SlideShare a Scribd company logo
Storytelling’s magic algorithm
Melanie Coulson
@mel_coulson
mcoulson@unitedwayottawa.ca
Let’s make magic…
… and change lives
• Compelling content = conversions, $$
• CC = UA + GS + D x S
STEP 1:
Understand your audience
Know your audience & voice
DM: Write something for her
STEP 2: Tell a great story
We are all
storytellers
MESSAGE
ELEMENTS OF A GOOD STORY:
THE HOOK
ELEMENTS OF A GOOD STORY:
THE CHARACTERS
ELEMENTS OF A GOOD STORY:
THE SETTING
STEP 3:
Decide how to tell your story
Act as a Publisher
• Dwindling traditional media audiences are a
good thing
• Take control of the story on owned
channels
• Create a content team
• Declare a Managing Editor
• Recognize this process is not a light switch
Key planning tool: editorial calendar
Build a story around everything
STEP 4:
Share your story
Crowd sourcing stories of impact
Share to show impact
FTW:
Give every story a purpose
Credit: Tony Fouhse
http://chim.pn/1CMI1Ry
LET’S TALK ABOUT CONTENT
Melanie Coulson
Director, Communications & Content
mcoulson@unitedwayottawa.ca
@mel_coulson

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