Brands/Products

How Effective is Storytelling in Marketing?

Published

3 years ago

02/11/2022

By Kenneth Horsfall

To begin with, what is storytelling generally? According to wikipedia.org, storytelling is the social and cultural activity of sharing stories, sometimes with improvisation, theatrics or embellishment.

Every culture has its own stories or narratives, which are shared as a means of entertainment, education, cultural preservation or instilling moral values.

Crucial elements of stories and storytelling include plot, characters and narrative point of view. The term “storytelling” can refer specifically to oral storytelling but also broadly to techniques used in other media to unfold or disclose the narrative of a story.

Storytelling is one of the oldest yet most powerful communication tools we have as humans. Stories help us to share, engage and comprehend in ways few other mechanisms can.

In marketing, storytelling provides an avenue to connect to consumers unlike any other. Brands are empowered to share and sell their values and personality in a form that feels less like advertising and more like a concerted effort to strengthen customer relationships.

Storytelling’s importance to marketing is undeniable; Jennifer Aaker, a professor at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, puts forward three core reasons as to why:

Stories Shape How People See You
Stories Are Tools Of Power
Stories Persuade And Move People To Action

Stories shape how people see you:

Brand narratives help form perceptions and attitudes. How people speak about and the way a brand presents itself all influence key metrics such as purchase consideration and brand loyalty. There is power in crafting stories to develop a desired identity and authenticity that hopefully resonates with consumers.

Try thinking about a brand you particularly like. Now imagine they were a person. How would you describe them to friends?

Stories are tools of power:

One of the best things about a great story is the ability to engross and capture an audience completely. Think about the last book you read that you just couldn’t put down or a party you’ve been to where someone shared an anecdote that had people hooked on every word. Often is the case, you’re completely absorbed in what your reading/hearing and time feel like it slows down around you.

In the world of marketing, communicating a great story has the potential to cut through much of the monotony of today’s advertising by presenting something that is unique and captivating, making consumers stop and listen.

Stories persuade and move people to action:

Stories are far more impactful in promoting retention and behaviour than functional messaging. A London School of Business study found that when people hear statistics alone, “they retain only 5% to 10%” of what they’ve heard. Yet, “when stories are used to convey the same information, retention jumps to a remarkable 65 to 75%.”

Now, understanding the importance of storytelling, what makes an engaging story? How do marketers create a desired feeling and experience for their consumers to help drive brand connection?

Matthew Luhn, story consultant and animator known for his work in Pixar movies such as Toy Story, Ratatouille and Inside Out, shares five core elements he believes all great stories should possess:

Hook
Character transformation
Connection with the audience
Authenticity
Structure

Hook:

The hook relates to the story’s core theme. In essence, what will draw people in and make them compelled to see what is about to unfold? Luhn explains it usually needs to be something unusual or unexpected to grab the audience’s attention immediately.

Character transformation:

Once you have captured the attention of the audience, it is important to take them on a journey. Stories inspire transformation. People tend to live vicariously through characters. It is, therefore, essential to question; what is the message we are hoping to convey, and how will this advertisement effect a change in the consumer?

Connection with the audience:

A story may be expertly crafted in hook and transformation, but if you don’t truly understand the audience you are trying to appeal to, it is likely to become lost or ignored. It’s not simply a case of knowing demographics either; a strong comprehension of things like audience values and motivators is critical for connection. Luhn uses the example of Ratatouille:

Authenticity

Authenticity is perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of storytelling in marketing, Consumers are often wary that they are being advertised to. It is, therefore, important to communicate something that comes from a piece of truth based on enduring insight rather than something that feels manufactured.

Structure

Finally, how the story is told is critical for its success. Simply put, structures that comprise a set-up, conflict and pay-off are believed to be most effective in storytelling.

Storytelling is a powerful method of learning. As marketers, we should always seek to learn more about the world we live in, the brands we represent, and the consumers we serve. One of the things that are unique about stories is that they transmit knowledge and meaning. We learn from observations and first-hand experiences and by sharing those experiences through stories.

Storytelling can be a powerful tool that enables marketers to understand what is going on in the marketplace and what that means for the customer, consumer, society, brand, and company.

