“To succeed in marketing, you have to have a story.” -Me, just now (paraphrasing about a million others since time immortal).
It comes down to this: are you going to tell a story, or are you going to post a sale?
That’s it. That’s the only question that anyone who’s involved in content marketing right now has to answer. Black or white, yes or no.
Want to push products? Fine. I don’t care about you. Want to wow me with your discount? There’s a better one a few clicks away. Your sale is the least unique thing about you.
Go ahead, though. I’m not going to stop you; I’m not even going to try. You’ll find plenty of company. The autotweeters. The push posters. None of you care about me, your customer. You only care about a number. Hits. Jeez. Good luck with that.
But…
If you have a good story, that’s something I can get with. Do you have a million ways to tell it? Is it interesting? Does it involve me?
Sounds like a good start.
Does it look good? Have you planned out the ways you’ll tell it? Is there a way for me to participate? Will I want to?
Beyond that, is it relevant to me? If not, why are you telling me?
Is it written in my voice? Yours? Anyone’s?
Does your story have a hook? What, exactly, is it about what you’re saying that makes you different? What makes you you? (hint: it almost certainly isn’t your prices.)
I know you believe you’re better than your competition, but what are you saying to make me believe that? Because I can do business with anyone I want.
So why should it be you?
Answer these questions, and you’re on your way.
Because those answers are what your story needs to be about. You better write it like your life depends on it.










Actually, I feel pretty cool. Love him or hate him, anyone with half a brain needs to admit: Gary Vee walks the walk. He’s a loudmouth? So what? I’d rather do business with Gary