Authentic Storytelling Enhances Your Ability to Succeed: don’t underestimate the power of the human connection

Be human.

When I read an article, I’m looking for you, the writer, to make a connection with me, the reader.

If you want to sell me on a newsletter, a product, or an idea, there must be some level of authenticity in your language.

I’m not looking for you to sell me a car, an idea, or a ploy to convince me how much I could earn monthly from my writing. Why? Because the odds are that many are writing about those things to gain the type of attention that could stir their bank account.

That’s not authentic writing. It’s also not a strategy that will earn my loyalty long-term.

Just be human.

Talk to me about how you wish there were yard sales for all your sorrow after losing someone — so you can let it go with all the other stuff propped up against homemade For Sale signs.

Talk to me about how you overcame a drug or alcohol addiction and the tools you used to recover and succeed.

Tell me how you overcame domestic violence so your story becomes a relatable one.

You must be an authentic storyteller to sell me a story or grow your readership. That is the easiest marketing strategy there is.

Be authentic.

If you write story after story about how you’re an amazing writer, making a monthly figure of $2,000, people will grow tired of reading what you have to say.

They will stop caring because it’s the same story over and over with new, creative Canva images.

When you’re authentic with your readers, they start trusting your words. Your story could be one of the first they reach for. Spend less time convincing people to read your story and more time on the reasons they should.

Importantly, don’t use AI to tell your story if you want to connect with your audience.

Tell it in your own words. Don’t be fake.

AI is great for helping you brainstorm or build an outline for any story, but the content must come from you.

Authentic storytelling isn’t some new kind of crazy trend. It’s a strong strategy that can significantly enhance your marketing effectiveness.

With authentic storytelling, you can engage your audience on a deeper level. You tune in to their emotions. In return, you gain their trust, and through feedback, you make a connection. Connections are awesome.

When you’re authentic, you have the potential to gain more readership, especially if your narrative is relatable. If you’re lucky, your story gets shared.

If you write for earnings, you should create a story that leaves a lasting impression. There’s nothing like having a story that readers are driven to experience. That’s also where loyalty can begin.

So, go and be human. If you want engagement, pursue a conversation with your readers. 

You might be surprised how many people gather around your online campfire.

(Photo by Cathryn Lavery on Unsplash.)

© Cathy Coombs