In the world of storytelling, small businesses already have everything they need to stand out.

They are run and staffed by real local people with a real history. They operate with genuine values serving genuine customers they know the names of. Real storytelling moments happen every single day in a small business.

What small businesses don’t always have however is the ability to tell these stories well. Big brands and organisations can buy attention, whereas small local businesses have to earn it.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to sell ‘too hard’ as a small business. A local grocer who offers a 20% discount on seasonal veg will still be more expensive than the supermarket. You need to give your customers a better reason to buy as typically your product just isn’t price elastic at that level.

Your real customers, those that will keep coming back, will do so because they read and buy-in to your stories…

👉 Why the shop or restaurant opened in the first place

👉 The regular who comes in every Friday at the same time for 10 years

👉 The mistake you made, what it cost you and what you learned from it

👉 Your passion and the effort you put in behind the scenes to make everything happen

Trust me, this type of credibility is really hard to achieve with any authenticity for the big brands, but a small business can access this stuff with ease. Done properly, you humanise your Café, you demonstrate trust as a local tradesperson and you can make your shop part of the local community.

💡The truth that most people miss is that you don’t need to write more, you just need to write better. One good story on social media a week will outperform 100 forgettable posts.

If you are a small local business, your size isn’t a disadvantage, it’s your biggest storytelling asset. Use it.

❤️ Send me a message directly and I’ll send you 3 story ideas tailored to small businesses that you can post immediately. 

KL x

Image Credit: Huge thanks again to Megan at Kale & Corn for letting me use this proposal as part of my own marketing. I appreciate it. If any of my network are looking for a delicious and natural alternative to supermarket grocery shopping, these guys are awesome.