StoryBrand Marketing Agency
Is Your Marketing Message So Confusing Even Your Own Mom Doesn’t Get It?
We're an award-winning StoryBrand Marketing Agency that helps Service Businesses clarify their messaging so everyone wants to work with you!
✓ Build trust and authority in your industry
✓ Connect with CLIENTS WHO ACTUALLY GET IT
✓ MARKETING THAT FEELS NATURAL
WATCH THIS VIDEO
If your message isn’t landing—and the right clients aren’t showing up—it’s not your fault. Most service business owners are great at what they do. They just struggle to talk about it clearly.
In this video, I’ll walk you through how we fix that using the StoryBrand Framework, plus how to get started with either DIY or done-for-you options.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR MESSAGE ISN’T CLEAR
Can your mom explain what you do?
Can you easily explain what you do?
Can anyone?
If not, that's the problem we fix.
Because when people don’t understand what you do, they move on. You end up working harder just to stay in the game.
You’re always re-explaining yourself
Your website doesn’t convert visitors into clients
Your leads aren’t the right fit
Referrals become scarce
Marketing is frustrating as all hell
But it doesn’t have to be this way. A clear message makes all of that easier. It’s the difference between chasing leads—and attracting the right ones.
You might not believe it yet, but marketing can actually be the opposite of frustrating when you're doing it right.
MAKE YOUR MARKETING Simpler
Whether you want to learn the system or hand it over completely, the goal is the same: clear messaging that brings in better clients with less effort.
A DIY SYSTEM THAT’S SIMPLE TO FOLLOW
for weekly group coaching, templates, and a proven system that fits seamlessly into your week—without taking over your life.
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COACHING THAT MEETS YOU WHERE YOU ARE
Want someone to walk you through it? Get 1:1 or team coaching to clarify your message and apply the StoryBrand Framework to your business in real time.
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DONE-FOR-YOU MARKETING
Too busy to do it yourself? We’ll build your messaging, write your copy, create the assets you need, and handle your StoryBrand marketing—so you can stay focused on running your business.
HI, I'm Vicky Sidler
And I’VE BEEN WHERE YOU ARE
I know how it feels to stare at your marketing and think, “Why isn’t this working?” That's why I created a StoryBrand Marketing Agency.
All in all, your business isn’t just another brick in the wall—it’s something special. Your story matters, and I’m here to help you share it in a way that feels real, connects with people, and gets results.
As a certified StoryBrand Guide, I specialize in turning complicated ideas into clear, compelling messages that resonate with your audience.
With a background in journalism, I’ve spent decades telling stories that matter and crafting content people want to read.
I’ve developed a proven system to help businesses like yours cut through all the AI trash that's out there and build genuine connections with their audience.
Your story isn’t just important—it’s the reason people will choose your business. Let’s make sure it’s heard loud and clear by the people who need it most.
And sorry if I got Pink Floyd stuck in your head just now...
Hear Directly from DONALD MILLER
In this short clip, StoryBrand’s founder Donald Miller explains why clear messaging and a simple marketing plan change everything.
Donald shares why newsletters are back, what a full StoryBrand campaign includes, and how a certified guide helps you focus on what actually works—without wasting money or time.
Watch to see how working with a StoryBrand Certified Guide can make a measurable difference for your business.
EVERYTHING STORYBRAND, ALL IN ONE PLACE
Whether you need help with strategy, websites, content, or SEO, I offer the full range of StoryBrand marketing services—done with you or done for you.
StoryBrand Framework
StoryBrand Wireframe
StoryBrand Websites
StoryBrand SEO
StoryBrand Video
StoryBrand Copywriting
StoryBrand Email Sequences
StoryBrand Marketing Funnels
StoryBrand Workshops
StoryBrand Consulting
StoryBrand PPC
StoryBrand Lead Generation
StoryBrand
Social Media
StoryBrand Strategy
StoryBrand Content Marketing
StoryBrand Local Service
StoryBrand Coaching
MARKETING THAT DOESN’T TAKE OVER YOUR LIFE
Whether you want to build it yourself or hand it off completely, as a StoryBrand Marketing Agency, we’ll give you a clear message and a simple system that actually works.
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BOOK A COFFEE CHAT
This is a no-pressure, non-sales call where we discuss what’s working, what’s not, and where you want to go.
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CHOOSE YOUR PATH
Get hands-on support through the StoryBrand Course, 1:1 or team coaching, or let me build the entire marketing system for you—messaging, website, emails, and more.
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FIX YOUR MARKETING
Walk away with a message that resonates, a plan that’s easy to follow, and marketing that works while you sleep and finally delivers results.
