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 Search Is Replacing Google Traffic Faster Than You Think
By Vicky Sidler | Published 19 December 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2
Google used to be your website’s best friend. Now it’s that friend who still comes to your party but doesn’t bring anyone with.
In a recent webinar, Todd Sawicki from Gumshoe.ai dropped a stat that should make every small business sit up: over 70% of Google searches now result in zero clicks. That means people ask Google a question, get the answer directly on the results page—and never visit your site.
At the same time, AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini are exploding. They now get over 3 billion queries a day. That’s right—per day… And unlike search engines, these tools don’t show a list of links. They give answers. Which means if your brand isn’t part of those answers, you disappear.
Welcome to the new customer acquisition game.
TL;DR:
70% of Google searches no longer lead to clicks
AI tools are becoming the next big search engines
These AI tools recommend businesses based on your website content
To show up, you must regularly publish FAQs, product pages, and how-to guides
YouTube descriptions and transcripts are gold mines for AI visibility
👉 Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix
Table of Contents:
AI Search Is Replacing Google Traffic Faster Than You Think
Search Has Changed. Quietly, But Completely.
Your Website Still Matters—A Lot:
It’s Not Just Your Site. Here’s Where Else AI Looks:
Don’t Worry About SEO Rankings (For Once):
You’re Not Optimising for Search. You’re Training a Sales Rep.
Action Plan for Small Businesses:
1. OpenAI is losing $7.77 for every $1 it earns
2. Map Content to the Customer Journey for Better Results
3. 10 Best Content Types for Small Business Marketing
4. Content Marketing Boosts Revenue More Than Ads
5. Define Your Brand Voice and Build Instant Recognition
Frequently Asked Questions About AI Search and Content Visibility
1. What is AI search and how is it different from Google?
2. What does "zero-click search" mean?
3. If users aren’t clicking, how can my business still get found?
4. How often do I need to update my website content?
5. What kinds of pages do AI tools look at on my site?
6. Do I still need SEO if AI doesn’t care about rankings?
7. What other sites does AI use to form its answers?
8. How can I tell what AI tools are saying about my brand?
Search Has Changed. Quietly, But Completely.
Sawicki compares AI search to walking into a shoe store and asking for help. Traditional Google search just dumps 10 boxes of shoes at your feet. AI acts like a smart salesperson who says, “Are you running a marathon or hiking the Alps?” and gives a personalized answer.
AI doesn’t just spit out links. It tries to understand you. That’s why keywords alone won’t cut it anymore. Instead, AI tools look for useful, structured information written for real people.
And that’s the part most businesses are missing.
Your Website Still Matters—A Lot:
You’d be forgiven for thinking AI doesn’t care about your site. It absolutely does. Gumshoe analyzed 10 million AI chats and found that 30 to 40% of sources cited by AI tools came from brand websites.
But not just any pages. They’re looking at:
Product description pages (PDPs)
FAQs
Knowledge base articles
Blog posts
How-to guides
If your site is full of fluff, salesy jargon, or outdated content, the AI models won’t find anything useful. And when they can’t find something? They make it up. This is called hallucination. Not the fun kind.
If you want AI tools to talk about you properly, you need to write things the way you’d train a new staff member: clearly, plainly, and repeatedly.
It’s Not Just Your Site. Here’s Where Else AI Looks:
Gumshoe’s research shows AI tools pull answers from a mix of sources. These include:
YouTube (especially transcripts and descriptions)
Reddit and Quora
Wikipedia
Research journals (especially in health and wellness)
Business directories (Google Maps, LinkedIn, Marriott.com, etc.)
The AI model matters too. For example:
Perplexity leans toward eCommerce and product content
ChatGPT favors business profiles and real-world services
Gemini (Google’s model) loves directories and YouTube
So if you’re running a YouTube channel, publish your videos with a clear description and turn on transcripts. AI isn’t watching your videos. It’s reading them.
Don’t Worry About SEO Rankings (For Once):
One of the wildest findings? AI doesn’t care if your site ranks on page one of Google.
Up to 90% of the links AI tools reference in answers are buried beyond page two. AI doesn’t need popularity. It’s hunting for what’s most correct, not what’s most clicked.
This is good news. You don’t need backlinks from tech blogs or viral posts to show up in AI. You need clarity.
