The key to master the art of storytelling is by building profound connections

A brand’s story should be relatable, empathetic, and consistent

In today’s digital age, where content is king and attention spans are shrinking, mastering the art of storytelling is crucial for any brand looking to captivate the hearts and minds of its target audience. In our smartphone industry, things are fiercely competitive and we just cannot keep our focus restricted to specs and features. Our success lies in building profound connections with the audience.

Being an Indian GenZ-focused smartphone brand, we have catered to the unique preferences and interests of our target audience. Whether it is through personalised content or interactive experiences, make your audience feel that your story is their story. I came across this recent branded campaign in India that resonated with its audience, the “Real Beauty” campaign by a popular soap brand. The campaign aimed to challenge traditional beauty standards and promote self-acceptance by featuring real women of different body types, ages, and ethnicities in their advertisements, celebrating the beauty of diversity. The campaign encouraged women to embrace natural beauty and feel confident in their skin. By promoting inclusivity and self-love, the brand successfully connected with its audience and sparked conversations about body positivity and authenticity.

Recent surveys have shown that Gen Z trusts their peers more than traditional advertising. User-generated content for creating campaigns that involve your customers in storytelling should be encouraged. Whether it is through hashtag challenges or product reviews, these authentic voices can build profound connections and trust. Also, storytelling is dialogue and engagement with the audience by responding to comments, messages, and feedback that makes the audience feel heard and valued.

Marketing tactics are evolving for sub-brands and these have immense potential to establish themselves as independent entities, separate from their parent brands. By defining a unique identity, remaining authentic, and consistently engaging their audience, sub-brands can not only emerge from the shadow of their parent companies but also thrive in a fiercely competitive market. Sub-brands should have narratives that resonate with Indian consumers, connect on a personal level, and build strong, lasting relationships.

Himanshu Tandon
Country Head
POCO India

With the emergence of platforms like the Metaverse, a new realm has been opened for brands to explore. By leveraging virtual reality and augmented reality technologies, brands can create immersive experiences that blur the lines between the physical and digital worlds. This allows them to tell stories in a way that is both captivating and interactive, leaving a lasting impression on their audience. Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a powerful tool for brands to enhance their storytelling capabilities. By analysing vast amounts of data, AI algorithms can identify patterns and preferences, enabling brands to tailor their messaging to specific target audiences.

In conclusion, a brand’s story should be relatable, empathetic, and consistent. Use user-generated content, engage in two-way communication, and showcase innovation. The power of storytelling also lies in its ability to evoke emotions. Gen Z is emotionally driven, and a compelling narrative can trigger a strong emotional response. One should utilise technology and engage with your audience through various digital platforms. Storytelling is not just about selling a product; it is about creating a lasting bond with the audience. When the brand’s story resonates with the hearts and minds of Gen Z, one will not only gain customers but also brand advocates who will share the brand’s story far and wide.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET Edge Insights, its management, or its members

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