Storytelling Marketing Statistics: Key Insights for Effective Campaigns

by Cheefoo • Updated on 27 Jan, 2024

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storytelling marketing statistics

This study explores a collection of storytelling marketing statistics.

We're going to check out various data to see how telling stories in marketing influences how people engage with products and brands.

Let's now summarize the important trends and findings from these numbers.


Our summary findings are as follows:

  1. Storytelling marketing has 46% growth.
  2. Effective storytelling can lead to a 30% increase in conversion rates.
  3. 15% would make an immediate purchase if they genuinely loved a brand's story.
  4. 80% of marketers find influencer marketing effective in driving brand awareness and engagement.
  5. 62% of B2B marketers find storytelling effective in content marketing.
  6. 92% of consumers want brands to make ads that feel like stories.
  7. 72% of brand engagement happens on local pages.
  8. 62% find social media is the most popular marketing channels for brand building.
  9. 86% of consumers say authenticity is a key factor in deciding which brands they support.
  10. 64% of consumers want brands to connect with them emotionally.
  11. Storytelling boosts product value by up to 2,706%.

Storytelling marketing has 46% growth

In 2024, storytelling marketing experienced a 46% growth, amounting to an increase search volume of 6.6k over the past five years. This data prompts an exploration into the current trend and level of interest surrounding the use of storytelling in marketing approaches.

chart on storytelling marketing has 46 percent growth

As of 2024, Semrush reported a monthly search volume of 720 for "storytelling marketing" in the United States, followed by Brazil and Mexico, both with 480 searches. Advertisers are bidding $4.17 per click, indicating interest in this approach.

global volume of storytelling marketing keyword

This information is valuable for business aiming to stay current, showcasing that storytelling marketing it’s still a relevant and effective strategy for audience engagement.

Key Takeaway

The growing trend in storytelling marketing emphasizes its effectiveness in engaging audiences.


Storytelling yields 30% higher conversion rates

As business seeks effective strategies for customer engagement, understanding storytelling's impact on conversions becomes crucial.

Storytelling has the potential to increase conversion rates by up to 30%.

chart on storytelling yields 30 percent higher conversion rates

In storytelling, people connect better with stories than raw stats. This emphasizes the importance of emotional bonds in communication.

Harnessing storytelling power fosters stronger audience connections, driving higher conversion rates and customer loyalty.

Key Takeaway

Integrating storytelling into marketing efforts can significantly enhance conversion rates and customer engagement.


15% Buy Immediately with Genuine Brand Stories

In April 2015, a survey of 2000 UK adults revealed that 15% would make an immediate purchase if they genuinely loved a brand's story.

chart on 15 percent buy immediately with genuine brand stories

Additionally, 55% express consideration for future brand purchases, 44% will share the story, if they genuinely love a brand's story.

chart response to beloved brand stories

Understanding storytelling's impact on immediate purchasing decisions offers insights. This knowledge guides effective marketing strategies tailored to consumer preferences.

The younger age group (18-24) displays the highest inclination to make immediate purchases. There is a gradual decrease in percentage over age categories until 55% and above.

chart on people who buy the brand immediately

The persuasive power of storytelling is evident, especially among the younger demographic. They make immediate purchases and consider long-term brand loyalty based on a brand's story.

Key Takeaway

Leveraging compelling brand storytelling has a dual effect. It influences immediate purchases for 15% of consumers. Additionally, it cultivates future brand consideration, emphasizing the long-term impact of narrative-driven marketing.


80% Marketers Favor Influencers for Brand Awareness and Engagement

Marketers aiming to boost brand awareness and engagement should understand the effectiveness of influencer marketing.

In 2019, a significant majority (80%) of marketers found influencer marketing effective, with 35% considering it very effective, while only 5% deemed it ineffective.

chart how effective is influencer marketing

From a consumer perspective, 41% of buyers value influencer marketing for its ability to convey a compelling story that resonates with followers. (source)

The influencer trend is still growing. Steph Smith sums it up in her tweet.

tweet from steph smith on influencer

To leverage influencer marketing effectively, prioritize collaborations that emphasize storytelling. This approach resonates with the audience and drives engagement.

Key Takeaway

With 80% effectiveness, influencer marketing, combined with storytelling, presents an opportunity for brands to improve engagement and awareness.


62% B2B Marketers Value Storytelling in Content Marketing

In 2018, a survey of over 200 digital B2B marketers in the UK and Ireland found that 93% agreed video offers brands more opportunities for storytelling and creativity.

B2B video serves key roles: 62% for brand awareness, 49% for promotion, and 37% for engagement.

chart on 62 percent b2b marketers value storytelling in content marketing

Understanding the significant role video plays in B2B marketing helps tailor strategies for brand awareness, promotion, and engagement.