In addition to being an important strategic tool, storytelling can be an important tactical tool that lets marketers engage consumers in a fragmented media world. Because there is such media fragmentation, consumers are not just looking for different experiences but different delivery. Why should a consumer give you their time? Storytelling isn’t just a creative approach to marketing. It gives your consumers a totally different entry to your brand.

Kenneth Horsfall is the creative director and founder of K.S. Kennysoft Studios Production Ltd, fondly called Kennysoft STUDIOs. Kennysoft STUDIOs is a Nigerian Video and Animation Production Studio. He is also the founder and lead instructor at Kennysoft Film Academy. He can be reached via [email protected]

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Sell Gift Cards in Nigeria Safely: Why Migo-Sell Gift Cards Is Becoming a Trusted Gift Card Trading Platform

Published

6 days ago

07/01/2026

Dipo Olowookere

As digital payments continue to expand across Africa, gift card trading has become one of the most practical ways for users in Nigeria and Ghana to convert digital value into cash. From Apple Gift Cards and Amazon Gift Cards to Steam, Google Play, and gaming-related cards, many users now prefer to sell gift card online to meet daily financial needs.

However, despite strong demand, the gift card exchange market in Nigeria still faces long-standing challenges. Delayed payments, unclear pricing, inconsistent verification standards, and increasing fraud cases have made trust the single most important factor when choosing a gift card trading platform.

Against this background, Migo – Sell Gift Cards is positioning itself as a more structured and reliable gift card trading app, focused on transparency, controlled verification, and predictable payouts rather than exaggerated promises.

Rising Demand, but Trust Remains the Industry’s Weak Point

For many users, converting gift cards to cash is no longer optional. While international gift cards are widely used for online shopping, subscriptions, and digital entertainment, not all Nigerian users can spend them directly within the local financial system.

As a result, redeeming gift cards for cash in Nigeria has become common practice. Yet user complaints across the market reveal recurring issues: hidden deductions, unstable gift card rates, rejected cards without explanation, and payouts that take far longer than expected.

Migo – Sell Gift Cards was developed after examining these weaknesses across the industry. Rather than competing solely on speed or headline rates, the platform aims to deliver consistency—clear rules, visible pricing, and realistic processing timelines.

Supporting High-Demand Gift Cards in Nigeria and Ghana

User demand in the Nigerian gift card market is highly diverse. Instead of limiting transactions to only a few brands, Migo – Sell Gift Cards supports a wide range of gift cards that are actively traded across Nigeria and Ghana, including:

Apple Gift Card, Amazon Gift Card, Steam Gift Card, Google Play Gift Card, Razer Gold Gift Card, Xbox Gift Card, PlayStation Gift Card, Roblox Gift Card, Vanilla Gift Card, Walmart MoneyCard, Target Gift Card, Macy’s Gift Card, Best Buy, GameStop, Nike Gift Card, Foot Locker Gift Card, Sephora Gift Card, Nordstrom, Coach Gift Card, Dollar General, NetSpend, Lowe’s, Paysafe Card, MoneyPak, American Express (Amex), go2bank, and One4All.

This broad coverage allows users to sell gift cards in Nigeria on a single platform, reducing the risks associated with switching between multiple gift card exchange services.

Controlled Speed Instead of Risky “Instant” Claims

In the gift card trading industry, “instant cashout” is often promoted but rarely explained. In practice, unverified speed frequently leads to disputes, failed payouts, or account restrictions.

Migo – Sell Gift Cards adopts a controlled processing approach, combining automated systems with manual verification to assess gift cards based on brand, type, and risk level. Once verification is completed, payouts are processed in Nigerian Naira (NGN) or Ghanaian Cedi (GHS).

This method prioritizes reliability and user protection while still aiming for timely cashouts within reasonable and clearly communicated timeframes.

Transparent Gift Card Rates in Nigeria

One of the biggest concerns for users is gift card rates in Nigeria, which can fluctuate frequently based on market conditions. Migo – Sell Gift Cards addresses this by displaying the available exchange rate before a user confirms a transaction.

