More Than Words: The Many Ways to Tell Your Story in 2025

By Lauren Regan.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and in a world saturated with information, brands need to find new ways to not only tell their story clearly but also make their community part of the narrative. 

While the written word remains a powerful tool for storytelling, it’s no longer the only, or most effective, way to connect with an audience. Brands today must think beyond the page and explore the rich, emotive possibilities of photography, video, sound, and even interactive media (like apps or games) to express not just what they do, but why they do it, and, crucially, showcase why it matters.

Before diving into any creative execution, it’s essential that a brand digs deep to understand its own story: who it is, what it stands for, and how it wants to be remembered. Without that clarity, no amount of slick visuals or fancy filmmaking will hit the mark. Great creative work is built on solid foundations. When an organisation can articulate its purpose and personality, it gives creative teams the brief they need to bring that story to life in a much more powerful way. 

Quality photography 

Strong photography helps brands build trust and recognition. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a team in action, a product in use, or the people whose lives are impacted by a service, photography gives audiences something tangible to connect with. For charities or social enterprises, real faces and real places carry emotional weight. For tech companies, showing the human side of innovation can bridge the gap between complex systems and everyday users.

Crucially, photography should align with the tone and values of your brand. Are you bold and youthful? Sleek and professional? Community-driven and grassroots? Your choice of colours, lighting, composition, and subjects all play into how that story is perceived. That’s why having a clear brand identity is so important when briefing photographers, so they can capture not just what you do, but who you are. 

It can be tempting to cut corners when it comes to photography, but a professional will not only elevate the quality of the work produced, they’ll also work with you to create a suite of assets that align with who you are and where you want to go. 

Video killed the… 

A well-crafted brand video can function as a manifesto: here's what we believe, and here’s how we’re making it happen. But storytelling through video doesn’t have to be glossy or high-budget to be effective. Short, smartphone-shot interviews with customers, service users, or staff members can often feel more authentic than those conducted in a polished studio setup. Animation can bring abstract concepts to life while montage videos from live events can show energy, enthusiasm, and community spirit in a way no press release ever could.

Again, the power lies in the clarity of the story. A creative video team needs more than a product or a strapline; they need to understand context, emotion, and purpose. What do you want the viewer to feel? What should they understand or do after watching? When organisations can answer those questions, they set the stage for truly impactful content.

Voice your opinion 

Podcasts and audio snippets offer another powerful layer to storytelling, giving you more space to add depth to your story, delve into behind-the-scenes details that your audience might not usually see or hear, and speak to people who have been part of the journey. Audio content invites the audience to listen, often in more personal or focused moments, during a commute, a walk, or while working. It also gives brands a unique opportunity to showcase their personality and values through their tone and the topics they choose to discuss. 

For thought leaders, founders, or frontline workers with compelling stories to tell, audio provides a platform where authenticity shines. Podcasts can delve deeply into issues, values, and experiences in a way that fosters trust and loyalty over time. And it doesn’t always have to be perfect. Hearing from business leaders about the times they have stumbled or where their passions lie outside of their day job helps us, as consumers, to align more meaningfully with the brands we choose to work with or buy from. 

Immersive storytelling 

As technology evolves, so too does the potential for brands to tell stories in immersive and interactive ways. From digital experiences and augmented reality to in-person events and installations, these methods invite audiences not just to see a story, but to experience it.

Imagine walking through a pop-up exhibit that shows the lifecycle of a product, meeting the people who made it, and the communities it supports. Or navigating an interactive map that tells the story of a local initiative, neighbourhood by neighbourhood. These formats blur the line between content and connection, and they work best when built on a strong, consistent brand narrative that your audience feels part of.

Get to know yourself first 

Before any camera rolls or storyboard is sketched, the most important step is this: understand what makes your brand tick, and what your audience will care about. What’s your origin? Your purpose? Who are you speaking to, and what do they need to feel a sense of? Are you the disruptor? The trusted ally? The changemaker? When brands can answer these questions clearly, they empower the creative teams they partner with to find the most effective way to express them, whether through photography, video, or immersive experiences.

The most memorable brands aren’t just heard, they’re felt. So, next time you’re briefing a creative partner, bring them a story that’s rich with meaning and let them use their expertise to shape it into something unforgettable. 

Lauren Regan is the founder and creative director of MOLE, a brand storytelling and PR consultancy.

Crafting a meaningful brand story is within reach for every organisation. MOLE works with businesses in the UK and Canada to find their voice, tell their stories, and shape their future. To speak to Lauren about your organisations ambitions, reach out on [email protected]