How to Market A Story So Compelling You Can’t Ignore It: Lessons From How To Get To Heaven From Belfast

When How to Get to Heaven from Belfast arrived on Netflix in February 2026, it did more than just land on a streaming service. It earned attention from fans and critics alike because it combined compelling characters, a strong emotional core, and a unique voice from creator Lisa McGee that brought people in and kept them watching.

This is an example of strategic storytelling and marketing that anyone building a brand, course, product, or community can learn from.

Start With a Story That Feels Personal and Real

Good marketing begins with a story people can care about on a human level. For this show, the premise is simple and rooted in life experience. Three childhood friends reunite after news of an old friend’s death and find secrets under the surface. It mixes mystery, humour, and emotional depth in a way that feels real and timeless.

Creators and marketers should consider the emotional journey behind what they offer. People invest in transformation. They want to feel understood and inspired. The show’s marketing leaned into this by highlighting friendship, shared pasts, and the unpredictability of life.

Lean Into What Makes Your Brand Unique

Lisa McGee became widely known through Derry Girls, and that established audience was already looking for her next move. The new series respected that history while offering something fresh and unexpected. The marketing emphasis was not just on comedy or mystery but on the mix of both delivered through grounded characters.

When you build a product or course, you should do the same:

• Highlight what makes it different.

• Be honest about the experience it will provide.

• Speak directly to your audience’s feelings and desires.

Your uniqueness is your advantage. People follow authenticity before they follow polish.

Know Your Audience and Speak Their Language

The promotional campaign for How to Get to Heaven from Belfast never pretended to be anything it wasn't. It spoke to people who value clever writing, character-driven stories, and humour rooted in real-life experience. That focus let the show reach new viewers without confusing the core audience.

This is a lesson for all creators. You will grow faster when you understand who you are talking to and what they want most. You do not need everyone to love what you create. You need the right people to care deeply.

Create Shareable Moments That Feel Genuine

Part of the show’s attention came from how it was talked about by influencers, media outlets, and critics. The tone was conversational and engaging. Reviews discussed the chemistry between the characters, the mystery element, and how it felt both funny and meaningful. This made people want to share their own impressions. 

In practical marketing terms, that means build moments that feel worth talking about:

• Give your audience something to react to.

• Create experiences that feel personal and memorable.

• Encourage people to share, discuss, and connect.

This is not about gaming an algorithm. It is about crafting something worth sharing.

Align Every Touchpoint With Your Core Narrative

The success of this show did not come just from a single trailer or a splashy poster. It came from consistent messaging across platforms. Each interview, social post, and review reinforced the same core narrative about friendship, mystery, and Irish humour.

In your work, you can do the same. When your landing pages, emails, videos, and social posts all point back to the same clear story about who you help and why it matters, your audience will understand exactly what you offer and why they should care.

Final Thought

The marketing behind How to Get to Heaven from Belfast shows the power of intentional storytelling. It did not promise more than it delivered, and it honoured what made people feel connected to the story. That is the essence of effective marketing.

When you lead with clarity, humanity, and consistency, your audience will not just listen. They will join you on the journey. That is the difference between customers and community.