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The Undeniable Power of Storytelling

September 15, 2023
Emma Hessen

Once Upon a Time...

Picture this: Before the age of Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, marketing was like a one-way conversation. Brands would shout from their towering billboards, "Buy our stuff!" And we, the consumers, would nod like bobbleheads, often tuning out the noise. 

But then, the art of storytelling emerged. It’s the timeless thread that runs through every era and medium of marketing. From ancient cave paintings to today's social media posts, stories are what make us human. 

The Relatability Factor

Relatability in storytelling is like finding your spirit animal in the wild. It's that moment when a brand's story feels so much like your own Saturday morning that you can't help but laugh. Imagine scrolling through your feed and stumbling upon a brand's post that makes you go, "Wait, they totally get me!" It's all about those little nods, shared experiences, and relatable quirks that make you feel like the brand is speaking your language. When storytelling hits the relatability jackpot, it's not just marketing – it's like having a heart-to-heart chat with your friend who gets what makes you tick.

Case Study: Woolworths ‘Beauty is You

Each of us possesses a remarkable story, one that's unfiltered, genuine, and sometimes even lighthearted, but always worth sharing. It's a narrative that transcends the surface-level perceptions of beauty that society often projects onto us.

Enter our 'Beauty is You' campaign in partnership with Woolworths Beauty – an influencer-led campaign that ignited a movement inspiring people to embrace and share their own unique stories while redefining their personal notions of beauty. 

We joined forces with Woolworths Beauty, harnessing the power of storytelling to showcase genuine, inclusive, and diverse tales, all with the aim of inviting South Africa to participate in this transformative dialogue.

Our mission was to encourage the entire nation to share their stories, their journeys towards self-discovery and acceptance. We weren't just here to speak; we were here to listen, to be an integral part of the conversation, and to support everyone along their individual paths to recognizing their own unique beauty. We took a bold step by challenging conventions and championing individuality through the art of authentic storytelling.

The result? A collection of 100 remarkably diverse and beautiful stories. These narratives spanned generations, cities, genders, religions, skin types, skin conditions, and clothing sizes, proving that beauty knows no boundaries or limitations.

In the end, our collaboration with Woolworths became more than just a campaign; it became a celebration of individuality, a tribute to authenticity, and an invitation for everyone to share their unique beauty with the world.

An image showing the faces on the Beauty Is You Campaign for Woolworths Beauty
Some of the beautiful faces on the campaign. Cick on the image to see more!

Emotion is the Key

In the grand tapestry of storytelling, emotions are the threads that weave the most vibrant patterns. We remember how a story made us feel long after we've forgotten the details. That's the power that marketers can harness by evoking emotions through storytelling.

Remember the iconic "Share a Coke" campaign? It wasn't just about drinking a cola; it was about sharing moments, building connections, and celebrating individuality. 

By personalising their cans with popular names, Coca-Cola tapped into the deep well of emotions associated with friendship, connection, and nostalgia. People weren't just buying a drink; they were buying into a feeling, a sense of belonging that went beyond the fizz. 

The Neuroscience of Storytelling

Let's take a quick peek into the science behind storytelling's success. Neurologically, our brains are wired to respond to stories. The release of oxytocin during emotional moments in a story creates a sense of trust and connection. This chemistry primes an audience to form lasting bonds with the brands that craft these narratives. 

Influencers and Storytelling: The Perfect Match

So, who are the faces behind a good story? Enter influencers and brands.

Influencers are like your friends who always have the best stories to share. They bring their real-life scenarios to your screen, whether they’re traversing a new city or checking out a new restaurant for the gram. But when teaming up with a brand – It's like your favorite characters from different TV shows colliding for a crossover episode you can’t help but binge-watch.

Brands step in with their lineup of products and influencers are the master storytellers who give these products their own unique twist. Picture an influencer talking about their new Apple watch. They've integrated into their routine. It's not just an accessory; it's like a sidekick in their journey to staying fit.

Brands provide the foundation and influencers add the personal flair. This mix of authenticity and brand messaging creates a connection that feels comfortable, and also informative enough to teach you a thing or two. 

Stories Spark Action

Stories are not just for entertainment; they are catalysts for action. When influencers share how a product has positively impacted their lives, they're inviting their followers to take action. This isn't about pushy sales pitches; it's about inspiring people to be part of something bigger.

Think about reading a story that motivates you to take a leap of faith or try something new. Stories encourage customers to take action, whether it's making a purchase, subscribing to a newsletter, or supporting a cause. That’s the power of influencer marketing. 

Case Study: TS x Nike: Progress Redefined

In 2022 we teamed up with Totalsports and Nike to motivate young women to redefine their definition of “progress”. This campaign was all about inspiring women through unique stories of passion, function and support. 

