The Origin Story Effect
Batman. Superman. Harry Potter.
What do these three characters have in common? They all have famous origin stories—the events that made them who they are. And like superheroes, brands need origin stories. (Although most brand origin stories won’t be as dramatic as the story behind “the boy who lived”.)
So What is a Brand Origin Story Anyway?
Your brand’s origin story can be how you came up with the idea for your product, the meaning behind your company name, or the driving force pushing you forward to do what you do. Ultimately, it’s insight into how and why your company became what it is today.
Don’t think of this as just a history of your company. Instead, it’s a way to create and share a narrative that connects with your audience on an emotional level.
It’s what makes you unique.
It’s what sets you apart from your competitors.
It’s what captures the soul of your business.
And that emotional connection helps you build trust and loyalty with your customers. By peeling back the curtain of how and why the brand came to be, customers will connect with and trust you more, and with 41% of customers now believing “brand loyalty” means having an emotional connection to the brand (Khoros 2021), that trust is crucial.
Your brand’s origin story is how you can showcase and communicate your business’s values, mission, and purpose.
Maybe you started your company to help others.
Maybe you’re carrying out a generations-long family tradition.
Maybe it was a lifelong dream of yours.
Maybe there’s something meaningful about where you operate your business.
Maybe you just thought that you could do what you do better than anyone else.
Whatever your story may be, it’s a window into who you & your company are.
Famous Brand Stories
Let’s look at a few famous brands that have equally famous origin stories.
Apple: Apple's origin story begins in 1976, when Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak created the first Apple computer in Jobs' garage.
Coca-Cola: Coca-Cola's origin story dates back to 1886, when pharmacist John Pemberton created a new syrup that he mixed with carbonated water to create a tonic for common ailments.
Starbucks: Starbucks' origin story began in 1971 when three friends opened a small coffee shop in Seattle's Pike Place Market.
Despite their global presence today, these companies all started with humble beginnings.
There’s a reason storytelling has been an artform for centuries: Humans love a good story. It inspires us and makes us feel connected to each other.
So, how can you connect with your audience?
Interested in building out your origin story?
Book a strategy session today for a deep dive to gain more insight, focus, and clarity into your business.