9 Inspirational Quotes That Will Have You Telling Better Stories

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We can all get into a rut and sometimes we just need a little advice from someone that understands. We asked some of North America’s top storytellers to give us their advice on creating great content. These quotes are excerpts from Pressboard’s Epic Guide to Content Marketing [link]. You can download the entire 50+ page eBook by clicking here [link].

On standing out

Have a point of view. Great content should impact, inspire or move the reader. Fight the urge to play it safe.

Michael Monroe
VP of Marketing and the Head of Forbes BrandProductions

Stand for something deeper and have purpose in your storytelling, no matter how subtle. Emotion is the key to a true connection and therefore will lead to a conversation and loyalty.

Anna Plaks
VP of Brand Experiences at Refinery29

In a crowded content marketplace, the key to standing out is providing a unique perspective on the world, through a lens only you can offer.

Ryan Holmes
CEO of Hootsuite

For standout results, blend in! Content that gels with its native, editorial environment resonates with readers and drives brand success.

Laura Kalehoff
Director at Hearst Content Studio

On empathizing with your audience

Be objective. Take a step back. If you don’t want to read or watch your branded content, then there is no way that your audience will.

Paul Sundue
Executive Director, Studio at Gawker Media

It’s not about the story I want to tell. It’s about the story my audience needs to hear.

Ryan Galloway
Director of Content services at Contently

Ask yourself “will someone share this?” If the answer is no or maybe, go back to the drawing board.

Michael Davis
Senior Director of Branded Content at Complex

Think about the readers. What do they want to know, feel, learn? Then figure out the single most exciting way to give it to them. #empathy

Bill Shapiro
Director of Editorial & New Business Ventures at Fast Company

Make smart people smile.

Eric Korsh
Director at Mashable Studios