Through authentic and honest content, we wanted to create something that encouraged young women to redefine progress while on their personal active journey, and to look at Nike as the brand that pushes them to perform like a champion, and look damn good doing it. 

#ProgressRedefined launched the latest Nike Set available at Totalsports using 6 incredible young women all at varying levels of fitness. Each shared their individual and unique definition of what progress means to them. Working with women of different races, ages, cities and fitness niches, we were able to change the perception of progress, increase brand credibility and product awareness. Totalsports quickly sold out of the new Nike packs online and in store. 

Here are just a few of our favourite pieces of content that came out of the campaign:

Ninah Bailey for Totalsports Progress Redefined Campaign with People Have Influence
Ninah Bailey
Kayla Tasmian for Progress Redefined Total Sports with People Have Influence
Kayla Tasmian
Eljoné Kruger for the Progress Defined Total Sports Campaign with People Have Influence
Eljoné Kruger

The Power of a Good Story 

Stories have a unique power – they stick in our minds like Velcro. That's because our brains are wired to remember narratives better than cold, hard facts. When your brand becomes the protagonist of a compelling story, you're not just selling a product or service; you're building a memorable experience.

Let Us Help You Tell Your Own Story

Here at People Have Influence, we specialise in turning your brand narrative into a tangible experience using the right influential people to bring it to life. Our approach is thorough and meticulous – finding the perfect match between influencer and brand is our forte, and our track record speaks for itself. 

Curious about what collaborating with an influencer marketing agency like us entails? In essence, our mission is to breathe life into your brand through the authenticity of human connections and storytelling. We're here to guide you through every step – from identifying the influencer whose style aligns with your brand to executing campaigns with precision and tracking their success. 

If you're looking to elevate your brand through meaningful storytelling, don't hesitate to reach out. We can’t wait to connect and to transform your brand’s message into a resonant and impactful narrative.

Get in touch with us today and let’s chat about how we can incorporate storytelling into your marketing strategy, or head on over to @peoplehaveinfluence_ on Instagram where you’ll find us doing what we do best.

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The Undeniable Power of Storytelling

September 15, 2023
Emma Hessen

Once Upon a Time...

Picture this: Before the age of Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, marketing was like a one-way conversation. Brands would shout from their towering billboards, "Buy our stuff!" And we, the consumers, would nod like bobbleheads, often tuning out the noise. 

But then, the art of storytelling emerged. It’s the timeless thread that runs through every era and medium of marketing. From ancient cave paintings to today's social media posts, stories are what make us human. 

The Relatability Factor

Relatability in storytelling is like finding your spirit animal in the wild. It's that moment when a brand's story feels so much like your own Saturday morning that you can't help but laugh. Imagine scrolling through your feed and stumbling upon a brand's post that makes you go, "Wait, they totally get me!" It's all about those little nods, shared experiences, and relatable quirks that make you feel like the brand is speaking your language. When storytelling hits the relatability jackpot, it's not just marketing – it's like having a heart-to-heart chat with your friend who gets what makes you tick.

Case Study: Woolworths ‘Beauty is You

Each of us possesses a remarkable story, one that's unfiltered, genuine, and sometimes even lighthearted, but always worth sharing. It's a narrative that transcends the surface-level perceptions of beauty that society often projects onto us.

Enter our 'Beauty is You' campaign in partnership with Woolworths Beauty – an influencer-led campaign that ignited a movement inspiring people to embrace and share their own unique stories while redefining their personal notions of beauty. 

We joined forces with Woolworths Beauty, harnessing the power of storytelling to showcase genuine, inclusive, and diverse tales, all with the aim of inviting South Africa to participate in this transformative dialogue.

Our mission was to encourage the entire nation to share their stories, their journeys towards self-discovery and acceptance. We weren't just here to speak; we were here to listen, to be an integral part of the conversation, and to support everyone along their individual paths to recognizing their own unique beauty. We took a bold step by challenging conventions and championing individuality through the art of authentic storytelling.

The result? A collection of 100 remarkably diverse and beautiful stories. These narratives spanned generations, cities, genders, religions, skin types, skin conditions, and clothing sizes, proving that beauty knows no boundaries or limitations.

In the end, our collaboration with Woolworths became more than just a campaign; it became a celebration of individuality, a tribute to authenticity, and an invitation for everyone to share their unique beauty with the world.

An image showing the faces on the Beauty Is You Campaign for Woolworths Beauty
Some of the beautiful faces on the campaign. Cick on the image to see more!

Emotion is the Key

In the grand tapestry of storytelling, emotions are the threads that weave the most vibrant patterns. We remember how a story made us feel long after we've forgotten the details. That's the power that marketers can harness by evoking emotions through storytelling.

