StoryBrand Marketing Agency
Is Your Marketing Message So Confusing Even Your Own Mom Doesn’t Get It?
We're a 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...
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.
‘Am I Doing the Right Things?’ What Mailchimp’s Marketer Learned
By Vicky Sidler | Published 30 August 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2
If you’ve ever stared at your campaign metrics like they were a Sudoku puzzle written in Sanskrit, you’re not alone. According to Mark Lodwick, Director of Brand Experience at Intuit Mailchimp, the question that haunts marketers of all sizes is, “Am I doing the right things?”
Spoiler: doubt is normal. The problem is staying there.
In a wide-ranging conversation with Tim Healey of Little Grey Cells (published in The Drum), Lodwick gave small businesses a much-needed sigh of relief. Even at the billion-dollar brand level, marketing doesn’t come with a cheat sheet. But there are ways to quiet the panic, focus your energy, and get back to solving real customer problems.
TL;DR
Even big brands ask, “Are we doing this right?”
Mailchimp uses doubt to fuel clarity and customer focus
AI is powerful, but only when it solves real problems
Great marketing starts by solving one thing well
Simplicity beats shiny every time
Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix.
Table of Contents
‘Am I Doing the Right Things?’ What Mailchimp’s Marketer Learned
When Everyone Feels Like a Fraud (You're Not Broken):
Don’t Confuse Data With Direction:
Use AI to Clarify, Not Complicate:
The Real Job—Solve One Problem Well:
Build Teams That Talk to Each Other:
Not Everything Needs to Scale:
Not Every Idea Has to Be a Winner
Advertise Your Business on $500—Here's What Works
LLM Visibility: The SEO Shift You're Missing
AI Job Loss Panic? It's Just Clever Marketing
Work from Home Is Better For Business—Here's the Tech That Makes It Work
FAQs on Doing the “Right” Marketing Things
Why do so many marketers feel like they’re doing it wrong?
What did Mailchimp learn from their customers?
What should I do if I feel overwhelmed by AI tools?
When Everyone Feels Like a Fraud (You're Not Broken):
Lodwick’s research-backed insight is refreshingly human. Whether you're a solo operator or part of a global brand team, that gnawing feeling that you might be off-track is universal.
In Mailchimp’s customer research, marketers kept repeating the same line: “I don’t know if I’m doing the right things.” Not “I need more budget.” Not “I need a better CRM.” Just a quiet, persistent uncertainty.
It’s the kind of thing no one puts on a slide deck but everyone feels after a disappointing click-through rate.
The takeaway? Self-doubt isn’t a red flag. It’s a prompt to refocus.
“The work we admire most is often incredibly simple,” Lodwick says. “That simplicity is usually the result of distilling a complex problem into something clear and resonant.”
Translation: Marketing clarity isn’t about doing more. It’s about getting better at solving the right problem.
Don’t Confuse Data With Direction:
One of Mailchimp’s most memorable recent campaigns was called “The Clustomer.” Picture a big, tangled ball of customer data. Now picture yourself inside it with a flashlight and a deadline.
Marketers, it turns out, are drowning in information but starving for insight.
Lodwick’s team realised the real challenge wasn’t access to data—it was knowing what to do with it. That insight drove the campaign, which helped reposition Mailchimp not just as a tool, but as a problem-solver.
And that’s the lesson for small businesses too: having more data doesn’t help unless you have a plan to act on it. Simpler is often smarter.
Use AI to Clarify, Not Complicate:
Lodwick is realistic about AI. He’s not buying into the hype, but he’s not ignoring it either.
Yes, Mailchimp is using generative AI to help speed up content creation. But no, they’re not outsourcing judgment.
If the tech helps them organise data and communicate more clearly, great. If it just creates more noise, it’s out.
For small business owners: think of AI like a power drill. Helpful if you're building something. Pointless if you're still deciding what to build.
Here’s Lodwick’s rule of thumb: “Can it create work we’re proud of and confident putting out into the world?” If not, skip it.
The Real Job—Solve One Problem Well:
According to Lodwick, the best marketing advice is deceptively simple:
“Every customer has a problem, so the key question becomes: what can we do that uniquely solves it?”
Marketing isn’t about going viral or being clever. It’s about solving something real for someone specific.
