By now I’m sure I sound like a broken record when I tell you how important storytelling is for your business. It is the glue that connects you with your customers and if you are not using it, you are missing out on one of the most organic and authentic branding hacks out there.
Successful companies use stories every day to drive sales and shape their customer experience, and today I want to show you just how impactful storytelling can be by looking at Airbnb as an example.
Airbnb has mastered the art of sharing customer experience stories through multiple mediums – from blogs to YouTube videos, and even their own Airbnb magazine that provides travel tips, guest perspectives, and an inside look into various rental properties.
Through their stories, Airbnb makes you, the customer, feel connected to the cities you plan to visit, the people who host your stay, and the experiences you can share with your loved ones.
They use storytelling to open your mind to the potential that your vacation can be something more enriching than you expected.
Here are a few examples of some of the stories that Airbnb has shared in the last few years:
- How to host holidays at an Airbnb, because not everyone has the space to host family at their home and a getaway is sometimes nice for everyone
- The inspiration behind creatively designed homes across the globe, so that you can understand the history and thinking that went into each aspect of the space
- How to make the best of your vacation with personalized experiences, because why book a large group tour when you can learn about the city you are visiting 1:1 with a local guide or experience the culture for yourself through a cooking class in someone’s home
- Customer experiences (e.g., travelling solo, living in small spaces, finding community, travelling with kids/teenagers, etc.), so that you can feel connected to the many other human beings who find a home away from home with Airbnb every day
- Host perspectives, such as why one host feels so passionate about sharing heritage craft-making skills that were passed down through their family for generations
These are just a few examples, but hopefully, by now you can see how these stories can connect people with your brand and invite them to take action.
Airbnb is truly a leader in the space of story selling and has transformed local rentals into luxury community experiences.
Story selling isn’t just for big companies, you can use it to make an impact too! Stay tuned for more examples of companies that are using storytelling to organically grow their brands.
Ready to make a bigger impact and share your stories or those of your customers?
Book a consultation call with me and I would be happy to discuss some options with you!
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