How to write a great Story

From defining the why to actually laying out words, this guide will walk you through the steps for creating a compelling project Story

image credit: https://steemit.com/story/@akramuddin/how-to-tell-a-story

Introduction

Stories aren't just a way to entertain. They bind us. Even the clearest, most urgent facts need a narrative to raise awareness (and money) for a cause.

Put yourself in the contributors’ shoes. There are so many great crowdfunding causes to consider! If you're not attracted by their origins, goals, or stakes, you won't really understand why one project deserves your money over another.

With that in mind, crafting a great project Story can be daunting, but we’re here to help. With an irresistible narrative, your great idea has a real chance to shine, winning the hearts and mind of people–and attracting funding. Let's dive in.

Preliminaries

Don't be afraid if you don't immediately achieve a clear vision. Defining the why is one of the most important aspect of any crowdfunding project, and it's okay if that alone takes many iterations.

Step 1: Define your why

Without a strong why, the what and the how cease to matter.

Clarifying the why is defining the problem clearly. Without a clear problem there is no reason for anyone to care.

Look at the essence of your campaign, and distill the problem you are trying to solve. This isn't about what your project does, but why it matters on a deeper level.

Example: Let's imagine you are an independent content creator exploring controversial or taboo topics with an open and curious mind. Your why isn't about making videos; it's about breaking the silence on issues that are often ignored, and starting important conversations that help people grow by acknowledging their own biases.

Step 2: Know your community

Research who is most likely to support your project. Understand their values, demographics, and how to speak to them most effectively to get your message across. Example: Your ideal contributors are those who appreciate thought-provoking content and are not afraid to question societal norms. Statistically, you find out that most of them are men between the ages of 20 and 30. Therefore, your message and your language should be one that they can relate with. Find a few adjectives to describe your audience and try to mirror that in your own language. In this example, they might be: bold, courageous, unfiltered, confident, and honest.

Step 3: Make it relatable

No one is looking for a solution to a problem they don't have–or perhaps they aren't aware they have it. Determine who benefits from your project and connect your purpose with your audience's values or experiences. Show how your project echoes or addresses issues they care about.

Example: Emphasize the universal relevance of the issues you are exploring by showing how they touch on fundamental aspects of the human experience–share personal stories, make it relatable. At the same time, be clear about why your cause is particularly relevant to the community you're tapping into.

Step 4: Iterate

Too often creators get so immersed in the what and how of their campaign that they risk creating the perfect solution for themselves, and no one else.

Practice presenting your why to a wide range of people, from friends and family to those in your market niche. Encourage honest feedback, take that into account, and iterate if needed by going back through the previous steps.

You will know when you are done when your why becomes be self-evident–for example, you explain what you're doing and your project immediately comes across as a solution to a problem.

Writing your Story

Be authentic. Authenticity fosters trust and connection. Let your genuine passion and commitment to your project shine through

Step 5: Start with a hook

Open with a compelling question or statement that captures attention. Your goal for now is to grab a visitor's attention and get him to want to stay and read the rest of your content, that's it.

Example: "What if the subjects we avoid were the ones we needed to discuss the most? Join me in discovering untold taboo stories from around the world that are nothing short of eye-opening."

Step 6: Tell your story

People connect with other people; it's in our nature. So share your own personal journey: what events led you to be here now? Why do you care about this cause? Who inspired you to set on this path? How far have you come since you got started?

Example: Share your journey of becoming an independent content creator, the challenges you've faced, how you overcame them, and why you're interested in controversial topics–is there one in particular that you're obsessed about? Why?

Step 7: Show your proof of work

Show your track record, what you've already accomplished and built, so that people trust you and believe you are the right person to accomplish the mission. Otherwise, why should they trust you with their precious funds?

Example: Proudly share your best content and others' comments that highlight the impact of your work.

Step 8: Picture your vision for the future

Discuss the future implications of your project. How will your project affect your field, community, or the world at large? This helps contributors see the bigger picture and understand their role as your supporter.

Example: Picture a world in which many think with their own head and are more aware of their own biases. Share a real-life story of the impact this has had in someone's life, and invite your audience to imagine this impact multiplied by the millions.

Step 9: Ask for support

This is a step that is very difficult for some, but it's absolutely necessary for the success of your project. Quoting Adam Curry, the number one reason people don't give is that they have never been asked to do so. Explicitly state what your audience can do to help: donate, buy one or more rewards, and share your project.

Example: "If you find my work and mission valuable, if I have helped you or someone close to you, know that you can help me bring these important conversations to light so that more people can benefit. Please support my project today by donating on Geyser (no amount is too little!) and share our mission for open dialogue on social media so more people can become aware of this project."

We hope this guide helped you write a great project story. If you find this guide helpful and valuable, you can give us value back by donating to the Geyser project