We’ve all heard it: “Storytelling is powerful.”
And it’s true—stories can captivate, connect, and inspire. But if you’re using stories in your business, there’s a more pointed question you should be asking:
👉 Do stories make you money?
Because in business, likes and follows are great—but they don’t pay the bills. So let’s get real.
Why Most Business Stories Miss the Mark
Too often, business owners focus on two kinds of stories:
- Stories that are fun (or emotional) to tell
- Stories that reveal something about you
There’s nothing wrong with that—until your story turns into a memoir instead of a marketing tool.
If your stories aren’t aligned with your strategy, you’re telling bedtime stories to a business audience. And those don’t convert.
Stories Can Make You Money—If You Use Them Right
Here’s how it works. Stories drive revenue in two distinct ways:
1. Indirectly: Stories as a Marketing Power Tool
Think of stories as high-performance tools in your marketing toolbox. When used strategically, they help you:
- Plan better. You’re not just checking boxes—you’re giving your plans texture and purpose. I even created a workbook to help business owners do just that.
- Clarify your strategy. The stories you tell (or don’t tell) reveal how you position your brand. Want to show you’re client-focused? Share a story where a client succeeded because of your process.
- Explain a concept. Abstract services can feel slippery—until you anchor them in a story. For instance, if you offer a space-booking app, tell a story about someone trying to find a last-minute birthday venue that wasn’t a hotel or a restaurant.
- Understand your client’s world. When you build your client’s “before” story, you speak their language. You write copy with empathy, not ego.
2. Directly: Stories That Sell
Now let’s talk ROI—Return On Story.
Yes, a great story can lead directly to a sale. But it’s not just any story. It has to be:
- Relatable. Your audience sees themselves in it.
- Emotional. Not sappy—just resonant.
- Visionary. It casts a picture of what’s possible.
One business coach I know sells high-end VIP days. She doesn’t start by listing deliverables. She starts with this:
“Imagine yourself having breakfast on a sunlit terrace. No distractions. Then we dive into your business challenge with fresh clarity…”
That story creates space. It isn’t pushy. It invites the listener to step into a better version of their day—and their business.
That’s the power of a well-told sales story.
So… Are Your Stories Making You Money?
If you’re not using stories yet, you’re probably leaving money—and connection—on the table.
If you are using stories but they aren’t converting, it might be time to rethink your approach. Are you telling stories that entertain…or stories that sell?
Strategic stories do more than sound good. They drive results.
Use stories to sharpen your strategy.
Use stories to build connection and open the door to a sale.
And always, always ask: What’s the purpose of this story?
Want a second set of eyes on your story?
If you’re not sure whether your homepage, about page, or landing page is telling the right story, I offer video reviews that give you personalized, honest feedback—with a marketing strategy lens. Click here to learn more and sign up.
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