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.
Email Marketing Still Works Better Than You Think
By Vicky Sidler | Published 28 September 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2
In the never-ending parade of shiny marketing tools, email sits in the corner like the overlooked cousin who actually knows how to fix your car.
It’s old. It’s uncool. And it works.
According to Mike Maynard’s Forbes piece, email marketing isn’t just alive—it’s quietly outperforming almost everything else. Which is a bit awkward for anyone who’s been shouting about the death of email since 2013.
Email is still one of the few marketing tools that lands right where your customer lives: their inbox. And if you do it right, they’ll actually want to open it.
TL;DR:
Email is still the most targeted marketing channel available
Good emails get high open and click rates
Spam problems usually come from lazy targeting or bad writing
HTML overload is making emails worse, not better
Email marketing is cheap, personal, and still more trusted than social ads
👉 Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix
Table of Contents:
Email Marketing Still Works Better Than You Think
Why Email Still Beats Fancy New Tools:
The Problem Isn’t Email. It’s How People Use It:
Directional, Not Just Targeted:
Trusted, Cheap, and Still Personal:
So Why Aren’t More People Using It?
Want to Send Better Emails? Start With This
1. AI Marketing Trust Gap Widens as Consumers Push Back
2. AI Automates 80 Percent of Marketing—What Now?
3. Why 95% of AI Pilots Fail and What to Do Instead
4. New Marketing Book By Sara Nay Helps Small Businesses Escape Broken Models
5. AI, Cybersecurity & Social Media Now Drive Small Business Growth
FAQs About Email Marketing for Small Businesses
What makes email marketing more effective than social media?
Why do some emails end up in the junk folder?
Does AI help or hurt email marketing?
Isn’t email marketing just for big companies?
Why Email Still Beats Fancy New Tools:
Most platforms spray and pray. Email aims.
When you send a well-written email to a carefully built list, you’re not guessing. You’re inviting. That difference alone makes email more effective than most paid ads.
Modern email tools let you filter by behavior, interest, purchase history, industry, even timezone. It’s like having x-ray vision for your customer list.
Most social media campaigns are more like fireworks. Big flash, short lifespan. Emails, on the other hand, build a paper trail of trust.
The Problem Isn’t Email. It’s How People Use It:
So why do so many email campaigns end up in spam?
Because marketers send the same “BUY NOW” nonsense to everyone with a pulse. No segmentation. No relevance. No chance.
Even worse, they design emails like they’re making a digital brochure. That’s how HTML ruined everything.
Every extra graphic screams “This is an ad.”
And guess what happens next? Delete.
The best emails are plain, personal, and helpful. Think “from a real person,” not “from the marketing department.”
Directional, Not Just Targeted:
Maynard uses the word “directional” to explain why email works. Here’s what that means.
When someone sees their name in an email greeting, it feels like it was meant for them. Even if they know it’s automated, the feeling matters.
Social media might show you something once. Email sits there until you deal with it. It demands attention, even if just for a second.
In that second, you can either build trust or lose it.
Trusted, Cheap, and Still Personal:
Let’s be honest. Most small business owners aren’t looking to blow R10,000 on Google Ads every month.
Email marketing doesn’t need that kind of budget.
It works at scale, but it also works for the solo accountant who just wants more local leads. Or the guesthouse owner trying to fill up next weekend.
And unlike social platforms that randomly change the rules every other week, your email list is yours.
No algorithm is going to hide it.
So Why Aren’t More People Using It?
Because it’s not new.
Because someone told them “email is dead.”
Because it’s harder to write a good email than to post a photo of your cat with a quote about leadership.
And now, AI is helping people write faster but not better—flooding inboxes with generic, polite, forgettable junk that no one asked for.
But here’s what gets me. It’s only ever small businesses who tell me that email is outdated.
Big brands? They’re obsessed.
Go to any major retailer’s website and try to leave without being begged for your email. Nike wants it. Woolworths wants it. Even Google—the literal owner of two of the world’s biggest search engines—sends out emails to its users.
So why would small businesses ignore the one channel the giants are still betting on?
Email marketing isn’t a trend. It’s a tool. And when you use it with a clear, helpful message, it works.
Want to Send Better Emails? Start With This
The most effective email campaigns begin with one strong sentence that makes people care.
That’s what the 5-Minute Marketing Fix helps you create.
Related Articles
1. AI Marketing Trust Gap Widens as Consumers Push Back
If email works because it feels personal and trusted, this article shows what happens when AI goes too far and loses that trust.
2. AI Automates 80 Percent of Marketing—What Now?
This one explains why you shouldn’t outsource the heart of your message to a robot—even if it can technically do the job.
3. Why 95% of AI Pilots Fail and What to Do Instead
Still tempted by expensive AI marketing tools? This piece will convince you why email wins when it comes to consistent results.
4. New Marketing Book By Sara Nay Helps Small Businesses Escape Broken Models
Email is a strong foundation. This book review shows how to build a whole system around it without burning out or going broke.
5. AI, Cybersecurity & Social Media Now Drive Small Business Growth
For the bigger picture, this article shows how email fits into a smart, modern marketing stack alongside AI and social media.
FAQs About Email Marketing for Small Businesses
What makes email marketing more effective than social media?
Email marketing lets you speak directly to people who already want to hear from you. No algorithms. No pay-to-play. Just a message delivered straight to their inbox—on their terms.
Isn’t email outdated?
Not even close. Big brands are still using email every day because it works. If Google, Nike, and Woolworths still email their customers, it’s probably worth a second look.
Why do some emails end up in the junk folder?
Most often, it’s because the sender didn’t clean their list or the content was irrelevant, overly promotional, or badly written. A good list and a clear message fix most of these issues.
Does AI help or hurt email marketing?
Used right, AI can help you draft or structure emails faster. But when overused, it leads to vague, forgettable content that sounds like a bot trying too hard. Keep the message human.
Isn’t email marketing just for big companies?
Nope. In fact, small businesses often see better results because they sound more personal. You don’t need a massive list—you just need the right message.
What kind of emails should I send?
Helpful ones. Start with something your audience actually wants to read. Tips, updates, behind-the-scenes insights. And always make sure it sounds like you.
How can I write a strong email message?
It starts with clarity. If you’re not sure how to write something that makes people care,download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix. It’ll help you craft a one-liner that works in emails, ads, websites, and more.
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)