And that’s exactly what most small businesses forget when they get stuck chasing competitors, trends, or the latest “must-have” platform.
Your job is not to impress other marketers. Your job is to help your customer make a decision they feel good about.
Build Teams That Talk to Each Other:
Even within Mailchimp, siloed work is a risk. Lodwick calls it out directly: “How aware is this group of what’s going on outside their own lane?”
To fix this, his team runs quarterly “forums” where anyone—whether in product, creative, or strategy—can share what they’re working on, even if it’s messy or half-baked.
Sometimes they even present personal passion projects unrelated to work.
It’s not a kumbaya session. It’s a deliberate strategy to build trust, spark cross-pollination, and stop people from hiding behind Slack and email.
If you're a small team, try doing this monthly. You don’t need a budget. You just need a chair and 30 minutes to talk like actual humans.
At Strategic Marketing Tribe, we do this every week over Zoom.
Not Everything Needs to Scale:
Lodwick points out that not every AI tool is worth keeping. Some will work. Some will flop. That’s fine.
Try, assess, discard. Don’t force it.
The lesson here is to treat marketing like a lab, not a factory. You don’t need to industrialise everything. You need to test enough to learn, then focus on what works.
That means:
Ignore the tech FOMO
Solve your customer’s real problem
Share ideas across the team
Simplify where possible
Stick with what’s clear and helpful
Still feel unsure sometimes? Good. That means you’re thinking.
Not Every Idea Has to Be a Winner
One of my favorite lines from our own weekly team check-in is this:
“We’re some crazy mofos who love experimenting with new shit, and we’re not afraid to admit when it was a kak idea.”
For the non-South Africans, "kak" means "shit"—and yes, we say it with love.
Because here’s the truth: if you’re not willing to test things that might fail, you’re not going to find the stuff that actually works. Lodwick gets this. His take on AI isn’t about hype or perfection. It’s about trying things, seeing what sticks, and being okay with the mess that comes with making progress.
The goal isn’t to get it right the first time. The goal is to learn faster than the next guy. That’s how real marketing clarity shows up—not from certainty, but from movement.
StoryBrand Meets Mailchimp:
As a StoryBrand Certified Guide, I’ve seen hundreds of small businesses tie themselves in knots trying to market everything to everyone. The fix? Get crystal clear on what problem you solve, for whom, and why it matters.
Mailchimp's Clustomer campaign is a great example of this. They didn’t just say “better segmentation.” They showed it. Visually. Memorably. Relatably.
That’s what good marketing does. It makes the customer feel seen. And more importantly, it makes them believe you can help.
If you want help simplifying your message and cutting through the noise, that’s what the 5-Minute Marketing Fix is for.
Related Articles
Advertise Your Business on $500—Here's What Works
If you’re asking, “Am I doing the right things?”, this post shows you how to test your marketing on a tiny budget. It echoes Lodwick’s advice: focus, experiment, and measure what matters.
LLM Visibility: The SEO Shift You're Missing
Just like Lodwick says AI should clarify, not complicate, this article explains how to win at AI-powered search by focusing on clear messaging and authority—not just keywords.
AI Job Loss Panic? It's Just Clever Marketing
This companion piece unpacks how fear-based marketing around AI causes unnecessary confusion. Lodwick’s practical AI take matches perfectly with this grounded, myth-busting read.
Work from Home Is Better For Business—Here's the Tech That Makes It Work
Mailchimp's focus on collaboration and anti-silo culture is mirrored here. It shows how the right tools (plus clear communication) build strong remote teams that actually talk to each other.
FAQs on Doing the “Right” Marketing Things
Why do so many marketers feel like they’re doing it wrong?
Because marketing is messy. The landscape changes weekly and everyone feels behind. Doubt isn’t failure—it’s a sign to refocus.
What did Mailchimp learn from their customers?
That nearly everyone—regardless of company size—is unsure how to segment audiences properly or apply customer data meaningfully.
What should I do if I feel overwhelmed by AI tools?
Pick one task. If AI can help do that faster or better, use it. If it adds confusion or clutter, don’t.
What does “solving the right problem” mean?
It means identifying your customer’s actual pain point and showing how your product or service helps with that. Not everything. Just that.
How can I simplify my message?
Use the5-Minute Marketing Fix. It’s free, fast, and helps you clarify what to say and how to say it.
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)