Hello, TechWyse blog readers! In today’s interview, we spoke with Cyndi Zaweski, a content strategist from New York, United States, who is passionate about helping solopreneurs become storytellers.
As the CEO of Ascent StoryCraft and the creator of the StoryCraft Newsletter, Cyndi combines her expertise with innovative approaches to content creation. She is an award-winning copywriter with a flair for compelling narratives, having built a loyal following of over 65k on Instagram.
Cyndi’s mission is to help people create stories that run deep, driving engagement and growth. Through her work, she inspires entrepreneurs to connect authentically with their audience and promote their brands.
As the top digital marketing firm in Canada, we asked Cindy a few questions about who she is and what she does:
You’ve had an inspiring journey from journalism to becoming a successful digital marketing expert. Could you share some of the key moments that led to this transformation and how they shaped your approach today?
I've always been drawn to sharing the stories of others. As a child, I would interview my friends and family, and looking back, I realize it was a wonderful way for me to learn from their unique experiences. Writing those stories down became my passion, eventually guiding me toward a fulfilling career in journalism.
For 13 amazing years, I had the pleasure of telling stories for NBC, magazines, and community newspapers. I particularly cherished interviewing business owners because they had the most inspiring reasons behind what they do. The joy of sharing their stories and helping them reach a wider audience inspired me to start my own venture, StoryCraft, in 2020. It truly felt like a beautiful evolution rather than just a single moment.
Creating content that resonates with audiences is no small feat. What do you believe is the essential ingredient that makes content truly memorable and impactful?
Great content marketing really connects with people right where they are. It focuses on the reader's perspective rather than trying to come off as an expert. Memorable and impactful content is clear, insightful, and easy to enjoy.
Turning casual browsers into loyal fans is something every brand aspires to achieve. What strategies do you find most effective in making this connection happen?
Loyal fans aren’t found. They are created when people get to know you and how you make their lives better. Stories are the fastest way to convey that in a way that builds a bond online. I have a full storytelling framework, but to boil it down into an action step: Tell stories about transformations. Give people a sense of who you are by telling stories from the ups and downs of your journey.
Developing a personal brand can be challenging, especially for someone with a background in journalism. How did you overcome this challenge, and how has it enriched your storytelling abilities?
I’ve shared before how much I love telling other people’s stories! As a journalist, there’s this training to keep myself out of the narrative. However, as I started weaving personal stories into my marketing, I encountered the same hurdles my clients and readers face. Questions swirled in my mind: How much is too much to share? Do others really care about how I spend my free time?
What I find helpful is to shift my perspective and not see it just as marketing. I always aim for my writing to feel like a warm conversation because that’s the connection I want to create with my readers and clients. And you know what? This approach has never led me to struggle with revenue!
AI is increasingly influencing content creation and marketing strategies. How do you see AI complementing or challenging the art of storytelling in content marketing?
I think AI is a useful tool for brainstorming and even for preliminary research, but robot copy is boring to read. We can all spot it from a mile away now and know it’s never worth our time to read. But ultimately, AI will never be able to tell your stories without your input. Regardless of whether they use AI or not, business owners need to get into the habit of observing and reflecting on their experiences so they can spot the storytelling moments in their everyday lives.
With AI tools like GPT-3 and others becoming more prevalent, how can solopreneurs use these technologies to enhance their storytelling without losing the personal touch that makes their content unique?
Perhaps it could give metaphors or analogies to support a story, but at the end of the day, it’s not going to be able to capture your personality or deeper reason for sharing your story without you being able to provide those details.
You’ve helped many of your clients achieve impressive results through storytelling. What’s one technique or approach that you find particularly powerful in driving this success?
Knowing what stories to share is the greatest strategic advantage. We all have many stories to share, but which ones we tell and when, have the biggest impact on business growth. One technique I use to identify these stories is to find the common enemy. What struggles do you and your audience share? It could be procrastination, perfectionism, hustle culture. It’s a jump-off point for figuring out what stories their audience needs to hear from them.
In the crowded digital space, many struggle to craft content that leaves a lasting impression on their audiences. What advice would you give to avoid common pitfalls and create content that engages consumers?
My best advice is to get better at storytelling because it is not a trend or fad you’ll outgrow. It’s beneficial in all areas of life, including content creation.
Building a strong online community is something you’ve excelled at. Could you share your approach to fostering loyalty and engagement within these communities?
I truly cherish my community. In a world where attention is so precious, the fact that people choose to engage with me means so much. Many have been part of my community for years, and I am incredibly grateful for that. It inspires me to bring my best content to the table and strive to make my writing more meaningful than just marketing.
You often emphasize the importance of personal growth in achieving business success. How do you incorporate this philosophy into your work, and why do you believe it’s crucial for entrepreneurs?
I was an annoying kid. I would always be asking questions, even to strangers on the bus. When I became a reporter, even fewer people liked my questioning.
I didn’t always appreciate it, but I’ve come to love this aspect of my job! One of my favourite parts now is asking questions because it truly helps us learn, grow, and discover new perspectives. Observation and reflection are key to uncovering stories—not only those shared in marketing, but also the ones we tell ourselves.
Often, what holds us back in business stems from a narrative we've created in our minds. By asking better questions, we can illuminate these stories and refresh our own narrative. This shift is so empowering, fuelling both our personal and professional growth!
Partner with TechWyse for Transformative Digital Marketing Solutions
The story of a journalist turned digital marketing expert is the journey of Cyndi Zaweski, which best demonstrates the power of storytelling in personal and professional development. Her commitment to helping solopreneurs craft authentic, transformative narratives is a beacon of inspiration in an increasingly crowded digital landscape.
As the CEO of Ascent StoryCraft and a much-celebrated influencer with a loyal following, Cyndi personifies the power of connection, authenticity, and clarity in content marketing. Her approach stands out, being based on genuine engagement and meaningful storytelling, providing entrepreneurs with a set of tools to stand out and make it big.
Our interview with Cyndi Zaweski gave us a glimpse of how much she has to give to this world. Her ability to tell captivating stories and her knowledge of online marketing embodies what we pursue here at TechWyse by keeping our clients and their stories in focus.
At TechWyse Internet Marketing, we want to make sure that our clients get quality digital marketing services, and we always aspire to stay updated with new trends and technologies. We work with the right people to bring the best ideas to life. By choosing TechWyse, your brand gains a cutting-edge blend of content marketing expertise and innovative digital strategies.
Partner with TechWyse today and take your content marketing to the next level. Call 866-208-3095 or contact us here.
