How to Find Storytelling Content Ideas
My mom’s views on work made me a quitter. I can’t thank her enough.
Her philosophy: “People spend most of their life at work. You have to love it.”
The last part stuck with me.
Journalism was my first love.
During my 13 year publishing career, I held just about every position in media — from morning news producer to executive magazine editor.
I quit each title as my interests and skills evolved.
The work was satisfying but the lifestyle was not. I craved freedom.
It’s ironic the first piece of business advice I got was to niche down 😅
It’s a one, two gut punch: “pick one thing and never stop talking about it.” 🥊
Jessica Stansberry nailed this frustration in a video on her YouTube channel. She calls it “The Creator Curse," when you want to talk about ideas outside your niche but fear the algorithm will punish you for not sticking with topics you’re known for sharing.
If you’re not satisfied with “niching down” this storytelling strategy is for you.
Storytelling Prompts
How to Find Storytelling Content Ideas
Following the adage, “do more of what’s working,” I used to let algorithms and insights dictate my content more than my interests and love of writing.
I had to pivot.
I restarted with the question: “How can I have more joy in my work?”
What I found was this advice given in every book written on writing:
If you’re bored, your audience is bored.
Post what you’re passionate about is not feel-good bumper sticker wisdom.
It’s the definition of authenticity and it will help you avoid creator burnout.
Transformations are everything.
Brand vision is a transformation.
Storytelling arcs are transformations.
Offers are transformations people buy.
Content pillars are best when they're based on transformations, too. One way is to talk topics that get people closer to the ideal outcome.
Think beyond the obvious.
It's not just mastering a new software or learning a specific marketing technique. It's developing resilience, creativity, or communication
Let's say an accountant’s goal is for women to have financial freedom.
In addition to talking about how her accounting services get them closer to the goal, she could talk about topics that help along the journey.
Discipline
Self-reliance
Basic budgeting
These work because understanding those concepts goes a long way toward financial freedom. Like I mentioned last week, personality is a factor.
Let’s say this accountant doesn't care for discipline. She could discuss financial flexibility on the way to financial freedom, more specifically the mindset, skills, and professional help needed to achieve flexibility on the way to freedom.
A broader scope for the problems you want to solve is a great place to start.
But it's not a good place to end.
Expertise isn't a piece of paper. It's practical experience that gets results.
Connect the dots between topics and your expertise through experiences.
How are you navigating these topics in real life?
What conversations are you having with clients and peers?
How are you handling the ups and downs as a pro in your field?
Insights and viewpoints make generic topics unique to you.
Your story is the difference maker. Use it to create an original niche of one.
Happy Storytelling,
Cyndi
STORYCRAFT MARKETING
These storytelling prompts were originally published in the StoryCraft Newsletter, where entrepreneurs like you learn how to tell stories inspired by their life and real world know how.
