Storytelling is not just a “nice-to-have” marketing tactic. It’s an essential part of building relationships with our audiences. When you’re marketing to people with disabilities, the stakes are even higher—and the opportunities for storytelling are endless.
The NDIS program provides funding for people with disabilities and their carers to gain access to the services they need. It’s a huge undertaking that can only be understood if you’re part of the community it serves.
That’s where storytelling comes in.
Stories give us context and help us understand what something means, how it works, or why someone did something. Stories help us empathise with others, which we all desperately need as humans to function as a society. In this article, we’ll explore how you can use storytelling as part of your NDIS marketing strategy to build a connection with your audience and inspire change in their lives.
Storytelling and the NDIS
Storytelling in marketing can help NDIS businesses succeed in the industry by humanising their brand through the power of personal stories. By sharing the real-life stories of NDIS participants, you can connect with their audience emotionally, creating a more profound sense of empathy and understanding.
By sharing unique and compelling stories, your company can stand out from competitors and establish itself as a thought leader. This can attract new participants and build a loyal participant base over time.
Below are powerful strategies you can adopt to build a stronger connection with your participants through storytelling.
- Share personal stories of NDIS participants and their families on social media or the business’s website. If you don’t have a website, consider having one. 21 Webs offers powerful marketing solutions from website to social media marketing strategies.
- Use video testimonials to showcase the impact of the NDIS on people’s lives.
- Create blog posts or articles highlighting the personal stories and experiences of NDIS participants and their families.
- Host events or webinars where participants can share their stories and experiences.
- Use storytelling to break down stereotypes and promote greater understanding and acceptance of disability.
- Incorporate personal stories into advertising campaigns to create a deeper emotional connection with potential participants.
- Use storytelling to demonstrate the business’s expertise and commitment to providing personalised and compassionate services.
- Create a podcast series featuring the personal stories of NDIS participants and their families.
- Use storytelling to inspire and motivate people, giving hope and encouragement in difficult times.
- Incorporate storytelling into the business’s branding strategy to establish the company as a thought leader.
Building Relationships Through Storytelling
Building relationships and trust among the community of individuals with a disability is critical for NDIS companies to succeed in the industry. Actively engaging with the district, listening to their needs, hosting events, attending community gatherings, and participating in online forums and social media groups are all effective ways to achieve this. By genuinely showing interest in the community and their experiences, you can establish your company as a reliable source of support and information, building trust with their participants.
You can further build relationships and trust by providing exceptional customer service. This means being highly responsive to inquiries and concerns, providing clear and concise information, and consistently following through on commitments. By delivering top-notch service, you can foster a sense of loyalty among participants, building a positive reputation in the community.
Being transparent in all business dealings is another key aspect of building relationships and trust. This involves being upfront about fees and charges, providing clear and accurate information about services, and being open to feedback and criticism. By demonstrating a commitment to transparency and honesty, you can be known as a reputable and trustworthy business within the community.
1. Hero stories and why they are important for business
Hero stories are powerful narratives that showcase individuals who have overcome challenges achieved success, and positively impacted the world. These stories are important for businesses because they can inspire and motivate employees, build brand awareness, and create a deeper emotional connection with participants.
2. Personal stories have a power that facts don’t.
Sharing personal stories from NDIS participants and their families can help businesses create a deeper emotional connection with potential participants, promote greater understanding and acceptance of disability, and showcase the diversity and complexity of people’s experiences. Personal stories can break down stereotypes and misconceptions about disability and showcase how the NDIS can positively impact people’s lives.
3. Personal stories are about people, not businesses.
Personal stories are a great way for NDIS providers to connect with individuals with disabilities. They help them see that the business understands their needs and is willing to go the extra mile to provide personalised care. Personal stories work especially well when they come from the provider’s staff, who can discuss their experiences as part of the disability community.
4. People believe in stories.
People believe in stories, and stories have been used for centuries to communicate ideas and values. In NDIS marketing, personal stories can help potential participants and their families understand the real-life impact of disability and how the NDIS can make a positive difference in their lives. People believe in stories because they are a powerful way to communicate ideas and experiences. In NDIS marketing, they can create a deeper emotional connection with potential participants and their families.
5. Stories are empathetic.
Stories are a powerful way to create empathy and connection, helping potential participants and their families feel understood and supported. They can also inspire and motivate people, giving hope and encouragement in difficult times. Stories can be used to showcase the human side of the business, demonstrating that it is more than just a service provider but a partner in the journey towards a better life.
6. Stories can show expertise in action.
By sharing stories from people who have used their services, businesses can show potential participants they have experience helping people navigate the complexities of the NDIS. They can also show that they have highly trained staff knowledgeable about the scheme.
How do you inspire through storytelling?
When businesses tell stories of overcoming adversity, they can inspire potential participants and their families to believe in their ability to overcome challenges. By focusing on the human side of the story–the emotions and experiences of those involved–, businesses can create a deeper emotional connection with their audience. Additionally, highlighting positive outcomes achieved through perseverance and hard work can provide hope and encouragement to those struggling with similar challenges.
How are stories or storytelling used in marketing?
Storytelling is a powerful marketing tool that emotionally connects potential participants. Personal stories in NDIS marketing showcase the real-life impact of disability and the positive difference the NDIS can make. Sharing these stories demonstrates expertise and compassion and breaks down stereotypes.
Final Thoughts
We’ve seen how stories can be used to connect with people, inspire them, and help them realise their full potential. With the right story, you can captivate an audience and make them feel part of something bigger than themselves.
The power of storytelling is undeniable and can be used in any marketing campaign. Whether you want to get your product out there or communicate the value of your services, storytelling is one way to do that.
If you’re looking to start or expand your engagement in NDIS marketing, 21webs can help. Our team of experts can work with you to develop a personalised strategy incorporating storytelling and other effective marketing techniques. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you succeed in your marketing efforts.
