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.
Truecaller Faces South African Investigation Over POPIA Concerns
By Vicky Sidler | Published 16 August 2025 at 12:00 GMT
Truecaller might be making more enemies than friends in South Africa—and this time, the complaints have landed on the desk of the country’s Information Regulator.
The regulator confirmed it’s investigating after receiving formal complaints from businesses and individuals who say Truecaller hurt their operations by flagging numbers as spam and charging hefty fees to get them whitelisted.
The legal twist? This isn’t about whether Truecaller is annoying. It’s about whether it’s following the rules of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
TL;DR
SA’s Information Regulator is investigating Truecaller for possible POPIA violations.
Complaints include spam-flagging numbers and charging R11,000+ per month to whitelist.
Legal experts say past data-collection practices may have crossed the line.
Non-users’ contact details may have been uploaded without their knowledge.
Businesses should review their customer contact permissions and data practices now.
Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix.
Table of Contents
Truecaller Faces South African Investigation Over POPIA Concerns
A Real-Life Example—My Plumber Problem:
Why Truecaller Is in the Hot Seat:
What Small Businesses Should Do Now:
2. Review Your Marketing Practices:
3. Check Your Caller Reputation:
AI Fraud Crisis Warning—What Small Biz Must Do Now
AI Can’t Replace Expertise—Tea Data Breach Proves It
LLM Visibility: The SEO Shift You’re Missing
Advertise Your Business on $500—Here’s What Works
What is the Truecaller investigation about?
Why are businesses complaining about Truecaller?
How does Truecaller collect contact information?
What does POPIA have to do with this?
Can I remove my number from Truecaller?
A Real-Life Example—My Plumber Problem:
Just last month, our geyser burst. The plumber assigned by our insurance company called several times—but each time, Truecaller flagged the number as spam.
Fortunately, I haven’t set my Truecaller to block spam calls automatically. If I had, the plumber wouldn’t have reached me at all.
Think about that: a legitimate, urgently needed service could have been blocked completely because of how a third-party platform labeled their number. It wasn’t about their reputation or service quality—it was about an algorithm and a label I didn’t apply myself.
Now imagine if your own customers had the same experience.
Why Truecaller Is in the Hot Seat:
Truecaller’s core selling point is blocking spam calls. Users love it. Businesses—not so much.
Here’s why:
It can block calls by default if a number is flagged as spam.
To get calls through, some businesses say they’ve been asked to pay around $590/month (about R11,000) for a 5,000-call whitelist.
That’s about R2.18 per call—just for the privilege of not being treated like a scammer.
The Information Regulator says it can only act if the platform’s handling of personal data breaches POPIA. That means the real question isn’t “Is this fair?”—it’s “Is this lawful?”
The Legal Red Flags:
According to Werksmans Attorneys director Ahmore Burger-Smidt, there are several POPIA trouble spots in Truecaller’s history:
Contact harvesting: The app previously encouraged users to upload their phone address books for extra features.
Non-subscriber data: This may have included the personal information of people who never signed up.
Lawful basis issues: POPIA allows data processing only under specific conditions like consent, legal obligation, legitimate interest, or contract. Burger-Smidt questions whether Truecaller can justify processing all that non-subscriber data under “legitimate interest.”
And here’s the kicker—many people whose details ended up in Truecaller’s database might not even know they’re in it.
The Awareness Gap:
Truecaller does let non-users “unlist” their numbers, but if you don’t know you’re listed, you don’t know to remove yourself.
Burger-Smidt says the company should proactively notify people by SMS or email whenever their details are added, along with clear instructions to delist.
It’s a simple concept: you can’t opt out of something you never knew you were in.
What Small Businesses Should Do Now:
Even if you’ve never used Truecaller, this case is a wake-up call to check your own compliance:
1. Audit Your Contact Data:
Do you have explicit permission to call, email, or SMS each contact? If not, get it—and document it.
2. Review Your Marketing Practices:
Cold calls, bulk SMS, and other outreach methods can backfire if they violate privacy rules. Make sure your processes align with POPIA or any local privacy laws in your area.
3. Check Your Caller Reputation:
If customers keep sending you to voicemail, it might not be their fault. Search your business number online or ask clients if your calls show up as spam.
Let’s Get Clear:
This isn’t just about one app—it’s about control of your business’s ability to reach customers. If a third-party platform can block you without warning, you need backup channels in place.
And in an era where trust is currency, having a clear, consent-based communication strategy isn’t just legal protection—it’s good marketing.
If you want help explaining your value clearly—in a way that makes customers want to hear from you—grab my free 5-Minute Marketing Fix. It’s a quick, practical tool to help you craft a one-liner that builds trust and cuts through the noise.
Because if you can’t get heard, you can’t get hired.
Related Posts
AI Fraud Crisis Warning—What Small Biz Must Do Now
If you think being flagged as spam is bad, imagine an AI impersonating your CEO and asking clients for Bitcoin. This guide helps you defend your brand before scammers turn your identity into their revenue stream.
AI Can’t Replace Expertise—Tea Data Breach Proves It
Truecaller’s algorithm can mislabel a plumber; a dating app’s breach proves algorithms can also leak your customers’ secrets. Here’s why human expertise still beats automated guesswork when things go wrong.
LLM Visibility: The SEO Shift You’re Missing
Being blocked by Truecaller is one thing—being mentioned by AI without getting traffic is another. Learn how to spot and win back the invisible attention large language models are quietly stealing.
Advertise Your Business on $500—Here’s What Works
Paying R11,000/month just to not be marked as spam is steep. This article shows you how to reach customers effectively on a $500 budget—no ransom payments required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Truecaller investigation about?
South Africa’s Information Regulator is investigating Truecaller after receiving complaints that the app flagged legitimate business numbers as spam and charged fees to have them whitelisted. The investigation will determine whether Truecaller’s handling of personal data complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Why are businesses complaining about Truecaller?
Some businesses say Truecaller wrongly labels their numbers as spam, blocking calls to customers. Others claim they were asked to pay around R11,000 per month to have their calls allowed through.
How does Truecaller collect contact information?
According to legal experts, Truecaller has previously encouraged users to upload their phone address books for extra features. This can include contact details of people who have never signed up for the app.
What does POPIA have to do with this?
POPIA governs how personal information is collected, stored, and used in South Africa. If Truecaller processes personal data without meeting POPIA’s lawful requirements — such as obtaining consent or having a legitimate interest — it could be in violation.
Can I remove my number from Truecaller?
Yes. Truecaller offers a way for non-users to “unlist” their numbers through its website. However, many people don’t know their details have been added in the first place, which means they may never request removal.
How can I check if my business number is marked as spam?
You can search your number on the Truecaller website or app, or ask customers if your calls appear with a “spam” label. If they do, you may need to submit a request to Truecaller to update your caller ID information.
What should small businesses do to protect themselves?
Audit your contact lists to ensure you have permission to reach out. Make sure your outreach complies with POPIA. Check your caller reputation regularly and maintain multiple ways of contacting customers in case a call channel is blocked.
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)