Remember the iconic "Share a Coke" campaign? It wasn't just about drinking a cola; it was about sharing moments, building connections, and celebrating individuality. 

By personalising their cans with popular names, Coca-Cola tapped into the deep well of emotions associated with friendship, connection, and nostalgia. People weren't just buying a drink; they were buying into a feeling, a sense of belonging that went beyond the fizz. 

The Neuroscience of Storytelling

Let's take a quick peek into the science behind storytelling's success. Neurologically, our brains are wired to respond to stories. The release of oxytocin during emotional moments in a story creates a sense of trust and connection. This chemistry primes an audience to form lasting bonds with the brands that craft these narratives. 

Influencers and Storytelling: The Perfect Match

So, who are the faces behind a good story? Enter influencers and brands.

Influencers are like your friends who always have the best stories to share. They bring their real-life scenarios to your screen, whether they’re traversing a new city or checking out a new restaurant for the gram. But when teaming up with a brand – It's like your favorite characters from different TV shows colliding for a crossover episode you can’t help but binge-watch.

Brands step in with their lineup of products and influencers are the master storytellers who give these products their own unique twist. Picture an influencer talking about their new Apple watch. They've integrated into their routine. It's not just an accessory; it's like a sidekick in their journey to staying fit.

Brands provide the foundation and influencers add the personal flair. This mix of authenticity and brand messaging creates a connection that feels comfortable, and also informative enough to teach you a thing or two. 

Stories Spark Action

Stories are not just for entertainment; they are catalysts for action. When influencers share how a product has positively impacted their lives, they're inviting their followers to take action. This isn't about pushy sales pitches; it's about inspiring people to be part of something bigger.

Think about reading a story that motivates you to take a leap of faith or try something new. Stories encourage customers to take action, whether it's making a purchase, subscribing to a newsletter, or supporting a cause. That’s the power of influencer marketing. 

Case Study: TS x Nike: Progress Redefined

In 2022 we teamed up with Totalsports and Nike to motivate young women to redefine their definition of “progress”. This campaign was all about inspiring women through unique stories of passion, function and support. 

Through authentic and honest content, we wanted to create something that encouraged young women to redefine progress while on their personal active journey, and to look at Nike as the brand that pushes them to perform like a champion, and look damn good doing it. 

#ProgressRedefined launched the latest Nike Set available at Totalsports using 6 incredible young women all at varying levels of fitness. Each shared their individual and unique definition of what progress means to them. Working with women of different races, ages, cities and fitness niches, we were able to change the perception of progress, increase brand credibility and product awareness. Totalsports quickly sold out of the new Nike packs online and in store. 

Here are just a few of our favourite pieces of content that came out of the campaign:

Ninah Bailey for Totalsports Progress Redefined Campaign with People Have Influence
Ninah Bailey
Kayla Tasmian for Progress Redefined Total Sports with People Have Influence
Kayla Tasmian
Eljoné Kruger for the Progress Defined Total Sports Campaign with People Have Influence
Eljoné Kruger

The Power of a Good Story 

Stories have a unique power – they stick in our minds like Velcro. That's because our brains are wired to remember narratives better than cold, hard facts. When your brand becomes the protagonist of a compelling story, you're not just selling a product or service; you're building a memorable experience.

Let Us Help You Tell Your Own Story

Here at People Have Influence, we specialise in turning your brand narrative into a tangible experience using the right influential people to bring it to life. Our approach is thorough and meticulous – finding the perfect match between influencer and brand is our forte, and our track record speaks for itself. 

Curious about what collaborating with an influencer marketing agency like us entails? In essence, our mission is to breathe life into your brand through the authenticity of human connections and storytelling. We're here to guide you through every step – from identifying the influencer whose style aligns with your brand to executing campaigns with precision and tracking their success. 

If you're looking to elevate your brand through meaningful storytelling, don't hesitate to reach out. We can’t wait to connect and to transform your brand’s message into a resonant and impactful narrative.

Get in touch with us today and let’s chat about how we can incorporate storytelling into your marketing strategy, or head on over to @peoplehaveinfluence_ on Instagram where you’ll find us doing what we do best.

Liked this Blog? You May Be Interested In These:

People Have Influence Blog - The Art Of Storytelling Through Influencer Marketing
The Art Of Storytelling Through Influencer Marketing
People Have Influence Blog - Content We Are Proud Of Series
Content We Are Proud Of Series
People Have Influence Blog - We’ve Got Your Influencer Marketing Strategy for 2025 Sorted.
We’ve Got Your Influencer Marketing Strategy for 2025 Sorted