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.
ChatGPT Brings Back 4o—Here’s What Small Businesses Can Learn
By Vicky Sidler | Published 15 August 2025 at 12:00 GMT
Imagine upgrading your café menu and removing everyone’s favorite sandwich overnight—without telling anyone.
Now imagine your customers not only complain but start holding candlelight vigils for the tuna melt.
That’s essentially what happened to OpenAI last week, according to The Verge.
After launching GPT-5 as ChatGPT’s default model, they quietly removed GPT-4o—an older, widely loved version. Paid subscribers lost the ability to switch back, and the internet responded with the emotional equivalent of tossing coffee in a manager’s face.
TL;DR
OpenAI made GPT-5 the default, removing GPT-4o from ChatGPT
Paid users revolted, saying GPT-4o felt more personal and useful
Reddit lit up with stories of lost “AI friendships” and broken workflows
OpenAI reversed course within a day, letting Plus users pick GPT-4o again
Lesson for small businesses: sudden change without warning = brand damage
Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix.
Table of Contents
ChatGPT Brings Back 4o—Here’s What Small Businesses Can Learn
When “Better” Doesn’t Feel Better:
The Cost of Skipping Communication:
How OpenAI Fixed It (Sort of):
What Small Businesses Should Take Away:
1. Give Notice Before Changes:
2. Offer Options During Transitions:
3. Listen to Feedback—Then Act:
4. Acknowledge the Emotional Factor:
Clear Messaging Wins in Any Transition:
AI Fraud Crisis Warning—What Small Biz Must Do Now
American Eagle Ad Backlash—Marketing Lessons You Can't Ignore
Advertise Your Business on $500—Here's What Works
What is GPT-4o and why do people prefer it?
Why did OpenAI remove GPT-4o in the first place?
How quickly did OpenAI bring it back?
When “Better” Doesn’t Feel Better:
From a technical standpoint, GPT-5 was supposed to be an upgrade: more accurate, better writing, improved coding.
But OpenAI overlooked one thing—customer attachment.
Some users said GPT-4o felt warmer and more human. One Redditor even called it their “safe place” and “partner.” Others used it for specific workflows they couldn’t easily replicate in GPT-5.
Instead of excitement, the GPT-5 launch triggered frustration, canceled subscriptions, and heartfelt tributes.
The Cost of Skipping Communication:
For small businesses, the lesson is clear: removing a popular product or service without warning is asking for trouble.
In OpenAI’s case:
There was no prior notice about GPT-4o’s removal.
Customers were locked into a model they didn’t choose.
Entire workflows broke overnight.
When people lose both choice and control, they don’t just get annoyed—they feel betrayed. That emotional hit can cost more than the revenue dip.
A Personal Parallel:
It’s not often that I sympathise with huge corporations, but I feel for OpenAI here.
I’ve introduced changes in my own business that I thought would improve service—only to have customers push back. One example: I set up monday.com boards so clients could track their projects in real time.
Transparency is one of my core values, so I thought this would be great. They could log in anytime to see the status of their work and all communication would be available in one place.
But they almost unanimously hated it. They wanted email updates, and that was that.
We still use monday.com internally, and it’s been a game changer for hitting deadlines and avoiding emergencies. We also still give customers access if they want it—but they don’t.
Some initiatives land well. Others get rejected. The important thing is to listen, adapt, and not take it personally.
How OpenAI Fixed It (Sort of):
Within 24 hours, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced GPT-4o’s return for Plus users. He also promised:
More transparency on which model is responding
Increased usage limits for Plus subscribers
Improvements to GPT-5’s speed and quality
The move stopped the bleeding—but not before the backlash made headlines.
What Small Businesses Should Take Away:
You might not be running a global AI company, but the principles apply whether you sell software, cupcakes, or consulting.
Here’s how to avoid an OpenAI-style revolt:
1. Give Notice Before Changes:
Don’t just flip a switch. Announce changes early and explain why they’re happening. Customers may not love it, but they’ll trust you more for being upfront.
2. Offer Options During Transitions:
If you’re replacing a service or product, give customers a grace period where they can choose either option. That shows respect for their habits and preferences.
3. Listen to Feedback—Then Act:
OpenAI reversed its decision because the backlash was loud and clear. You don’t need Reddit threads to know what’s going wrong—set up channels for feedback and respond quickly.
4. Acknowledge the Emotional Factor:
Customers form attachments—not just to what you sell, but how it makes them feel. Remove that without care, and you remove part of the relationship.
Clear Messaging Wins in Any Transition:
Whether you’re launching a new offer, raising prices, or phasing out a product, how you communicate matters as much as the change itself.
Your customers will give you more grace if they understand the “why” and feel part of the process.
If you’re not sure how to communicate clearly—especially in a high-stakes change—start with a simple, sharp one-liner that explains your value in seconds.
That’s exactly what the 5-Minute Marketing Fix will help you create.
👉 Download it free and make your next big change easier to sell.
Related Posts
AI Fraud Crisis Warning—What Small Biz Must Do Now
While OpenAI was busy putting GPT-4o back on the menu, Sam Altman was warning about AI impersonating your voice in under a minute. This piece shows how to protect your business before customers have to ask, “Was that really you?”
American Eagle Ad Backlash—Marketing Lessons You Can't Ignore
OpenAI fixed its problem in a day. American Eagle? Not so much. This article is a cautionary tale about what happens when you double down instead of adapting to customer outrage.
Advertise Your Business on $500—Here's What Works
If OpenAI’s misstep proved anything, it’s that botched changes can be expensive. This guide helps you test marketing ideas and avoid public flops—without a global PR bill.
FAQs About the GPT-4o Return
What is GPT-4o and why do people prefer it?
GPT-4o is a version of OpenAI’s ChatGPT model that many users found more personable, consistent, and creative. Some relied on it for emotional support, while others used it for specific workflows they couldn’t easily replicate in GPT-5.
Why did OpenAI remove GPT-4o in the first place?
When GPT-5 launched, OpenAI made it the default and removed the option to switch back. The intent was to streamline the user experience and highlight the new model’s capabilities, but it overlooked how attached users were to GPT-4o.
How quickly did OpenAI bring it back?
Within 24 hours of widespread user backlash, OpenAI announced that GPT-4o would return for paid Plus subscribers.
What’s the main lesson for small businesses?
Never make sudden, major changes without warning your customers. Offer transition options and communicate clearly—especially if you’re replacing something they love.
How can businesses avoid similar backlash?
Give customers advance notice
Provide alternatives during transitions
Actively gather and respond to feedback
Consider the emotional connection customers have with your product or service
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)