5 Storytelling Trends for 2022

As 2021 winds down, there’s always lots to reflect on as well as look to the future. I mean, where did the past year go? As with every year that goes by, there has been so much change and transformation. So, when it comes to marketing, there has been tremendous growth over the past 12 months… but what does that mean for your marketing strategy in 2022? And, what does it mean looking forward to the Storytelling trends next year?

Now more than ever, storytelling is key, as it allows your customers to become attached to and immersed in your product and your story. When people feel connected to you and your brand, they will be more likely to support you and what you’re selling. With more and more people competing for your customer’s attention, you want to make sure that you’re really making a lasting connection — and effective storytelling is the best way to do that.

As you look ahead to ringing in the new year, here are …

5 Storytelling Trends …

… to look out for that will take your marketing to the next level.

1. Utilize Customer-Led Storytelling

When you’re trying to come up with a marketing strategy, it can be difficult to always come up with authentic genuine stories that revolve around you. If this is something you struggle with, a great and upcoming trend is to utilize your customers and let them tell their stories.

By putting your customers in the spotlight, it allows other consumers to feel connected and able to relate to them. By allowing your customers to speak about their experience finding out about you, buying your products, and being a repeat customer, there is likely lots of overlap that can encourage those on-the-fence buyers to make a move, which is why it will be an emerging storytelling trends for 2022.

Creating Mindful content goes a LONG way!

2. Start Using More Video

It’s no secret by now that video content is more prized than ever before, with the proliferation of TikTok as well as Instagram reels. This is directly related to storytelling, because video allows you to tell stories in a way that is much more difficult through any other medium.

If you want to make it as a profitable storyteller in 2022, start making more videos. The good news is that they don’t have to be professional, budget-breaking videos; simple content that shines a light on your brand and provides a behind-the-scenes look at what you’re up to can be extremely effective.

3. Use Data to Inform Your Storytelling Topics

It can be hard to continuously come up with stories to tell about your brand, so a great way to combat this is to let data give you some insight.

Google Trends can be an invaluable tool to you. Not only is it free, but it allows you to search for keywords and phrases pertaining to your brand and the most popular searches and what part of the world they come from. Having this type of information can help you create content that is in line with consumer interest.

4. Consider Podcasts

Over the past few years, podcasts have absolutely exploded in terms of popularity. And while 2020/2021 weren’t necessarily blockbuster years for podcasts because most of us were at home and not commuting or spending lots of time travelling, they are most certainly making a comeback.

While I’m not necessarily recommending you start your own podcast, it can be very beneficial to associate yourself with podcasts related to your field. It’s an unbelieving format for telling your story and getting your name out there. With the global podcasting industry exceeding 12 billion in 2020, definitely don’t sleep on this trend as we head into the new year!

5. Work with Influencers

Influencers definitely aren’t a brand new trend for 2022, but they do have proven benefits and staying power. However, there will be a shift in the way influencers are allowed to tell their story: traditionally, they weren’t given much creative freedom in how they express or talk about the brand, but with criticism and backlash from consumers, that is starting to change.

Now, influencers will discuss when they are being paid by a brand, so if you can find genuine influencers that use/love your brand, it can be super beneficial. It will come off as authentic and real, and will only help build your credibility.

Which of the storytelling trends for 2022 are you looking to implement into your business?