Content creation usually requires a lot of trial and error, but for a content idea that ALWAYS works, I looked to some of my favorite movie scenes for inspiration.
Like in Miss Congeniality when the frumpy FBI agent Grace Hart becomes a stunning pageant queen.
Or in Clueless, when Tai Frasier gets a makeover and goes from stoner to stunner.
Or the iconic scene in She’s All That, when the class geek Laney Boggs makes an entrance down the stairs, stunning Freddie Prinze Jr. with her beauty.
If you haven’t guessed it by now, the surefire content idea I’m referring to is transformations. Transformations hit the mark every time you publish one, and they work for any medium. Here’s why:
Transformational content is versatile.
It’s not only people that undergo transformations. So can places, companies, and things. Any brand has the potential to share them.
We see this often on social media any time we see a person’s physical, mental, or behavioral traits transform. But an inspiring before-and-after can also apply to products, DIY projects, home renovations, or workplace culture.
Transformations are authentic.
But only if you communicate them correctly… Don’t skip right to the good part.
Even a good testimonial can be a bad testimonial. For a transformation to be the most effective, you have to show the full story. Paint a picture of the bad, the ugly, and then the good. This gives the transformation more meaning and impact.
If you have a satisfied customer, don’t just share a happy-go-lucky quote. Help your audience understand their original problem and pain points so the transformation has a stronger story arc.
Transformations are compelling.
They give the reader something to look forward to, and there’s always a clear beginning, middle, and end. It’s likely your audience can relate to the before stage of the transformation themselves, and they’ll be interested to see how the story ends. Transformations are the perfect way to promote the idea that “if it worked for them, it will work for me.”
Every great story has a strong hook, so be sure to frame your content with an interesting detail that will grab their attention.
Transformations promote conversation.
If your audience sees the way things were before compared to how they are now, there’s a built-in wow factor.
They’ll feel inspired to remark on the story or ask questions of their own. And since transformations typically emphasize improvements, your followers will want to applaud, congratulate, and engage.
Transformations illustrate credibility.
No matter what your expertise is, transformations show your impact. This can apply to products you sell or services you perform. Maybe you’re an artist who makes jewelry to upgrade someone’s look, or you’re a landscaper who gives homes some much-needed curb appeal.
With transformations, you don’t have to explain why you’re an expert. They prove it on their own. This will make people trust you and want to work with you.
Transformations build relationships.
A transformation is often highly personal. It’s admitting to the world that you needed to make a change. Your transparency and willingness to share the full journey with your audience not only make them feel closer to you, but it makes them want to root for you.
Because of this, vulnerability is key with transformations. Your content will be much more interesting if you share your imperfect experience.
Transformations create an emotional connection.
Have you ever sat through an episode of Queer Eye and found yourself crying at the end? When you bring your audience along for a transformation, they experience the emotional roller coaster, too. They are an ideal opportunity to relate to your audience and inspire them to take action or get involved.
Transform Your Brand’s Content
Audit your content to see if you’re sharing enough transformations. This content idea works well as a blog post, short or long-form video, Twitter thread, or even before and after photographs. You also can get really creative with transformation transitions on TikTok! With every transformation you share, you’ll build trust and bring yourself closer to your audience.
READ MORE: The Fool-Proof Content Marketing Formula
