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...
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.
LinkedIn Cracks Down on Lead Gen Tools—What It Means for You
By Vicky Sidler | Published 19 September 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2
You know things are getting serious when LinkedIn starts showing people the door.
Over the last few months, several lead generation companies—Apollo, Seamless, Evaboot, LGM—have mysteriously disappeared from LinkedIn. Their pages are gone. Their Chrome extensions? Quietly axed. One by one, they’ve been booted from the party for breaking the house rules. Specifically, LinkedIn’s rule about scraping data.
If your business relies on LinkedIn to find leads or power outreach tools, this little platform drama isn’t just gossip. It’s a warning.
According to MarTech, LinkedIn is tightening the reins on third-party tools that pull user data without permission. That might sound like a tech issue. It’s not. It’s a marketing issue, a trust issue, and potentially a major headache for small business owners.
TL;DR:
LinkedIn has started removing companies that scrape its user data
Tools like Apollo, Seamless, Evaboot, and LGM no longer appear on LinkedIn
This crackdown affects Chrome extensions many B2B sales teams rely on
Using scraping tools may violate LinkedIn’s terms of service, even indirectly
If your lead gen strategy depends on automation, now’s the time to rethink
👉 Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix
Table of Contents:
LinkedIn Cracks Down on Lead Gen Tools—What It Means for You
What Did These Tools Actually Do?
What Does This Mean for Small Business Owners?
LinkedIn’s Not New to This Fight:
A Better Way to Do Lead Gen on LinkedIn:
1. Write a One-Liner That Opens Doors:
5. Use Tools That Respect the Rules:
The Real Risk Isn’t LinkedIn—It’s Lazy Marketing:
AI Ethics Explained for Small Business Owners
AI Replacing Humans Backfires—What CEOs Miss
Build Brand Loyalty Without the Noise
FAQs on LinkedIn’s Crackdown and Lead Gen Tools
What did Apollo, Seamless, and others do wrong?
Why is LinkedIn removing lead gen companies now?
What is data scraping, and why does it matter?
Will this affect my business if I don’t use these tools directly?
How can I tell if my lead gen service uses scraping tools?
What’s a safer way to generate leads on LinkedIn?
Should I delete any Chrome extensions I’m using for LinkedIn?
How do I make sure my LinkedIn lead gen is compliant?
What’s the best way to improve my lead generation without breaking the rules?
What Did These Tools Actually Do?
Let’s break it down.
Companies like Apollo.io and Evaboot built Chrome extensions that made it easier to copy contact data from LinkedIn. The goal? Help salespeople build prospect lists fast.
But LinkedIn didn’t like that. Its business model depends on people paying for access, not automating their way around the paywall. So it started pushing back.
Apollo vanished from search results. Evaboot stopped showing up. Seamless and LGM went dark. The message from LinkedIn was clear: stop taking our data without asking.
For context, Apollo even redesigned its website after the takedown and removed any mention of LinkedIn prospecting.
What Does This Mean for Small Business Owners?
If you’ve never heard of these tools, you might think this doesn’t apply to you. But here’s where it gets tricky.
A lot of outsourced lead gen providers use tools like this behind the scenes. That “done-for-you” service you hired to fill your calendar with sales calls? There’s a good chance they were using scraped LinkedIn data to do it.
Now that the rules are changing, those providers might disappear—or get desperate. Which could lead to:
Vanishing campaigns
Lower-quality leads
Or worse, your own LinkedIn account being flagged for suspicious activity
If someone scrapes LinkedIn on your behalf, you still carry the risk. Ignorance won’t save you if the platform sees you as part of the problem.
LinkedIn’s Not New to This Fight:
This isn’t the first time LinkedIn has gone after companies scraping its data.
In 2022, it sued a Singapore-based startup called Mantheos and won. Around the same time, it also took on hiQ Labs—a legal fight that’s still making its way through appeals. It’s been clear for years that LinkedIn sees scraping as a threat, not a clever workaround.
So this new wave of takedowns? It’s not random. It’s part of a broader trend to protect data ownership, platform integrity, and subscription revenue.
And in case you were wondering, yes, LinkedIn is owned by Microsoft. So when they say "terms of service," they mean business.
Should You Panic?
No. But you should definitely pause and audit your lead gen process.
If your current system includes:
Chrome extensions for LinkedIn outreach
Tools that “pull” email addresses from LinkedIn
Providers who can’t explain where their data comes from
Then you might be building your growth on shaky ground.
