take or leave.” 4) 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗛𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁 - This is about signaling to the audience what a story is about. - It’s about being direct and upfront. - Don’t “burying the lead” on LinkedIn — get straight to the point. 5) 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗲 - Set the scene for your story.  - Creating more vivid imagery (and visuals) in posts can have a big impact. Even my first attempt at this got 10k views. 6) 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 "𝗕𝘂𝘁" 𝗮𝗻𝗱 "𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲" - “And” stories have no movement or momentum. They are equivalent to running on a treadmill.” - I've been trying to be more intentional about using "but" and "therefore" to create movement. - It's a simple thing, but it makes a big difference in terms of engagement. 7) 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆? 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗜𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲. - Some of my most successful posts have been about small, relatable moments. - Like the post about how kids feel when they get hurt - it wasn't about a big, dramatic event, but it resonated because it was so universal. I'm no storytelling guru. I'm still learning and experimenting and I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences too. Feel free to leave a comment below 👇 If any of this resonates with you, I highly recommend checking out "Storyworthy" by Matthew Dicks. It's a huge inspiration for me. Don't be afraid to try, fail, and learn. That's what I'm doing here every day. ✌️ — 👋 I’m Michael Jaindl. A tech CRO w/ $1B+ in exits. ♻️ Repost this if it's helpful.

Storytelling is science AND art. Those startups that don’t tell stories in their marketing? Yeah, you’ve never heard of them. They never make it to the surface. If you want to captivate your audience, focus on these 3 storytelling techniques: 1/ Tap into the senses I once heard a speaker describe a marketplace. As he spoke, I could almost smell the rich aroma of spices. Cumin, turmeric, coriander. A touch of lavender. The chatter of vendors haggling with customers. Rhythmic clanging of metal pots and pans. The vibrant colors of fresh produce and handwoven textiles. I could almost feel the rough texture of burlap sacks under my fingers. Engaging all five senses makes your audience feel like they’re in the middle of the story. Describe sounds, smells, textures, and tastes. Anchor your story in a tangible setting. Create emotional connections to characters and settings. 2/ Subtext is as powerful as text What’s not said can be more powerful than what’s spoken outright. Think of it as the art of the unspoken — where the real story lies beneath the surface. Use dialogue that hints at deeper meanings (i.e. what’s the character really thinking?) Use actions and reactions to reveal emotions (i.e. show inner conflicts through subtle cues). Build tension with the unsaid and let your audience read between the lines and fill in the gaps. Subtext adds layers and depth. Depth equals engagement. 3/ Contrast is king Juxtaposition makes your story more compelling and memorable. It’s about mixing contrasting elements to surprise and engage your audience. Combine humor with serious themes. Use lighthearted moments to underscore deeper messaging. Mix the ordinary with the extraordinary (i.e. place everyday characters in extraordinary situations). It goes without saying: All of this applies to stories for your startup, across your: → Landing page copy → In-product content → Emails and social posts You name it. Experiment with these techniques. Refine your approach. Stories will transform your messaging from mundane to mesmerizing.

Storytelling is the most underrated skill in the modern world. But most of us are never taught the basics. If you can't craft a compelling story, nobody will believe in what you're selling or doing. 10 storytelling secrets that separate the good from the great: 1. Craft an irresistible hook Your opening scene must be insane. Think Inception or The Dark Knight. You have 8 seconds to grab attention. Make them count. What's the most shocking, intriguing part of your story? Lead with that. 2. Master the Hero's Journey Outline your story in 3 acts: Ordinary World, Challenge, Transformation. Start with your customer's pain point, introduce your solution, show the results. Example: "John struggled with weight. Found our app. Lost 30lbs in 3 months." 3. Be unique or be invisible Identify your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and make it crystal clear. Use the formula: "We're the only [product] that [unique benefit]." Find your unique angle Originality cuts through the noise. Safe stories get ignored. 4. Make it visual Stories become immersive experiences when you stimulate the senses. Use the "Rule of Three" for visual descriptions. Describe: • Sight • Sound • Feeling Eg. "The gym was buzzing with bodybuilders. Weights clanked. Hearts were racing." 5. Embrace conflict A story without struggle is boring. Don't shy away from the hard parts. Consider the "But, Therefore" technique to create tension. Structure: "X happened, BUT Y occurred, THEREFORE Z resulted." Share the worst. It makes your story even more powerful. 6. Use the power of surprise Predictable stories are forgettable stories. What's the one thing about your story that will make people say "I didn't see that coming"? Run with it. The element of surprise locks readers in for the entire journey. 7. Tap into emotions What feeling do you want to evoke? Fear? Hope? Anger? Excitement? Use the "Emotional Journey Map" technique. Plot your story's emotional highs and lows on a graph, ensuring frequent shifts. The more the reader feels, the more they're engaged. 8. Make it personal Generic stories don't move people. Specific details do. Share names, dates, exact numbers. The more specific, the more believable. Don't say "I made money." Say "I made $127,834.56 in 37 days." 9. Create open loops Our brains hate unfinished business. Start stories but don't give readers the full ending. Make them wait for it. Tease a big reveal in your intro. Delay it until the outro. Use curiosity to keep people engaged. 10. End with a call to action Great stories inspire action. What's the one thing you want them to do after hearing your story? Make it clear, make it simple, make it irresistible. The future of your business depends on it. If you enjoyed this and want more in-depth content like this: Join my newsletter to learn my business principles, systems, mental models, and scaling to $20M annual revenue 👇 https://lnkd.in/eVhbA8RE

