Seth Godin’s latest book, This Is Strategy, offers valuable insights for crafting compelling narratives that can drive positive change, particularly in the realm of conservation storytelling. By applying Godin’s strategic thinking to visual storytelling, we can create unique and action-oriented narratives that inspire audiences to engage with conservation efforts.
In a world where attention is scarce and change is constant, strategic storytelling becomes a powerful tool for conservation.

Conservation storytelling faces the challenge of capturing attention and inspiring action in a world saturated with information. Godin’s approach to strategy provides a framework for creating narratives that stand out and make a lasting impact[1].
Identifying the Smallest Viable Audience
One of Godin’s key principles is focusing on the smallest viable audience—those most likely to be moved by your message. For conservation storytellers, this means:
- Pinpointing the specific group most passionate about your cause
- Tailoring your narrative to resonate deeply with their values and concerns
- Creating remarkable content that this audience can’t ignore and will eagerly share
Long-Term Thinking and Systems Approach
Conservation issues often require sustained effort and systemic change. Godin emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking and understanding complex systems. This translates to:
- Crafting stories that highlight interconnections in ecosystems
- Illustrating how small actions can lead to significant long-term impacts
- Demonstrating the ripple effects of conservation efforts across time and space
Strategic Questions for Conservation Storytellers
Inspired by Godin’s philosophy, here are key questions to guide the creation of impactful visual narratives:
- Who is your smallest viable audience, and what unique perspective can you offer them?
- How can your story challenge conventional thinking about conservation?
- What long-term vision does your narrative promote, and how does it inspire sustained action?
- How can you visually represent the complex systems at play in your conservation story?
- What remarkable, shareable moments can you create within your visual narrative?
- How does your story empower the audience to become part of the solution?
- What unexpected connections or insights can your visuals reveal about the conservation issue?
Crafting Unique and Action-Oriented Visual Narratives
To create conservation stories that truly resonate and inspire action, consider these strategies:
Embrace Visual Metaphors: Use powerful imagery to draw unexpected parallels that make complex issues more relatable and memorable.
Highlight Individual Impact: Show specific examples of how one person’s actions can contribute to larger conservation goals, making the cause feel more personal and achievable.
Create Visual Contrasts: Juxtapose “before and after” or “with and without conservation” scenarios to vividly illustrate the stakes and potential outcomes.
Incorporate Interactive Elements: Develop ways for viewers to engage directly with your visual story, fostering a sense of participation and investment in the cause.
Tell Human Stories: While focusing on nature, don’t forget to include the human element. Show how conservation efforts impact and are impacted by people’s lives.
Visualize Data Creatively: Transform dry statistics into compelling visual narratives that reveal trends and patterns in engaging ways.
By applying Godin’s strategic thinking to conservation storytelling, we can create narratives that not only inform but also inspire and mobilize audiences. The goal is to craft stories that are so compelling and uniquely tailored to our audience that they can’t help but take notice and, ultimately, take action.
Book Review
Seth Godin’s This Is Strategy is a groundbreaking guide to creating meaningful change in a complex world. Godin challenges readers to identify their “smallest viable audience,” understand and influence systems, prioritize long-term thinking, and make purposeful choices that shape a better tomorrow. The book provides a framework for effective and elegant strategic thinking, offering essential building blocks to turn vision into reality.Godin’s trademark clarity and insight shine through, making this book a must-read for anyone seeking to drive positive change, whether in business, social movements, or personal endeavors. This Is Strategy is not just about quick fixes; it’s about transforming how we approach problems and create lasting impact.
Seth Godin’s Online Course
For those looking to dive deeper into Godin’s teachings, his new Udemy course This Is Strategy offers valuable insights into applying strategic thinking effectively. The course helps participants understand how to craft compelling strategies that resonate with audiences while fostering engagement and action.
About Seth Godin
Seth Godin is an entrepreneur, best-selling author, and speaker. He has written 21 best-selling books, including The Dip, Linchpin, Purple Cow, and This is Marketing. Godin is renowned for his writing and speaking, and has founded two companies, Squidoo and Yoyodyne (acquired by Yahoo!). He was inducted into both the Direct Marketing Hall of Fame and the Marketing Hall of Fame, a rare achievement. To connect with Seth Godin and explore more of his work:
- Visit his website: sethgodin.com
- Read his daily blog: seths.blog
- Explore his books and Udemy courses