In 2022, with video creation and consumption at an all-time high, 22.4% of marketers prioritize driving brand awareness, followed by product education (21.6%), customer engagement (18.4%), and lead generation (18.4%).

chart on what are your main goals with video

To capitalize on this trend, start creating videos using a smartphone or free B-roll to harness the power of video marketing.

Key Takeaway

Video is a powerful tool for B2B marketers, with 93% recognizing its potential for storytelling and creativity, while in 2022, driving brand awareness remains a central focus in video marketing strategies.


92% want brands to create story-like ads

92% of consumers express a desire for brands to create ads that evoke a storytelling feel.

Exploring this stat is crucial to understand the consumer preference for narrative-driven advertising.

chart on 92 percent want brands to create story-like ads

Why are story-like ads preferred? The answer becomes clear: branded stories are 22 times more engaging.

stats on stories are 22x more memorable-than facts

The outcome? 55% consider buying the brand in the future if the story is good. 

To engage consumers effectively, prioritize storytelling in ad campaigns to align with the majority preference.

Key Takeaway

92% of consumers desire ads with storytelling elements, emphasizing the importance of narrative-driven content in advertising.


72% of brand engagement happens on local pages

In 2018, 72% of brand engagement occurred on local pages. (source).

"Local pages" refer to service or product pages specifically crafted to target local customers.

This highlights the effectiveness of localized content. It drives high-value engagements, including comments, direct messages, shares, and reviews.

chart on 72 percent of brand engagement happens on local pages

In 2022, localized content outperforms non-localized content by 12 times. Businesses not using local strategies may miss potential customers and sales.

Enhance engagement by incorporating storytelling into your local content, tapping into the effectiveness of localized strategies.

Key Takeaway

72% of brand engagement happened on local pages. This highlights the effectiveness of using localized content, especially when incorporating engaging stories for authentic connections with the audience.


62% Prefer Social Media for Brand Building

In 2023, 62% of brand building decision-makers prioritize social media as the most popular marketing channel, followed by streaming TV and traditional TV.

chart on 62 percent prefer social media for brand building

Here's the breakdown:

Most popular marketing channels for storytelling in UK

chart most popular marketing channels for storytelling

According to HubSpot, short-form video content, such as TikToks and Instagram Reels, is considered the most effective type of social media content.

39% aim to enhance brand awareness and reach new audiences in their social media strategy.

chart on primary goals of social media strategy 2021 vs 2022

Leverage short-form videos on social media like TikToks and Instagram Reels to effectively share your brand story within a limited timeframe.

Key Takeaway

62% of brand builders favor social media, especially short-form videos, highlighting the significance of these channels in effective brand building and reaching new audiences.


86% Value Authenticity in Brand Support Decisions

In 2017, a survey of over 2000 consumers in the UK, UK, and Australia found that 86% consider authenticity a key factor in supporting brands.

chart on 86% of consumers say authenticity is a key factor in deciding which brands they support

The most authentic content is created by consumers (60%), followed by brands (20%), and stock imagery (8%).

chart on what kind of content is most authentic

When brands are perceived as lacking authenticity or being too corporate, 20% of individuals unfollow these brands on social media.

chart on 20 percent unfollowed brands on social media corporate inauthentic content

To resonate with consumers, prioritize authenticity by incorporating content created by consumers and employees.

Key Takeaway

86% of consumers value authenticity, with user-generated content being the most trusted, emphasizing the importance of genuine brand representation.


64% want brands to emotionally connect with them

In 2018, a survey of over 1000 US consumers revealed that 64% want brands to emotionally connect with them, while 49% expect brands to unite people toward a common goal.

chart on 64 percent want brands to emotionally connect with them

Here's the breakdown:

chart on what consumers want from brands

When customers feel connected to brands, 57% increase spending, and 76% choose them over competitors.

To build brand loyalty, focus on creating emotional connections with consumers.

Key Takeaway

64% of consumers desire emotional connections with brands, and 84% make purchases from brands they emotionally connect with, emphasizing the significance of emotional engagement in consumer relationships.


Storytelling boosts product value by up to 2,706%

In a study by journalist Robert Walker and writer John Glenn, pairing a story with a product increases its value by up to 2,706%.

chart on storytelling boosts product value by up to 2,706 percent

Listening to a story triggers oxytocin production, fostering trust and connection, and enhancing affinity toward a product.

Craft compelling stories to increase the perceived value of your product or service.

Key Takeaway

Pairing a story with a product can amplify its value by up to 2,706%, emphasizing the significant impact of storytelling in product perception.


Wrapping Up

To sum up, the storytelling marketing stats highlight a big boost in conversion rates, brand engagement, and product value.

Now, brands can use storytelling by creating engaging narratives, connecting emotionally, and using short videos for better engagement.

Looking forward, as storytelling becomes more popular, more brands and individuals will likely join in. The key to winning will be telling authentic stories that connect with people.

Cheefoo


Cheefoo is all about technology and good content. He loves picking up marketing skills, and teaching himself new things like SEO. He's always excited to learn more and share his knowledge with others.

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