Storytelling should be a required course for every student and professional. Because it’s the only way to truly change minds. When I first began writing, I realized that without a story, my words only reached the intellect. To truly resonate, writing must touch both the head and the heart. As I began teaching writing, I realized few people truly were taught how to weave story into their writing — especially when writing articles, posts, or books. Here are seven techniques I teach to help weave storytelling into anything you write: 1. Start with a Hook: Your opening lines are your first, and sometimes only, chance to grab your reader's attention. Use an intriguing question, a surprising fact, or a vivid scene to draw them in. 2. Show, Don't Tell: Rather than stating facts or feelings, show them through actions, dialogue, and sensory details. This technique helps readers experience the story rather than just reading it. 3. Create Relatable Characters: Real people are actually characters to those of us who don’t know them. Treat them that way to your readers, and describe them in ways that bring them to life, whether your spouse, boss, or colleague is a character in your story. 4. Build a Compelling Plot: Stories need something to happen —- action. Use conflict and tension to create suspense and propel your story forward. 5. Use Vivid Descriptions: Paint a picture with your words. Descriptions should be vivid but relevant, enhancing the story without overshadowing it. 6. Include Dialogue: Dialogue brings life to your writing. It's a powerful tool for revealing character traits, advancing the plot, and adding realism. 7. Create a Satisfying Conclusion: Your ending should tie up loose ends and leave the reader with something to think about. A great conclusion makes the journey worthwhile. From Theory to Practice In my own journey, whether writing 'Super Mentors' or 'Pennymores', I've learned that storytelling is not just about entertaining. It's a tool for conveying ideas, sharing experiences, and connecting deeply with your audience. Remember, the most effective writing doesn’t just speak to the mind; it speaks to the heart. By mastering storytelling, you’re not just a writer; you become a storyteller, leaving a lasting impact on your readers. Now, it's your turn. Take these principles and weave them into your next piece. Watch as your words gain power and your stories leave imprints on the hearts of your readers. #StorytellingInWriting #NarrativeTechniques #EngagingContent #HeartfeltWriting 📖💡

Have you ever felt like your potential clients are dropping off before they make a purchase? 🤔 Don't worry because I've got some storytelling techniques that will help guide your audience through every stage of the customer journey. As a storyteller myself, I know the power of a good narrative. It's the foundation of creating a connection between your audience and your product or service. By using storytelling, you can help your potential clients see themselves in the shoes of the characters in your story, making it easier for them to understand the benefits and value of what you're offering. Here are some storytelling techniques that have worked for me: 1️⃣ 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: I always start with a personal story that highlights the problem my audience is facing. I provide details and context that make it relatable to my target audience, and then I introduce my product as the solution. 2️⃣ 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Incorporate stories that show real people and their emotions and experiences while using your product. Make the characters relatable to your audience so they can more easily envision themselves having those experiences. 3️⃣ 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹-𝘁𝗼-𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Create a strong call-to-action in your storytelling. Highlight the positive outcomes of those who made the decision to use your product and encourage your audience to take action. 4️⃣ 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆'𝘀 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀: Use storytelling to build a relationship with your customers. Share stories about your company's values, community, and commitment to customer satisfaction. It gives your audience an insight into your brand and makes them feel more connected to your business. Remember to measure the effectiveness of your storytelling. Keep track of engagement, conversion, and customer retention rates. If certain stories aren't resonating with your audience, don't be afraid to tweak them or try new approaches. Now tell me, how have you used storytelling to guide your audience through their customer journey? 👇 Let's keep the conversation going in the comments!