StoryBrand Marketing Agency
Is Your Marketing Message So Confusing Even Your Own Mom Doesn’t Get It?
We're an award-winning 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.
AI in Marketing Needs Human Thinking
By Vicky Sidler | Published 18 October 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2
Everyone’s showing off their new AI toys. Boards want AI roadmaps. Teams are pumping out content like it’s a fire sale. And if you’ve felt behind watching your competitors “scale with ChatGPT,” you’re not alone.
But here’s the awkward truth nobody wants to admit: tools don’t make strategy. You can prompt your way into a pretty campaign, but without a clear direction, all that speed just turns into noise.
According to a recent article in Adweek, we’re in what’s called the “AI plateau.” Not because the tools stopped working, but because we forgot something kind of important. Strategy.
TL;DR:
AI tools are fast but need human strategy to be effective
Prompting isn’t the same as deciding what problem to solve
Output is not impact. Clarity is
Without strategy, AI just makes mistakes faster
Strategy is still your competitive edge
👉 Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix
Table of Contents:
AI in Marketing Needs Human Thinking
The AI Plateau—Where Speed Meets Confusion:
Output Isn’t the Goal. Alignment Is.
Good Creative ≠ Good Marketing:
How I Use AI (and Where I Don’t):
Strategy Is Still the Real Superpower:
1. AI Automates 80 Percent of Marketing—What Now?
2. AI Marketing Trust Gap Widens as Consumers Push Back
3. AI Will Make the Rich Richer—But It Might Also Backfire
4. AI Marketing Works Best With a Human Brain
FAQs on Using AI in Marketing Without Losing Strategy
1. What is the AI plateau and why does it matter?
2. Isn’t using AI faster and more efficient for small businesses?
3. Can’t AI generate a good enough message on its own?
4. What happens when you use AI without strategy?
5. How should small businesses actually use AI?
The AI Plateau—Where Speed Meets Confusion:
At first, AI felt like a cheat code. Everyone got excited. Prompts were flying. Content calendars were stuffed. But then… not much happened.
That’s because no matter how impressive your output is, it means nothing if the message doesn’t matter. Marketing is not a race to publish the most posts. It’s a job of making meaning. And meaning still requires a human brain.
Strategy is not a prompt. It’s the answer to questions like:
Who are you actually trying to reach?
What problem are you solving?
Why does it matter right now?
ChatGPT can’t answer those for you. Even if you want it to. Only you can.
Output Isn’t the Goal. Alignment Is.
One of the most dangerous myths in marketing right now is that more content equals more success. It doesn’t.
Without a clear framework, AI just makes it easier to get misaligned faster. You can now scale your confusion in record time. This creates an illusion of progress—lots of activity, very little result.
Let’s say your AI tool finds a small audience segment that engages like crazy. Great. But if that segment doesn’t actually need your service? You’re wasting money. You’re also teaching your team to chase dopamine instead of purpose.
Strategy is what separates meaningful action from busywork.
Good Creative ≠ Good Marketing:
A gorgeous AI-generated ad means nothing if it doesn’t connect to a customer’s needs. Design without direction is just decoration.
This is why strategy must come first. AI can multiply what you feed it, but it can’t make decisions. It doesn’t understand nuance, trade-offs, or your business goals. It doesn’t know when to say no.
It’s a bit like giving a toddler a forklift. Impressive. Dangerous. Inefficient.
How I Use AI (and Where I Don’t):
As a StoryBrand Certified Guide and Duct Tape Marketing Strategist, I use AI daily. It helps me brainstorm, summarise, and polish. But I never let it lead. The message always comes first.
AI can give you faster answers, but it can’t tell you which questions matter. That’s still on you.
The most successful small businesses I work with? They use AI like a power tool. Helpful. Sharp. Stored safely in the strategy shed until needed.
Strategy Is Still the Real Superpower:
There’s a reason everyone’s AI content starts to sound the same. When tools lead, the message gets flat. You might get more done, but none of it will stand out.
Strategy is what makes your message yours. It’s what tells the tool what to do. And it’s what turns fast content into clear communication.
So before you automate your next campaign, pause and ask:
What am I actually trying to say?
Why should someone care?
How will this help my customer?
That’s the work. That’s the edge. And AI can’t do it for you.
If you need a shortcut to that kind of clarity, I’ve got you. The 5-Minute Marketing Fix will help you write a message that actually matters.
Related Articles:
1. AI Automates 80 Percent of Marketing—What Now?
If you liked this article’s take on using AI as a tool (not a strategy), you’ll want to see how real companies like Aviatrix are automating 80% of their marketing—without losing the plot.
2. AI Marketing Trust Gap Widens as Consumers Push Back
This post dives into the consumer side of the AI story. If your strategy still includes humans (as it should), you’ll want to understand how AI is affecting trust—and what your audience expects from you now.
3. AI Will Make the Rich Richer—But It Might Also Backfire
Wondering what happens when AI goes too far? This article lays out the ethical risks and reputational landmines of using AI without human oversight—reinforcing why strategy needs to stay in the driver’s seat.
4. AI Marketing Works Best With a Human Brain
This one is packed with examples from brands that got it right. Learn how companies like Sanlam and Google use AI to scale while keeping humans in charge of the message—exactly what your strategy needs.
FAQs on Using AI in Marketing Without Losing Strategy
1. What is the AI plateau and why does it matter?
The AI plateau is the stage where businesses realise that access to AI tools doesn’t automatically lead to better marketing. Without strategy, those tools just create more content with less meaning. It matters because speed without clarity wastes time and money.
2. Isn’t using AI faster and more efficient for small businesses?
Yes, but only if you know what you’re trying to achieve. AI can help you do more, faster—but without a clear message, it just means you’re spinning your wheels more efficiently. Strategy makes the speed useful.
3. Can’t AI generate a good enough message on its own?
No. AI can mimic language and suggest formats, but it doesn’t understand your customer’s real problem or your unique value. That’s still your job. Prompting is not a replacement for positioning.
4. What happens when you use AI without strategy?
You risk creating campaigns that look slick but don’t connect. They might reach the wrong audience, dilute your message, or waste your ad spend. AI without direction amplifies mistakes.
5. How should small businesses actually use AI?
Use it to support execution. Let it help with drafts, analysis, or content ideas—but only after you’ve defined your message, audience, and goals. Think of AI as a smart assistant, not a decision-maker.
6. How do I know if I’m relying too much on AI?
If you’re letting the tool decide what to say or who to target, you’ve crossed the line. If your message sounds like everyone else’s or you’re chasing output just to feel productive, that’s a red flag.
7. Where can I start if I need a clearer message?
Start with the5-Minute Marketing Fix. It’s a free tool that helps you write one clear sentence that explains what you do and why it matters. Strategy starts with clarity.
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)