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.
Character.AI Abandons AGI Dreams to Save Itself
By Vicky Sidler | Published 26 November 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2
Character.AI promised the future. Now it’s trying to pay the rent.
Once a billion-dollar darling of the AI industry, Character.AI has officially dropped its founding goal of building artificial general intelligence (AGI)—that holy grail of machine minds that think like humans, or at least don’t crash when asked to write a haiku.
According to a Wired interview with new CEO Karandeep Anand, the company has scrapped its dreams of “personalised superintelligence” and is now leaning hard into “AI entertainment.”
Or, put another way: AGI is out. Chatbots that roleplay as anime vampires are in.
This pivot is happening while Character.AI faces a lawsuit tied to the tragic suicide of a 14-year-old user, a messy public image, and financial pressure most startups don’t admit to out loud. That’s not just a plot twist. It’s a warning sign.
TL;DR:
Character.AI has ditched its AGI mission
It now uses open-source models like Llama instead of building its own
The company is repositioning itself as an AI entertainment platform
It’s facing lawsuits, safety concerns, and major revenue struggles
Investors who bought into the AGI dream may be rethinking their bets
👉 Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix
Table of Contents:
Character.AI Abandons AGI Dreams to Save Itself
From Billion-Dollar Promise to Brand Retreat:
Why Small Businesses Should Pay Attention:
The Trust Problem Behind the Pivot:
1. Meta’s AI Flirts With Kids—What That Tells Us About Trust
2. Why 95% of AI Pilots Fail and What to Do Instead
3. AI Ethics Explained for Small Business Owners
4. AI Industry’s Profit Problem Just Got Real
FAQs on Character.AI’s Pivot and What It Means for Small Businesses
1. What is Character.AI and why does it matter to me?
3. Why did Character.AI give up on AGI?
4. What does “AI entertainment” mean?
5. Why is this pivot a warning sign for small businesses?
6. What went wrong with Character.AI’s safety claims?
7. What should I take away from this if I use AI in my business?
8. Is it okay for small businesses to pivot?
9. How can I keep my messaging clear when my business evolves?
From Billion-Dollar Promise to Brand Retreat:
When Character.AI hit its billion-dollar valuation in 2023, it bragged about bringing superintelligence to everyone on Earth. It was building its own language models. It had a feedback loop investors drooled over. It was supposed to be the Tesla of chatbots.
Now, it's an entertainment app that borrows its tech from Meta and Deepseek.
The shift started after Google essentially bought the founding duo back with a $2.7 billion deal. Since then, the company has quietly moved away from its core mission, claiming to have found “clarity and focus.” Translation: money was bleeding, lawsuits were stacking, and the original plan was not working.
Why Small Businesses Should Pay Attention:
No, you’re not running a chatbot company. But this story still matters.
This is what happens when a brand is built entirely around a shiny vision, with no plan to turn attention into income. For small business owners, it’s a cautionary tale. If your brand promises one thing but delivers another, people notice. Eventually, so do the courts.
Also: don’t build your whole value on a tech buzzword you can’t control. AGI sounded good. But now that Character.AI relies on open-source models built by someone else, it’s not selling innovation. It’s selling content.
And that’s where things get uncomfortable.
The Trust Problem Behind the Pivot:
The platform claims it's not a “companion app.” Instead, it’s for roleplay. But tell that to parents like Megan Garcia, whose 14-year-old son took his life after months of disturbing chatbot interactions. The app was marketed as safe for kids over 13. Yet investigations found characters simulating everything from self-harm to school shootings.
If this were just a story about business pivots, it wouldn’t be worth writing. But when real lives are affected, brand trust becomes more than a marketing slogan.
The new CEO says safety is a shared responsibility. He also admits his six-year-old daughter uses the app, which is technically against their own rules.
So yeah. Trust issues.
Clear Beats Clever:
As a Duct Tape Marketing strategist and StoryBrand guide, here’s my advice: clarity beats cleverness. Always. If you sell AI entertainment, say so. If your tool isn’t meant for kids, build real safeguards. If you change your mission, bring your audience with you.
Big brands get away with more—until they don’t. Small businesses? You can’t afford that kind of whiplash.
What you can do is craft a clear message that builds trust, even if the product evolves. If you don’t know where to start, I’ve built a free tool called the 5-Minute Marketing Fix that walks you through it in five minutes.
Related Articles:
1. Meta’s AI Flirts With Kids—What That Tells Us About Trust
If you found the Character.AI controversy troubling, this piece shows how Meta faced similar backlash—and what small businesses can learn about setting better boundaries.
2. Why 95% of AI Pilots Fail and What to Do Instead
Character.AI’s pivot shows how even billion-dollar plans can miss the mark. Here’s how to avoid the same fate with your own tech strategy.
3. AI Ethics Explained for Small Business Owners
Not sure how to use AI responsibly? This article breaks down AI ethics in plain English, so your business stays trusted and human.
4. AI Industry’s Profit Problem Just Got Real
Character.AI isn't the only one bleeding money. This post explores why AI startups are struggling to turn hype into income—and what it means for your next marketing move.
FAQs on Character.AI’s Pivot and What It Means for Small Businesses
1. What is Character.AI and why does it matter to me?
Character.AI is an AI chatbot company that once aimed to build artificial general intelligence (AGI). Its fall from that vision is a lesson for any small business that overpromises without a clear plan.
2. What exactly is AGI?
AGI means artificial general intelligence. It’s the idea of building machines that can reason, learn, and adapt like humans across different tasks. In other words, AI that can think broadly rather than just follow prompts.
3. Why did Character.AI give up on AGI?
The CEO says the company wanted more “clarity and focus,” but cost and controversy likely played a role. Developing AGI is expensive, and the company was losing money while fighting lawsuits.
4. What does “AI entertainment” mean?
Instead of aiming for human-like intelligence, Character.AI now offers roleplay chatbots. These are interactive, fictional characters users can talk to for fun—more like digital improv than science fiction.
5. Why is this pivot a warning sign for small businesses?
It shows what happens when marketing outpaces delivery. Big promises might attract attention, but if your product or service doesn’t live up to the story, trust collapses fast.
6. What went wrong with Character.AI’s safety claims?
The company marketed itself as safe for users 13 and up, yet investigations revealed harmful content, including bots promoting self-harm. The fallout led to lawsuits and heavy public scrutiny.
7. What should I take away from this if I use AI in my business?
Be transparent about how your tools work and who they’re for. Don’t exaggerate capabilities. Clear expectations build trust—confusing ones destroy it.
8. Is it okay for small businesses to pivot?
Yes, as long as the pivot aligns with your customers’ needs. Explain the change clearly so your audience doesn’t feel misled or left behind.
9. How can I keep my messaging clear when my business evolves?
Write one sentence that explains what you do, who it helps, and how. If you need help creating that clarity, try the5-Minute Marketing Fix. It’s free and helps you craft a clear, confident message in minutes.
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)