How To Write a Blog Post Using StoryBrand

Getting words on a page has never been easier. But creating a blog post that truly connects with your audience? That's harder than ever.

Are you finding your content lacks a clear, engaging structure? Do you worry that your articles sound generic and fail to stand out from the noise? If you want to move beyond simply producing content and start creating strategic posts that build trust and guide customers, you need a reliable framework.

That's when I turn to my secret weapon: the StoryBrand framework.

StoryBrand uses the power of story to make marketing clear and compelling. By applying its principles, you can create a blog post that not only captures attention but also guides your reader from start to finish with a human touch.

As a StoryBrand Certified Guide, this is the exact framework I use to write valuable content, and now I'm going to show you how you can use it too.

The StoryBrand blog post template

The beauty of this method is that it’s a repeatable template. Before you write a single paragraph, open a document and lay out these six key story elements. This structure will become the foundation of your entire post.

1. The Controlling Idea: The single message you want your reader to remember.
2. The Hook (The Problem): What problem is your reader facing? How does it make them feel?
3. The Guide (You): How can you show empathy and authority?
4. The Plan (The Body): The 3-4 steps or key ideas that will help your reader.
5. The Stakes & Call to Action (The Closing): What could be lost, and what clear next step should they take?
6. The Success: What does life look like after following your plan?

Now, let's walk through how to fill in each section.

Step 1: Start with a controlling idea

Before you do anything else, you need to define your Controlling Idea.

Taught by Donald Miller, the Controlling Idea is the one, single thought you want to plant in your reader’s mind by the end of the post. It also acts as a filter; for every sentence you write, ask yourself, "Does this support my Controlling Idea?" If it doesn’t, cut it.

For this article, my Controlling Idea is: Using the StoryBrand framework gives you a clear, stress-free template to write compelling blog posts every time.

It’s that simple. Don’t overthink it. Just decide on the one key takeaway for your reader.

Step 2: Write the hook (the introduction)

A great introduction doesn't just state the topic; it hooks the reader by showing you understand their problem. This is where you connect with them on an emotional level.

Start by defining three things:

• What they want: (e.g., To create strategic, engaging posts that build trust.)
• The problem they face (the external problem): (e.g., Their content feels generic and lacks a clear structure.)
• How that problem makes them feel (the internal problem): (e.g., Worried their content isn't connecting and their efforts are being wasted.)

In your introduction, you agitate this problem to make the reader feel seen. In the new introduction for this article, I did this with the questions: “Are you finding your content lacks a clear, engaging structure? Do you worry that your articles sound generic and fail to stand out from the noise?”

By clearly stating the modern-day problem, you show the reader you understand their specific challenge, which makes them eager to hear your solution.

Step 3: Position yourself as the Guide

Now that you've hooked the reader, you need to introduce yourself as their Guide. The one who can help them solve their problem. Think of Yoda from Star Wars, Dumbledore from Harry Potter, or Haymitch from The Hunger Games. They aren't the hero of the story; the reader is. You are simply the trusted advisor.

You do this in two ways:

1. Show empathy: Use simple phrases that show you understand. "I know how it feels," "I've been there too," or "We've seen this challenge with dozens of businesses." This builds connection.
2. Demonstrate competency: Show why you're qualified to help. This isn't about listing awards. It's about demonstrating competence. It can be as simple as, "After helping over 50 clients clarify their message, we developed a simple plan..."

You can weave these elements into the introduction and throughout the post.

Step 4: Give them a plan (the body of the post)

This is the core of your blog post where you deliver the value. The "plan" makes the solution feel achievable.

• Use 3-5 clear headings: These headings should be the main steps or topics you want to cover. For example, a three-step plan, four common mistakes to avoid, or five essential tools for the job.
• Flesh out the points: Under each heading, write the detailed content. Always remember to tie it back to the reader's problem and the Controlling Idea. Each section of your plan should be a step toward solving their problem.

Step 5: Define the stakes and call to action (the outro)

Before you wrap up, you need to explain what's at stake. The "stakes" illustrate what could be lost if the reader doesn'ttake your advice. This creates a sense of urgency and makes your call to action more impactful.

An example of stakes for this post: "Without a framework, you'll continue to waste precious hours staring at a blank screen, time that could be spent growing other parts of your business."

After defining the stakes, give them a clear Call to Action (CTA). Tell them exactly what to do next. Don't be vague. Be direct and clear.

Step 6: Polish and amplify your post

Once you've written the content, the work isn't quite done.

• Edit your work: Take a break and come back with fresh eyes. Read it aloud to catch awkward phrasing. Use a tool like Grammarly to check for errors, but always do a final human review.
• Amplify it: Don't just publish your post and hope for the best. Repurpose your hard work. Break down the key ideas into smaller segments for social media posts, email newsletters, or even video scripts. This helps you reach more people on more platforms and maximises your effort.

Ready to write with confidence?

Without a clear structure, your content will likely blend in with the endless noise of generic, soulless articles online. The time and effort you invest will be wasted if your message doesn't connect, and your potential customers will simply scroll on by.

When you use this framework, everything changes. You'll write with confidence and clarity, knowing that every post is strategically designed to guide your reader. Your message will cut through the clutter, build trust, and position you as the go-to expert in your field. You'll stop just producing content and start creating valuable assets for your business.

If you want to apply this level of clarity to your entire marketing strategy, we can help.

Schedule a call with us today and let's build a marketing message that works.

Editor's Note: This popular article has been fully updated for 2025. While the core StoryBrand principles are timeless, we've revised the content to address the modern challenge of creating an engaging, human-centric blog post in a world full of AI-generated content.