Fresh Content Wins:
Here’s the catch: your content needs to be current. Gumshoe found that 51% of what AI tools reference is less than 90 days old. The average age of a cited article? Just 86 days.
That number is dropping fast.
Soon, if you want to stay visible in AI-generated answers, you’ll need to update your content monthly or even weekly. Not because AI is impatient. But because its memory is short. If you stop publishing, you fall out of the loop.
You’re Not Optimising for Search. You’re Training a Sales Rep.
Sawicki puts it perfectly. Think of AI tools as salespeople who represent your brand when you’re not in the room. Would you send them out without training?
Every FAQ you write, every product page you update, every blog you publish—these are how you teach AI to talk about your brand. If you don’t tell them what to say, they’ll guess. Badly.
Worse, they’ll say nothing at all and recommend your competitor.
Action Plan for Small Businesses:
Here’s what to do starting today:
Write FAQs for every product or service
Update your blog at least once a quarter
Create how-to guides and knowledge base articles
Post explainer videos on YouTube with full descriptions and transcripts
Avoid clever wording—state the obvious
Repeat the exact product name often (don’t assume the model will figure it out)
And yes, check what AI is already saying about you. Sawicki warns that AI will give different answers to different users. If you ask about your own business on ChatGPT, it might be flattering. That’s because it knows who you are. What matters is what it says to strangers.
Clarity Always Wins:
AI search is here, and it’s changing how people discover and trust your business. You don’t need fancy hacks. You just need to be useful, clear, and consistent.
And if you’re struggling to explain what you do in one simple sentence, start there.
Get my 5-Minute Marketing Fix and learn how to describe your business clearly enough for humans and AI.
Related Articles:
1. OpenAI is losing $7.77 for every $1 it earns
AI tools might be dominating today, but their future is uncertain. This post explains why owning your content is safer than relying on platforms you can’t control.
2. Map Content to the Customer Journey for Better Results
If AI search is the new salesperson, this article helps you write the right pitch for every stage of the customer journey using the Marketing Hourglass.
3. 10 Best Content Types for Small Business Marketing
Wondering what types of content actually help AI talk about your brand correctly? Start here.
4. Content Marketing Boosts Revenue More Than Ads
Nervous about losing clicks from Google? This post proves that good content still wins—and explains how to turn readers into leads without relying on ads.
5. Define Your Brand Voice and Build Instant Recognition
If AI tools are now your brand reps, your tone needs to be consistent. This post shows how to build a voice that sticks.
Frequently Asked Questions About AI Search and Content Visibility
1. What is AI search and how is it different from Google?
AI search uses tools like ChatGPT or Perplexity to answer questions directly instead of showing a list of links. It acts more like a virtual assistant than a traditional search engine.
2. What does "zero-click search" mean?
It means users get the answer they need directly on the search page or inside an AI tool, without clicking through to your website.
3. If users aren’t clicking, how can my business still get found?
You need to make sure AI tools are pulling your content into their answers. That means publishing useful, structured content like FAQs, product pages, and blog posts regularly.
4. How often do I need to update my website content?
Most AI models reference content that’s less than 90 days old. Updating quarterly is the minimum. Monthly is better. Weekly is ideal.
5. What kinds of pages do AI tools look at on my site?
They prioritise product description pages, FAQs, blog posts, knowledge bases, and how-to articles. These help the AI understand what you sell and who it helps.
6. Do I still need SEO if AI doesn’t care about rankings?
Yes, but the focus shifts. Instead of backlinks and keywords, AI looks for accuracy, clarity, and structure. It's more about being useful than being popular.
7. What other sites does AI use to form its answers?
YouTube is a big one. So are Reddit, Wikipedia, business directories, academic journals, and community forums. Make sure your brand shows up in a few of those too.
8. How can I tell what AI tools are saying about my brand?
You can’t just ask them directly—they personalise responses based on who’s asking. Tools like Gumshoe.ai simulate real users to help you see what AI says to strangers.
9. What if AI gets it wrong or makes things up?
That’s common. If you don’t publish the right information, AI will guess. The only way to reduce hallucinations is to clearly and repeatedly publish answers to likely questions.
10. Where should I start if this feels overwhelming?
Start by writing one clear sentence about what you do.Download the 5 Minute Marketing Fix to get help with that first step. Clarity makes everything else easier.
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)