What Netflix Can Teach You About Ideation
Tell a Better Story
Netflix doesn’t just pump out content—it creates cultural moments. Whether it’s a binge-worthy series, a surprise hit, or a viral documentary, Netflix understands one thing better than most marketers: people crave good stories.
Yet, most marketing ideas are as bland as a straight-to-DVD sequel. No hook. No emotion. No reason to care. If you want your content, campaigns, or brand to stand out, stop thinking like a marketer and start thinking like a storyteller.
1. Start with a Strong Hook
Netflix shows don’t ease you in with a long-winded introduction. They drop you right into the action.
Your marketing should do the same.
Weak hook: "Our company specializes in innovative solutions for…" (Nobody cares.)
Strong hook: "Most companies waste money on marketing. Here’s why."
If you can’t grab attention immediately, your audience is already scrolling away.
2. Emotion Beats Information
The best Netflix shows make you feel something—excitement, nostalgia, suspense. Good marketing does the same.
Most brands flood people with product specs, data points, and polished corporate jargon. But facts don’t sell—feelings do.
Instead of features, talk about outcomes.
Instead of what you do, talk about why it matters.
3. Keep Them Hooked
Netflix knows how to keep you watching. Cliffhangers, character development, unexpected twists—it’s all designed to keep you engaged.
Your content should do the same.
Leave open loops. Tease what’s coming next.
Make it bingeable. Series-style content beats one-and-done posts.
Surprise people. Generic content blends in; bold ideas stand out.
Final Thought: Ideas Are Cheap. Stories Win.
Anyone can throw out ideas. The real skill is turning those ideas into stories that people actually care about. If your marketing isn’t landing, stop brainstorming features and start crafting narratives. Netflix figured this out years ago. Maybe it’s time marketers did, too.
