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How to Tell a Story Without Sounding Like a Commercial

By Win Win Jan 4, 2026
How to Tell a Story Without Sounding Like a Commercial

Three patterns that make marketing feel like help, not hype.

People can smell marketing from space. The fix is to stop writing like you're selling and start writing like you're explaining.


Three story patterns

  • Before / After
  • Problem / Attempt / Breakthrough
  • Mistake / Lesson / Shortcut
Story patterns

If you wouldn't say it to a friend, don't publish it.


Quick checklist

  • One audience
  • One problem
  • One proof point
  • One next step

Common mistakes

  • Trying to sound impressive
  • Talking about features instead of outcomes
  • Switching channels weekly

Next step

Pick one idea from this post and test it this week. The fastest way to get value is to turn it into a deliverable you can show someone.