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The Secret to Creating Engaging Content? The Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations

17/04/2023 Posted by Martin Bamford Ideas

Creating engaging and compelling content can be challenging for small business owners. 

With so many other businesses vying for attention from the same audience, it can be challenging to stand out from the crowd. 

One way to make your content more impactful is to use The Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations, a framework developed by Georges Polti in the 19th century. 

This blog post will explore how small businesses can use this framework in their content marketing.

What are The Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations?

The Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations is a framework that categorises all types of stories into 36 different plot structures. 

The framework was developed by Georges Polti, a French writer and critic, in the 19th century. The idea behind the framework is that all stories are variations on these 36 basic plot structures.

Some of the plot structures in The Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations include:

Supplication: A character asks for help from someone more powerful than themselves.

Deliverance: A character is rescued from danger.

Revolt: A character rebels against authority.

Crime pursued by vengeance: A character seeks revenge for wrongdoing.

Self-sacrifice for an ideal: A character sacrifices themselves for a greater cause.

How can small businesses use The Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations in their content marketing?

The Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations can be a powerful tool for small businesses looking to create engaging and impactful content. 

Here are some ways small businesses can use the framework in their content marketing:

Identify the plot structure of your brand story

Every brand has a story to tell. By identifying the plot structure of your brand story, you can create a compelling narrative that resonates with your audience. 

For example, if your brand story is about overcoming adversity, you might use the plot structure of “overcoming the monster” to frame your story.

Use the framework to create engaging social media content

Social media is a great way to connect with your audience and build brand awareness. 

Using The Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations helps you create engaging social media content that captures your audience’s attention. 

For example, if your brand is about helping people achieve their dreams, you might use the plot structure of “the quest” to create social media content that inspires and motivates your audience.

Create compelling video content

Video is one of the most effective forms of content marketing. By using The Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations, you can create compelling video content that tells a powerful story. 

For example, suppose your brand is all about innovation and creativity. In that case, you might use the plot structure of “rebellion” to create a video that inspires your audience to think outside the box.

Use the framework to create compelling blog posts

Blogging is a great way to share your expertise and build authority in your industry. By using The Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations, you can create compelling blog posts that capture your audience’s attention. 

For example, if your brand is about helping people overcome their fears, you might use the plot structure of “tragedy” to create a blog post exploring the consequences of letting fear hold you back.

Create engaging email marketing campaigns

Email marketing is a great way to nurture your audience and keep them engaged with your brand. 

The Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations can help you create engaging email marketing campaigns that tell a powerful story. 

For example, suppose your brand is all about empowering people to take control of their lives. In that case, you might use the plot structure of “ascension” to create an email marketing campaign encouraging your audience to take the next step towards achieving their goals.

Understanding your audience

The key to using The Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations in your content marketing is understanding your audience and their needs. Crafting stories relevant to your audience and their pain points can create a powerful connection that builds trust and loyalty over time.

In addition to The Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations, small businesses can use other frameworks and techniques to create compelling content. 

Some of these include the hero’s journey, the seven basic plots, and the three-act structure. 

The key is experimenting with different frameworks and techniques to find what works best for your brand and audience.

What next?

Do you need help creating engaging content that resonates with your audience? Do you want to stand out from the competition and build a loyal following for your brand? Look no further than Bear Content!

Our small team of expert content creators can help you create a content marketing plan that drives engagement and builds trust with your audience. 

From identifying the plot structure of your brand story to crafting compelling social media posts, blog articles, and email marketing campaigns, we can help you create content that captures your audience’s attention and keeps them coming back for more.

Don’t let another year go by without a solid content marketing plan. 

Contact us today to discuss your content marketing plans for the rest of 2023. Let’s work together to take your brand to the next level!

Struggling to create engaging content that resonates with your audience? Discover the secret to captivating storytelling with The Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations! Our latest blog post explores how small businesses can use this… Share on X

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About Martin Bamford

Hi, I'm Martin, a portrait, event and brand photographer in Cranleigh, working with individuals and small businesses across the Surrey Hills. I've taken photos for more than 25 years, and became a full-time photographer following a successful career as a Chartered Financial Planner.

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