By Melanie Boylan
When you think of storytelling, do you imagine someone weaving a dramatic tale by a fireside, or a writer pouring over a novel manuscript? Maybe. But in marketing, storytelling is less about drama and more about connection—and no one knows that better than this past guest on The Monday Morning Marketing Podcast: Anne Gould, video and content specialist at Master the Digital Maze. Listen to episode 165 today!
With decades of experience as a journalist and editor, Anne’s content roots go deep. She’s written everything from court stories to glossy magazine features, and what that brings to the world of digital marketing is pure gold.
Finding the Story Where You Least Expect It
Anne reminded us that storytelling doesn’t need to be earth-shattering to be effective. Often, the best stories are the ones we overlook about ourselves. Whether you’re a small business owner, a solo marketer, or someone who thinks your story is “just average,” Anne’s advice is to dig a little deeper—there’s always something unique worth sharing.
It’s not just about being flashy or different; it’s about being real and relatable. And if you’re too close to your own story (aren’t we all?), sometimes you need someone on the outside to help you see the magic in it. That’s where having a content expert—or even a good friend—can make all the difference.
AI: Help, Not Replacement
Let’s talk about the robot in the room. AI tools like ChatGPT have become the shiny new toy in content creation. But Anne—like many of us—isn’t handing over the storytelling reins just yet. And rightly so.
AI can be helpful. It can give you blog ideas, structure your thoughts, or even translate comments in different languages (Anne used it to have a full conversation in Farsi!). But when it comes to adding your voice, your emotion, your personal connection—that’s all you. AI doesn’t know your struggles, your passion, or why your business started in the first place. Only you can bring that into the content.
So yes, AI is a fantastic tool to reduce the heavy lifting—but think of it more like your digital assistant than your ghostwriter.
From Journalist to Marketer: Why It Matters
Anne’s background as a journalist gives her a unique edge. She’s used to looking for stories that connect, and—more importantly—knows how to tell them in a way that draws people in. That’s something we can all learn from, especially as we battle through endless content noise online.
And for anyone worried that their story isn’t “good enough,” here’s a gem Anne shared: even the most ordinary people have extraordinary stories if you take the time to look (and ask the right questions). You don’t need drama—you need authenticity.
Content That Works For You
There’s a lot of pressure these days to be everywhere. TikTok, Reels, LinkedIn, blogs, podcasts… it’s exhausting just reading the list. But Anne was very clear: you don’t have to do it all.
If you’re good at podcasting—do that. If you shine on camera—focus on video. And if writing is your jam—start a blog. Play to your strengths and meet your audience where they are. Not where everyone says you “should” be.
And yes, while AI will absolutely make repurposing content easier (Anne even tested a tool that chopped up a 37-minute video into TikTok-ready clips in minutes), your focus should always be on quality and connection—not churning out stuff just to tick a box.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
- Your story matters—even if you think it doesn’t.
- Use AI to support your creativity, not replace it.
- You don’t need to be on every platform—just the right ones.
- And if you’re stuck, bring in a fresh pair of eyes to help uncover what makes you special.
Content creation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At the end of the day, it’s about showing up as you, connecting with your audience, and letting your story do the work.
Need help figuring out what your story is or where to tell it? That’s what we’re here for. Come back every week for the latest updates and hey, you may even want to do one yourself, let us know!
