Episode 9: Storytelling Trends for 2026: What's In, What's Out, and What's Next
Make it feel real. Make it sell. Make it last.
A field report from the real world (not the algorithmic echo chamber): what creators, founders, and content-led brands are actually shifting toward in 2026—and how to recalibrate your writing so it resonates and converts.
In this solo episode, I synthesize on-the-ground conversations from a DC summit of newsletter writers and podcasters, my own R&D, and client work to map the new rules of story-driven growth in a post-hype, post-AI-glitter era.
Here’s what we cover:
What’s out: AI-fluff and copy-paste brand voices—why audiences can feel the disconnect and are opting for unmistakably human writing.
What’s in: emotional resonance as a safety signal—how mind–body–soul storytelling rebuilds trust in crowded markets.
Ethical sales as the norm—clear pricing, tangible promises, and transparent context replacing bro-y “wins” and vague case studies.
Story-first funnels—longer, warmer nurture that centers narrative over gimmicks so decisions feel confident, not coerced.
Buyer behavior shifts for 2026—more research, slower cycles, and what your site, newsletter, and LinkedIn now must answer upfront.
The long-form revival—why depth pieces (and meatier emails/posts) are outperforming bite-sized takes for authority and conversion.
How to future-proof your voice—using assistive tools without losing authorship, so your content sounds like you on your best writing day.
Where to invest next—staff writers, sharp ghostwriters, and internal sales literacy to keep quality high and message aligned.
Whether you’re running a content-led brand or writing for one, this episode gives you a practical compass for 2026: write what only you can write, sell with radical clarity, and let story do the heavy lifting.
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