Sunday roasts and storytelling

What’s storytelling got to do with a Sunday roast?

Real estate agent TOOP + TOOP got creative when advertising one of their 2023 house sales in the popular coastal suburb of Henley Beach, South Australia. Rather than sticking the same old ‘for sale’ sign on the property, they shared a humble anecdote about the house’s occupants, bringing a sale to life and capturing the attention – and hearts – of passersby.

“What we’ll miss most… Sunday roasts at grandma’s followed by an ice cream on the beach at sunset.”

With just a few words, TOOP + TOOP created a nostalgic narrative that conjures fond memories and emotions. They used a simple but powerful phrase, “Sunday roasts at grandma’s”, to convey a sense of family, love and tradition, along with a vivid image, “an ice cream on the beach at sunset”, to describe the beauty and charm of the location.

By sharing a story behind the sale, the brand:

• differentiated themselves from other real estate agents in the housing industry

• created a positive impression and a memorable experience for the buyers and the sellers, who might become loyal customers or advocates for the brand

• attracted the attention and curiosity of passersby, who might be interested in their services or properties

• demonstrated their creativity and expertise in marketing and storytelling, which are essential skills in any industry.

Telling a story behind the sale was a smart and effective way for TOOP + TOOP to communicate their value proposition and connect with their audience. It shows that storytelling isn’t just a buzzword – it can and should be applied to any product or service to stand out and make a difference.