COFFEE’S ON ME (OK, NOT REALLY)
But I'm serious about helping you connect with your audience. Let’s grab a coffee (on Zoom) and chat about your marketing goals.
Wondering how to simplify your message? Let’s talk.
Ready to stand out in an AI-saturated world? I’ve got ideas.
Just need clarity? I’ll help you see the big picture.
This isn’t a sales call—just a friendly, low-pressure chat. At the very least, you’ll walk away with some cool ideas you can try on your own.
SCHEDULE YOUR COFFEE CHAT WITH ME (VICKY) TODAY
FIXING YOUR MARKETING SHOULDN’T FEEL IMPOSSIBLE
Most small business owners aren’t marketers—they just want to explain what they do in a way that makes people care.
But when the message isn’t clear, everything else gets harder: websites don’t convert, leads go cold, and social posts fall flat.
You might worry that getting it right will take too much time, cost too much money, or feel like just another online course you’ll never finish.
That’s why I offer three simple paths: do-it-together support through the StoryBrand Course, 1:1 and team coaching, or done-for-you services where I build your full funnel myself.
You’ll get clear messaging, practical templates, and real support—so your marketing finally works and your business actually grows.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
We know marketing can feel overwhelming, and you probably have questions. That’s why we’ve put together answers to the things people ask us most.
What makes Strategic Marketing Tribe different from other StoryBrand marketing agencies?
We’re the StoryBrand marketing agency that skips the boring "corporate speak." We blend the power of StoryBrand with strategic marketing solutions to craft content that feels human, genuine, and impossible to ignore.
How can your strategic marketing solutions benefit my business?
Our strategic marketing solutions simplify your message, clarify your brand story, and help you connect with your ideal customers. It’s marketing that makes sense and gets results – no jargon, no gimmicks, just growth.
What is StoryBrand, and why does it matter?
Think of StoryBrand as a cheat sheet for marketing clarity. It helps you explain what you do in a way that makes people stop, listen, and say, “Oh, I get it.” We use it to create marketing that feels human and that your audience will actually enjoy reading.
Do I need to be familiar with StoryBrand to work with you?
Not at all! Whether you’re a StoryBrand superfan (like us!) or have no idea what it is, we’ll walk you through everything. We’re here to make the process simple, clear, and (dare we say) fun.
How do I know if this is right for my business?
If people keep saying “I don’t really get what you do,” or you’re getting the wrong kind of leads, it’s a sign your message needs work. That’s what we fix.
What if I don’t have time to take a course?
The course is built for time-strapped business owners. You get short lessons, plug-and-play templates, and live support so you’re never stuck or overwhelmed.
What’s the difference between the course and the done-for-you service?
The course gives you training, tools, and weekly support so you can do it yourself. The done-for-you option means I build your whole funnel for you.
How long does it take to see results?
Most people see clearer messaging and better engagement within a week of applying the one-liner. Bigger results (like leads and conversions) follow as you apply it across your marketing.
What if I’ve already tried StoryBrand and it didn’t work?
Many people try to apply StoryBrand on their own and miss key parts. This course walks you through it step-by-step, with real examples and live feedback from a Certified Guide.
STORY, MEET STRATEGY
Let’s make marketing feel less robotic and more real. Find resources from a StoryBrand Marketing Agency that bring your message—and your business—to life.
AI Marketing Works Best With a Human Brain
By Vicky Sidler | Published 26 September 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2
If you’ve ever wondered whether AI can take over your marketing, here’s a helpful clue: even Google says no.
According to BusinessLIVE’s recent feature on AI in marketing, brands like Santam, Sanlam, and yes, Google, are using AI tools to work smarter—but not to think for them. Because when it comes to marketing that actually works, data isn’t the whole story. Creative thinking still pays the bills.
So while AI might write a headline or suggest the perfect time to post, the big wins come when you mix that with real human creativity. Especially the kind that doesn’t sound like it was written by a toaster.
TL;DR:
AI gives you scale, speed, and insights
Creative thinking is still the best ROI multiplier
Use AI to lift data and free up your brain
Don’t let AI do the storytelling for you
Humor, relevance, and emotion still win
👉 Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix
Table of Contents:
AI Marketing Works Best With a Human Brain
What the Big Brands Are Actually Doing:
What Google Wants You to Know (So You Don’t Embarrass Yourself):
How Small Businesses Can Copy the Smart Kids:
3. Build your message before you automate:
Turn AI Into a Tool, Not a Crutch:
1. AI Marketing Trust Gap Widens as Consumers Push Back
2. Why 95% of AI Pilots Fail and What to Do Instead
3. AI Automates 80 Percent of Marketing—What Now?
FAQs on Using AI in Marketing Without Losing Your Mind
What’s the best way for a small business to start using AI in marketing?