Whether users want to sell Apple Gift Card, sell Steam Gift Card,sell macy’s gift card or trade other brands, pricing is visible upfront. Once a rate is accepted and verification is completed, there are no unexpected deductions, helping users better predict their final payout.

Simple and Consistent Trading Process

To make online gift card trading accessible to both new and experienced users, Migo – Sell Gift Cards keeps its workflow straightforward:

Create an account (https://www.migogiftcard.com)
Select the gift card type
Submit gift card details or images
Verification process
Cash payout

This consistent structure reduces errors, improves clarity, and supports both first-time users and frequent traders.

Raising Standards in a High-Risk Digital Market

As Nigeria’s digital finance ecosystem grows, competition among gift card trading platforms is shifting away from speed alone toward risk management, transparency, and user communication.

Migo – Sell Gift Cards states that its long-term goal goes beyond completing transactions. By maintaining clear rules, stable execution, and responsive customer support, the platform aims to contribute to higher standards across the Nigeria gift card exchange industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Migo – Sell Gift Cards and how does it work?

Migo- Sell Gift Cards is a digital gift card trading platform that allows users in Nigeria and Ghana to sell gift cards online and receive cash payouts after verification.

Is Migo – Sell Gift Cards a legitimate gift card trading platform in Nigeria?

Yes. Migo – Sell Gift Cards operates with structured verification procedures, transparent pricing, and consistent payout rules designed to reduce fraud and failed transactions.

What types of gift cards can I sell on Migo – Sell Gift Cards?

Migo – Sell Gift Cards supports Apple, Amazon, Steam, Google Play, Razer Gold, Xbox, PlayStation, Roblox, Vanilla Visa, Walmart MoneyCard, Target, Macy’s, Best Buy, GameStop, Nike, Foot Locker, Sephora, Nordstrom, Coach, Dollar General, NetSpend, Lowe’s, Paysafe Card, MoneyPak, Amex, go2bank, and One4All.

How fast is payment after selling a gift card?

Payment speed depends on the gift card type and verification process. Once verified, payouts are processed in NGN or GHS as quickly as possible while maintaining security.

Does Migo – Sell Gift Cards offer instant cashout?

Migo – Sell Gift Cards focuses on reliable and predictable cashouts. Some transactions are faster than others, but all go through verification to protect users.

How are gift card rates determined in Nigeria?

Rates depend on brand, demand, card type, and risk level. Migo – Sell Gift Cards shows the available rate before transaction confirmation, with no hidden deductions after verification.

Is it safe to sell gift cards online on Migo – Sell Gift Cards?

Selling gift cards online carries risk, but Migo – Sell Gift Cards reduces this through a combination of automated systems and manual review to improve transaction safety.

Who can use Migo – Sell Gift Cards?

Migo – Sell Gift Cards currently serves users in Nigeria and Ghana.

About Migo – Sell Gift Cards

Migo – Sell Gift Cards is a digital gift card trading app serving users in Nigeria and Ghana. The platform focuses on secure verification, transparent pricing, and reliable cash payouts, helping users safely convert gift cards into cash through a structured and trustworthy process.

Website: https://www.migogiftcard.com

iOS Download Link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/migo-sell-gift-cards/id6670494373

Playstore Download Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.antwallet.giftcard

Brands/Products

DStv, GOtv to Retain CNN, Cartoon Network, 10 Others After Last Minute Deal

Published

2 weeks ago

01/01/2026

Adedapo Adesanya

By Adedapo Adesanya

Canal+ and Warner Bros. Discovery have signed a new multi-year, multi-territory agreement to strengthen their partnership internationally that will scrap the exit plans of channels like CNN International and Cartoon Network on pay television services -DStv and GOtv.

The last minute agreement reached on December 31, 2025, means 12 channels at risk of being yank off, including Discovery, CNN, TLC, Discovery Family, Real Time, Food Network, HGTV, Investigation Discovery, and Cartoon Network, will remain on both DStv and GOtv.

According to a statement by Canal+ yesterday, the deal between the two broadcasting giants spans multiple territories, including South Africa, the rest of Africa and regions in Europe where Canal+ also has operations.