Here’s what to do instead.
A Better Way to Do Lead Gen on LinkedIn:
You don’t need sketchy tools to succeed on LinkedIn. You just need a clear message, a consistent approach, and the patience to build relationships.
As a StoryBrand Certified Guide and Duct Tape Marketing Strategist, here’s what I recommend:
1. Write a One-Liner That Opens Doors:
If you can’t explain what you do in one clear sentence, people won’t remember you. Use the 5-Minute Marketing Fix to nail this.
2. Build a Quality Profile:
Optimise your headline, bio, and banner. Make it clear what problem you solve and who you serve. No fluff. No buzzwords.
3. Engage First, Pitch Later:
Comment on other people’s posts. Send genuine connection requests. Start conversations that don’t end in “Let me know if you need leads.”
4. Create Real Content:
Post helpful insights. Answer common questions. Share results. When people see you showing up with value, they come to you.
5. Use Tools That Respect the Rules:
There are plenty of legit CRM and outreach tools that integrate with LinkedIn without violating terms. If it feels sneaky, it probably is.
The Real Risk Isn’t LinkedIn—It’s Lazy Marketing:
Shortcuts are tempting. But when they blow up, they don’t just waste time. They burn trust.
If you’re relying on scraped data to start relationships, those relationships are built on sand.
The real competitive edge today? Clarity. Honesty. Consistency.
So instead of playing whack-a-mole with Chrome extensions, spend five minutes sharpening your message.
👉 Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix here
Because in a world of disappearing lead gen tools, the best tool is still a clear, compelling sentence that builds trust on every platform.
Related Articles:
AI Ethics Explained for Small Business Owners
If this article made you rethink the tools you’re using for lead generation, this one takes it a step further. It shows you how to evaluate any marketing tool through an ethical lens—so you don’t damage your brand while trying to grow it.
AI Replacing Humans Backfires—What CEOs Miss
LinkedIn cracking down on automation is just one example. This article breaks down real cases where businesses tried to replace human connection with bots—and ended up paying the price.
Build Brand Loyalty Without the Noise
If you’re ready to move past quick-fix tools and focus on building real trust, this is your next read. It gives you three practical ways to build brand loyalty without relying on gimmicks or grey-area tactics.
FAQs on LinkedIn’s Crackdown and Lead Gen Tools
What did Apollo, Seamless, and others do wrong?
They used Chrome extensions to pull contact data directly from LinkedIn without permission. This goes against LinkedIn’s terms of service, which ban third-party tools from scraping user data.
Why is LinkedIn removing lead gen companies now?
LinkedIn has always tried to stop data scraping, but it’s ramping up enforcement. The goal is to protect user privacy and keep people paying for premium access instead of using unofficial tools to get around the system.
What is data scraping, and why does it matter?
Scraping means automatically collecting information from websites, usually with bots or browser extensions. The problem is that it often violates platform rules and can expose users to privacy and security risks.
Will this affect my business if I don’t use these tools directly?
Yes. Even if you’re not scraping data yourself, your outsourced lead gen provider might be. If they get blocked or banned, your campaigns could vanish overnight—and your LinkedIn account might be at risk too.
How can I tell if my lead gen service uses scraping tools?
Ask them directly how they collect data. If they’re vague, evasive, or mention tools that sound like “browser extensions” or “LinkedIn scrapers,” that’s a red flag. Legitimate providers will be transparent about their methods.
What’s a safer way to generate leads on LinkedIn?
Start with a clear message, build a strong profile, engage with real people, and post helpful content. Use tools that integrate with LinkedIn through official channels. Avoid anything that feels like a shortcut.
Should I delete any Chrome extensions I’m using for LinkedIn?
If the extension pulls data, autofills messages, or automates activity on your behalf, yes. LinkedIn can track this activity, and your account could be restricted or banned if you're caught using unsupported tools.
How do I make sure my LinkedIn lead gen is compliant?
Use LinkedIn’s built-in tools like Sales Navigator. Don’t scrape data. Don’t spam people. And don’t outsource your outreach to services that can’t tell you exactly how they operate.
What’s the best way to improve my lead generation without breaking the rules?
Start with your message. If your pitch is clear and targeted, you won’t need to spray and pray.Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix to craft a one-liner that earns attention the right way.
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)