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Crafting Holly's origin story: The power of storytelling in marketing campaigns

Updated: Feb 3


A compelling story is your most powerful tool to engage audiences and create a memorable brand image. When we set out to create the campaign for Holly, the Christmas Octopus, we knew that her origin story would play a significant role in defining the campaign's identity and appeal.


The creation of Holly’s backstory

Creating an intriguing backstory for Holly was a creative and thoughtful process. We aimed to craft a story that was not only engaging but also embodied the spirit of our campaign – festive, fun, and family-friendly.


Holly wasn't just any octopus; she was a Christmas-loving octopus who had journeyed from the sea to Torbay, spreading holiday cheer along the way. This whimsical tale served as the foundation of our campaign, helping us to establish a unique identity and differentiate ourselves from other holiday promotions.


The impact of Holly's backstory

Holly's backstory resonated with our audience, creating a sense of intrigue and anticipation around her journey. It helped us to humanise our campaign and forge an emotional connection with our audience.


The story was not just about Holly; it was about the joy of Christmas, the anticipation of a journey, and the magic of the holiday season. This narrative approach helped us to engage our audience on a deeper level, enhancing their connection with Holly and the campaign.

How to craft your own origin story

Crafting an engaging origin story for your campaign requires creativity and strategic thinking. Start by defining the key characteristics of your campaign and how you want it to be perceived by your audience. Then, weave these elements into a narrative that is captivating, relevant, and aligns with your brand values.


Our top tips for crafting an engaging origin story

  1. Be Unique: Your story should be distinctive and memorable. Avoid clichés and aim to create a narrative that sets your campaign apart.

  2. Make It Relevant: Ensure the story is relevant to your brand and resonates with your target audience.

  3. Keep It Simple: While it's important to be creative, don't overcomplicate your story. A simple, well-told story can often be more effective.

  4. Emotional Connection: Aim to forge an emotional connection with your audience. Stories that evoke emotion tend to be more impactful and memorable.


Key Takeaways

An engaging origin story can significantly enhance the appeal of your marketing campaign. It can help you establish a unique identity, engage your audience on a deeper level, and create a memorable brand image. In crafting your story, remember to be unique, make it relevant to your brand, and keep it simple. After all, everyone loves a good story!


Interested to learn more? Check out our playbook to making the most of your Christmas sponsorship here.




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