A brand story goes beyond introducing your product,it connects with customers emotionally. Your brand may be everywhere, but what makes people remember you and choose to buy?

Today, consumers don’t just buy products, they look for values and messages they can connect with. A compelling brand story helps you stand out, build trust, and make customers willing to spend.

So how do you create a story that touches hearts and drives sales? Let’s explore the Who – What – Why – How model with CHUS and learn how to craft a memorable brand story.

1. What is a Brand Story and the Who – What – Why – How Model

1.1. What is a Brand Story?

A brand story is an introduction to your business or product. It’s how a brand communicates its values, mission, and identity through a compelling story that helps customers feel connected and engaged.

A well-built story answers key questions:

  • Why should customers care?
  • How does your product or service make a difference in their lives?
  • What role do they play in your brand’s story?

1.2.  Who – What – Why – How Model

A great brand story inspires and touches customers’ emotions. The Who – What – Why – How model helps you shape and tell your story logically and persuasively through:

  • Who – Who is telling the story: Your brand is a personality, a voice. How do you want customers to perceive you?
  • What – What does your brand do: You’re not just selling a product, but what value do you bring? What makes you different?
  • Why – Why does your brand exist: This is the most emotional part. What problem is your brand solving? What is your motivation and mission?
  • How – The “behind-the-scenes” truth of your brand: This is where you let customers understand how your products are made and the production process.

The brand storytelling formula that connects with customer emotions

The brand storytelling formula that connects with customer emotions

2.Who – Who is your brand?

Before customers trust and connect with you, they need to know who you are. A brand goes beyond just a logo or product; it includes your personality, mission, and values.

  • Purpose & Mission: What problem does your brand solve? What impact do you want to create for customers and the community?
  • Vision: How do you see the future? Who do you want to be in your industry?
  • Core Values: What principles shape how you operate and grow your brand?

Who – Who is your brand? Define your personality, mission, vision, and core values to connect with customers.

Who – Who is your brand? Define your personality, mission, vision, and core values to connect with customers.

3.What – What does your brand do?

Every brand is created for a reason, with a core product or service. But what sets your product apart from thousands of other options out there? This is the moment to clearly define what you're selling and what makes it unique.

3.1. What product/service does your brand offer?

First, define the product or service your brand provides. It could be:

  • A handcrafted product with artistic value.
  • A convenient service that saves customers time.
  • A creative solution that changes the way users approach a problem.

3.2. What makes your product/service stand out?

A good product is just part of the story, the competitive advantage is the most important chapter. You need to tell that story in a unique way on the market like: 

  • Quality & craftsmanship: Created by skilled artisans.
  • Unique & personalized design: Not mass-produced, customizable to customers' preferences.
  • Sustainable & eco-friendly materials.
  • Special shopping experience: Packaging, attentive customer service.

What – What does your brand do? Define your core product/service, unique points, and competitive advantages to attract customers.

What – What does your brand do? Define your core product/service, unique points, and competitive advantages to attract customers.

4. Why – What drives your brand?

More than just your product or how you operate, customers want to know why your brand exists. A strong brand is always led by a deep belief and a clear mission.

4.1. Core values: Why does your brand exist?

Every lasting brand starts with a bigger purpose:

  • What do you believe in?
  • What change do you want to create?
  • What is the biggest goal your brand is pursuing?

Why – What drives your brand? Define its values, mission, and beliefs to create a lasting impression on customers.

Why – What drives your brand? Define its values, mission, and beliefs to create a lasting impression on customers.

4.2. Mission and beliefs are key to connecting with customers

Customers are drawn to a brand not only because of its product but because they resonate with the brand’s mission and values. When a brand clearly defines its goals and core values, customers trust and connect with it more.

5. How – How does your brand create value?

The next step is to show how your brand brings its mission to life.

5.1. Operations – How do you do it?

More than just advertisements, a strong brand is built through real actions:

  • How are your products/services created?
  • What makes your production process, technology, or materials special?
  • What helps you maintain and grow your core values?

5.2. What makes you different?

In the market, customers have thousands of options. They will choose a brand that clearly stands out. Consider these questions:

  • What do you do better than your competitors?
  • How is your process more efficient?
  • Do you have numbers, certifications, or awards to prove your quality?

How does your brand create value? Showcase its uniqueness through processes, technology, quality, and how you fulfill your mission.

How does your brand create value? Showcase its uniqueness through processes, technology, quality, and how you fulfill your mission.

6. How to tell an engaging brand story?

A powerful brand story does more than deliver facts; it ignites emotions and etches itself into customers' minds. To make this happen, you'll need to:

  • Turn the story into lively images & videos

Instead of just talking about your brand, show your customers the journey. Behind-the-scenes images, production processes, or the founder's story make your brand feel real and memorable.

  • Choose the right tone for your target audience

Every brand has its own "voice." For a luxury brand, the tone should be elegant and refined. For a younger audience, tell the story in a relatable and creative way.

  • Leverage the best platforms

Don’t just tell your story on your website. Take it to Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube – places where customers can easily connect. Short videos about product-making, articles about inspiration, or beautiful brand images will help your story spread further.

Tell a compelling brand story through visuals, the right tone, and suitable platforms.

Tell a compelling brand story through visuals, the right tone, and suitable platforms.

Conclusion

To stand out and build a deep connection with customers, an engaging brand story is essential. Clearly communicating your identity (Who), what you do (What), your purpose (Why), and how you do it (How) will create a solid foundation for your brand’s growth.

Tell your story authentically, choose the right approach, and use the right platforms to spread your message. A strong brand is not just about a good product; it’s about a memorable story.

CHUS: Connecting Quality Local Brands