Canal+ said: “This expanded agreement covers both the distribution of HBO Max and the renewal of several Warner Bros Discovery thematic channels across numerous regions.”

The announcement comes as a relief to DStv subscribers, who received notices via email and on-screen warnings from December 1, 2025, stating that the channels in question could be removed from their bouquets since contractual negotiations between Canal+ and Warner Bros Discovery had reached an impasse.

Regions outside Africa also affected by the new deal include Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where Cartoon Network, Cartoonito and CNN International have been renewed.

Other Warner Bros channels renewed in European regions not available in Africa include Warner TV, Cinemax and TVN.

“Canal+ and its longstanding partner, Warner Bros Discovery, are pleased to announce the signing of a new multi-year and multi-territory agreement, marking a major milestone in the development of their collaboration on an international scale,” Canal+ stated.

The agreement between WBD and the French media group builds upon previous deals made in 2024, including the renewal of the exclusive pay-TV window for Warner Bros. Pictures films six months after their theatrical release in France and the integration of HBO Max within select Canal+ group offers.

It also comes during Netflix’s pending purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery, which could further position Canal+ as a power player on the global stage as the company already has distribution deals in place with Netflix.

Brands/Products

JMG Installs Solar Power Systems at Three NIPCO Fuel Stations

Published

3 weeks ago

23/12/2025

Aduragbemi Omiyale

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Nigeria’s trusted hybrid and integrated electromechanical energy provider, JMG Limited, has completed the installation of solar power systems at three key fuel stations of NIPCO Plc.

The clean energy source was installed at NIPCO’s petrol dispensing outlets in Gwagwalada Abuja, Lekki Lagos, and Mpape Abuja.

This will help the organisation eliminate diesel reliance, and unlock more than N44 million in annual energy cost savings.

The installations feature advanced hybrid systems, combining solar arrays, lithium battery storage, and smart inverters to provide 24/7 energy for fuel pumps, lighting, and office operations. Each site has reported zero use of electricity or generator power since the systems were installed.

The three NIPCO stations now run on an advanced hybrid solar system that combines high‑efficiency PV panels, intelligent lithium‑battery storage and smart inverters.

Since commissioning, the sites have operated with zero grid or generator power, providing silent, clean, uninterrupted electricity for pumps, lighting and administration.

“We are proud to help NIPCO lead the energy transition at the retail level.

“The scalable architecture can be sized to each location and has already delivered significant savings, about 88,535 kWh/year, N44.4 million in annual cost savings and a 43.8‑tonne reduction in CO₂ emissions,” the Head of JMG’s Hybrid Solar Division, Mr Abbass Hussein, stated, adding that, “Collaborating with NIPCO on this initiative demonstrates a practical pathway for other firms to reduce both emissions and energy expenses.”

Also commenting, NIPCO’s Station Manager at Gwagwalada, Mr Idoko Jacob, said, “The stations have not relied on electricity or generator power on bright-weather days since commissioning. The solar systems fully meet our daily energy needs during such periods. On days with poor weather, we supplement the solar system with generator power to ensure uninterrupted operations.”

Business Post gathered that the NIPCO Gwagwalada Station has a solar output of 42,450 kWh/year, annual savings of N15.6 million, and CO₂ reduction of 15,332.76 kg/year, with a system installed consisting of a 20kW Deye LV Hybrid Inverter, 26.8kWp Solar PV, and 51.2kWh Lithium Battery Storage.

The NIPCO Lekki Station has a solar output of 3,635 kWh/year, annual savings of N12 million, and CO₂ reduction of 13,130.1 kg/year, with a system installed consisting of a 25kW Must Hybrid Inverter, 22.95kWp Solar PV, and 76.8kWh Lithium Battery Storage.

As for the NIPCO Mpape Station, it has a solar output of 42,450 kWh/year, annual savings of N16.8 million, and CO₂ reduction of 15,332.76 kg/year, with a system installed consisting of a 20kW Deye LV Hybrid Inverter, 26.8kWp Solar PV, and 61.44kWh Lithium Battery Storage.