Brand storytelling is the superpower of Ninja CEOs from another galaxy.
It’s how Pixar movies pull us in like a powerful intergalactic gravitational force.
Their secret is a killer narrative formula that turns everyday chaos into unforgettable blockbusters.
And guess what? Your brand can do the same.
But first, there’s something you need to know:
Facts don’t breathe life into stories. Stories breathe life into facts.
This isn’t about fluff and buzzwords—it’s about brand storytelling that cuts through the noise.
Below, we break down Pixar’s six-step storytelling formula into bite-sized, actionable insights that entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs can apply to their brands. Plus, we’ve thrown in five real-world industry examples to show you exactly how it’s done.
6 Steps to Brand Storytelling Mastery
Step 1: Once Upon a Time – Set the Stage
Every epic story starts with a hook. “Once upon a time…” isn’t just for fairy tales—it’s your opening salvo. Introduce the hero (often your customer or your breakthrough idea) in a world that’s relatable, flawed, and oh-so-familiar.
- Think Gary Vee: Capture attention by painting a picture that feels personal and real, like a Ukranian boy who grows up in New Jersey and works at his father’s wine store.
- Example: “Once upon a time, teams struggled with clunky software that slowed progress to a snail’s pace.”
Step 2: Every Day – Establish the Routine
Now, let’s talk about the grind. Detail the everyday struggle, the mundane that’s just begging for a shake-up. This isn’t whining—it’s setting the stage for why your brand is the hero they need.
- Keep It Real: Highlight the recurring pain points your audience deals with daily.
- Example: “Every day, customers wrestled with manual, error-prone workflows. Productivity was down, and frustration was up.”
Step 3: One Day – The Inciting Incident
This is where the magic happens. “One day…” marks the moment when something unexpected flips the script. Think of it as the lightbulb moment that propels the story forward.
- Edgy & Bold: Show the breakthrough moment that breaks the monotony.
- Example: “One day, we launched an intuitive platform that automated routine tasks—out of the chaos, a brilliant solution emerged.”
Step 4: Because of That… – The First Consequence
Every great decision has consequences. Lay out the immediate impact of that inciting incident. This is your opportunity to show the first win, the spark that ignites change.
- Cut to the Chase: Link cause and effect in a punchy, no-nonsense way.
- Example: “Because of that, businesses quickly adopted our SaaS, and teams started working smarter, not harder.”
Step 5: Because of That… – The Snowball Effect
The plot thickens. Show how that initial win sets off a chain reaction. It’s like tossing a pebble in a pond—the ripples get bigger and bolder.
- Turn Up the Volume: Emphasize escalating benefits and increased momentum.
- Example: “Because of that, productivity skyrocketed and errors dropped dramatically. Companies saw tangible growth through improved efficiency.”
Step 6: Until Finally – The Resolution
Every story needs a knockout ending. Wrap it up with a transformation that redefines the norm. This isn’t just a happy ending; it’s the promise of a new era for your customers.
- Bold & Transformative: Deliver the final payoff with confidence and clarity.
- Example: “Until finally, our platform became the backbone of agile operations—efficiency and innovation reigned supreme.”
5 Industries: Mastering the Pixar Brand Story Formula
1. SaaS Business Example
- Once Upon a Time: Our founder envisioned a simpler way for teams to collaborate. Traditional software was clunky and slowed progress.
- Every Day: Customers struggled with manual, error-prone workflows. Productivity suffered as teams wrestled with outdated tools.
- One Day: We launched an intuitive platform that automated routine tasks. A new, efficient solution emerged from the chaos.
- Because of That: Businesses quickly adopted our SaaS to streamline operations. Teams began working smarter, not harder.
- Because of That: Productivity skyrocketed and errors dropped dramatically. Companies saw tangible growth through improved efficiency.
- Until Finally: Our platform became the backbone of agile operations. Efficiency and innovation became the new standard.
2. Retail Beauty Product Example
- Once Upon a Time: A beauty brand believed in celebrating natural radiance. Traditional products often masked true beauty with heavy formulas.
- Every Day: Customers felt frustrated by skincare that didn’t live up to its promises. Their routines were cluttered and overcomplicated.
- One Day: We introduced a line of clean, effective beauty products. A refreshing approach to skincare was born.
- Because of That: Users experienced clearer, more vibrant skin with fewer products. Trust grew as real results replaced false promises.
- Because of That: Word spread quickly on social media and in-store. Our brand became synonymous with natural beauty.
- Until Finally: The brand redefined beauty standards with simplicity and authenticity. Customers embraced their true selves with confidence.
3. B2B Technology Product Example
- Once Upon a Time: A visionary team set out to modernize data management. Companies were drowning in outdated, complex systems.
- Every Day: IT departments battled slow, fragmented processes. Valuable insights were lost in the noise.
- One Day: We unveiled a powerful analytics tool that unified data streams. A game-changing innovation disrupted the norm.
- Because of That: Businesses could now access real-time insights with ease. Decisions were made faster and smarter.
- Because of That: Operational efficiency improved and competitive edges sharpened. Companies transformed data into strategic advantage.
- Until Finally: Our solution became a critical asset in digital transformation. Clarity and speed redefined industry standards.
4. Delicious Product Example
- Once Upon a Time: A small culinary team dreamed of reimagining classic comfort food. Traditional recipes were safe but lacked excitement.
- Every Day: Diners craved innovative flavors that still felt homey. Routine meals left them wanting something more.
- One Day: We introduced a gourmet twist on a beloved dish using locally sourced ingredients. A burst of creative flavor electrified the menu.
- Because of That: Food enthusiasts flocked to try our new offering. Taste buds were delighted by the perfect balance of tradition and innovation.
- Because of That: The buzz quickly spread on food blogs and social media. Our dish became a must-try sensation.
- Until Finally: Our product redefined comfort food with a modern twist. Every bite told a story of passion and creativity.
5. Tourism-Related Product Example
- Once Upon a Time: A boutique travel agency believed every journey should be a unique adventure. Standard tours lacked personal connection and cultural depth.
- Every Day: Travelers felt like mere numbers on a bus tour. Authentic local experiences were rare and hard to find.
- One Day: We crafted immersive travel packages that connected visitors with real local stories. A new era of experiential travel began.
- Because of That: Tourists experienced hidden gems and genuine cultural encounters. Every trip became a memorable story.
- Because of That: Word of mouth and rave reviews fueled rapid growth. Our tours transformed the way people explored the world.
- Until Finally: Our agency became synonymous with authentic, life-changing travel experiences. Journeys evolved into personal adventures that enriched lives.
Brand storytelling isn’t just a fancy marketing trick—it’s the lifeblood of a brand that dares to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Like Pixar turning everyday characters into legends, you too can craft a narrative that resonates, inspires, and ultimately drives real growth.
The Bottom Line
Here’s Pixar’s 6-step formula:
1. Once upon a time
2. Every day
3. One day
4. Because of that
5. Because of that
6. Until finally
How did it come to life in Toy Story 1?
→ Woody was Andy’s favorite toy.
→ He led the toys daily.
→ Buzz Lightyear arrived.
→ Woody felt threatened.
→ They became unlikely allies.
→ They returned home as friends.
Ready to transform your brand into the next blockbuster? Schedule a discovery call today.
Or grab your copy of Rich Brand Poor Brand to unlock more insights to align your team so you can tell your story the way it deserves to be told.
Let’s make history.