Can AI help me write blog posts or social media content?
Will my audience know if I use AI?
Isn’t it faster to just let AI do everything?
What the Big Brands Are Actually Doing:
Santam is using AI for what it’s good at: making sense of data, predicting where to spend, and scaling outreach. That frees up their human team to do the hard stuff—like coming up with ideas that aren’t dreadful.
Wesley Cloete, Santam’s digital marketing manager, says they’re still testing how AI fits into creative. But they’re already seeing better results by letting tech do the “heavy lifting” behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, over at Sanlam, they’ve taken a slightly louder route. Kelly Driscoll and her team turned boring financial talk into something people actually want to engage with—by adding humor. Their “F-word” campaign (yes, it means what you think it means... finances) uses comedy to spark attention and cut through the usual blah-blah insurance speak. AI didn’t come up with that idea—but it’s helping the campaign perform better.
Their results? A 72% drop in cost per lead. That’s not a typo.
What Google Wants You to Know (So You Don’t Embarrass Yourself):
Google is investing billions into AI tools like Performance Max and Demand Gen. But even they’re telling marketers to calm down. Artwell Nwaila, their Africa head of creative, warns that bad AI use creates “bland and derivative” content. Or, as I like to call it, content that makes people scroll faster.
His advice: let AI handle the data, but don’t let it touch your personality. Use it to find insights, test messaging, and refine performance. Then hand the mic back to your creative brain.
Because your audience still wants connection. Not robot soup.
How Small Businesses Can Copy the Smart Kids:
You don’t need a huge team or budget to do what the big players are doing. You just need a system:
1. Let AI do the grunt work:
Start with tools that help you identify what works: email subject lines, ad placement, posting times, or performance reports.
2. Keep the ideas human:
The reason Sanlam’s humour works is because it’s human. It connects emotionally. The best AI can do is remix what already exists.
3. Build your message before you automate:
Automation only works if the message is right. Otherwise, you’re just getting bad results faster. That’s why starting with clarity is key.
Turn AI Into a Tool, Not a Crutch:
If you want your marketing to be smarter, faster, and still feel like you, you need a clear message to anchor all that tech.
That’s exactly what my 5-Minute Marketing Fix helps you create. It’s a free tool that shows you how to write a one-liner that builds trust, attracts the right customers, and makes your AI tools way more effective.
Related Articles:
1. AI Marketing Trust Gap Widens as Consumers Push Back
You’ve seen how AI can help—but this piece shows what happens when your audience stops trusting the tech behind your message.
2. Why 95% of AI Pilots Fail and What to Do Instead
Before you roll out your next AI tool, read this. It breaks down why most brands fail at AI—and how to avoid becoming a statistic.
3. AI Automates 80 Percent of Marketing—What Now?
This article shows how one B2B brand automates with AI without losing their voice—perfect if you want to keep your edge while scaling.
FAQs on Using AI in Marketing Without Losing Your Mind
What’s the best way for a small business to start using AI in marketing?
Start with the boring stuff. Use AI tools to handle repetitive tasks like scheduling posts, analysing ad data, or writing basic headlines. Keep your brain focused on the parts that need actual thinking—like your message and creative ideas.
Can AI help me write blog posts or social media content?
Yes, but treat it like a rough draft assistant, not a ghostwriter. AI can help you brainstorm, outline, or even spit out a first version. But your tone, voice, and point of view still need to come from you.
Will my audience know if I use AI?
Probably not—and they won’t care, as long as the content feels human and relevant. What they do notice is when your message feels off or robotic. That’s when trust drops.
Isn’t it faster to just let AI do everything?
Sure. But faster doesn’t always mean better. If the message is unclear or the tone is off, you’re just publishing more content that doesn’t work. Start with a clear message, then scale with AI.
What tools are big brands using that I can try too?
Look into tools like Google Performance Max, Meta Advantage+, and ChatGPT for writing help. But again—don’t use these to replace strategy. Use them to support it.
How do I make sure my AI marketing stays on-brand?
Start with your one-liner. If you don’t know what your brand stands for or who it’s talking to, AI will only make that confusion louder. My5-Minute Marketing Fix helps you get this sorted in one sentence.
Is your Marketing Message so confusing even your own mom doesn’t get it? Let's clarify your message—so everyone wants to work with you!
Created with clarity (and coffee)