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.
Free Target Audience Research That Actually Works
By Vicky Sidler | Published 26 October 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2
If the words "target audience research" make you think of pricey consultants and data dashboards that look like flight simulators, I get it.
But here’s the thing: great marketing starts with knowing your people. And luckily, the best audience research doesn’t cost a cent. You just have to stop guessing and start looking in the right places.
I’m Vicky Sidler, a StoryBrand Certified Guide and Duct Tape Marketing strategist who believes that small businesses can uncover useful, strategic insights using nothing more than free software and a little human interaction. And no, “just asking ChatGPT” doesn’t count as research.
TL;DR:
Start with your own Google Analytics data
Use free tools to listen to online conversations
Interview 5 to 20 real customers
Create a short survey using free templates
Build personas using data, not vibes
Check out what your competitors’ customers are saying
Treat research like hygiene—ongoing, not once-off
👉 Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix
Table of Contents:
Free Target Audience Research That Actually Works
Open Google Analytics Before You Open Your Wallet:
Eavesdrop (Legally) on the Internet:
Have a Conversation (Not a Focus Group):
Send a Survey (But Keep It Short):
Build Personas That Aren’t Made Up:
Don’t Forget to Stalk Your Competitors:
Keep Your Finger on the Pulse:
1. The Complete Guide to Strategic Marketing
2. Small Business Marketing That Works in 2025
3. Write Your StoryBrand One-Liner in 5 Minutes
4. Advertise Your Business on $500—Here's What Works
5. StoryBrand Guide Name Is Back—and Here's Why It Matters
FAQs on Free Target Audience Research
1. What is target audience research and why does it matter?
2. How can small businesses do audience research for free?
3. What kind of data should I focus on first?
4. Are Reddit and Facebook groups really useful for research?
5. How many customers should I interview?
6. How often should I repeat audience research?
7. How do I turn research into marketing action?
8. Do I need special software to build customer personas?
9. How can I check what competitors’ audiences are saying?
10. What’s the biggest mistake small businesses make with research?
Open Google Analytics Before You Open Your Wallet:
Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is like your nosy but helpful neighbor. It knows who’s visiting your site, where they came from, how long they stuck around, and what made them leave.
The “Audiences” report inside GA4 lets you see age, gender, location, device type, and—more importantly—what pages are actually converting. That means you’re not just tracking vanity traffic, you’re figuring out what real customers care about.
If you don’t have GA4 set up yet, do that today. Not tomorrow. Today.
Eavesdrop (Legally) on the Internet:
Social listening sounds sketchy but is entirely above board.
Use free tools like Google Alerts, Mention, or the free version of Hootsuite to track what people are saying about your brand, your competitors, or your industry in general.
Metricool gives you basic keyword tracking and competitor alerts for free. This helps you learn what your audience talks about, complains about, and wants—without you having to guess.
For even deeper insight, browse Reddit or Facebook groups where your ideal customers hang out. Look for the recurring frustrations and “help me” posts. The language people use in these spaces tells you exactly how they think and talk about their problems. Take notes. Then use that language in your marketing—it will sound like you’re reading their minds.
Have a Conversation (Not a Focus Group):
You don’t need a research firm with clipboards and iced coffee. You need five real customers and a quiet spot to chat.
Ask things like:
What nearly stopped you from buying?
What was the moment you knew we were the right fit?
What’s the one thing we do better than anyone else?
You’ll start hearing the same phrases pop up. That’s your gold.
Prefer phone calls? Great. Just keep it casual, ask the same questions, and take notes.
Send a Survey (But Keep It Short):
Google Forms and SurveyMonkey both offer solid free versions. The trick is keeping it under 5 questions. Nobody wants a PhD-length questionnaire.
Add the link to your invoice emails, receipts, or email signature. Make it easy for people to respond without disrupting their day.
Look for patterns in responses: words they repeat, features they care about, or the stuff they don’t mention at all.
Build Personas That Aren’t Made Up:
Once you’ve gathered all your info, use free templates from HubSpot, Canva, or Xtensio to create proper customer personas.
Good personas include real data about:
Age, location, job role
What keeps them up at night
What makes them click or buy
How they prefer to be communicated with
These aren’t just mood boards. They’re cheat sheets for better marketing.
Don’t Forget to Stalk Your Competitors:
Go peek at their social media. See who comments, what people complain about, and what posts get shared.
Use tools like Quora or Reddit to find out what questions your audience is asking in your industry. Then answer them better than your competitors.
Do It Monthly, Not Just Once:
Audience research isn’t like filing taxes. You don’t do it once and forget. It’s more like brushing your teeth.
Check your analytics monthly. Set a recurring calendar reminder to review feedback. Keep your personas updated.
As your business grows, your audience will change. Make sure your marketing keeps up.
Keep Your Finger on the Pulse:
Knowing your audience isn’t about guessing or gambling. It’s about listening and adjusting. And with all these tools free and available right now, there’s no excuse not to get started.
If you’re not sure how to pull your message together, that’s where my 5-Minute Marketing Fix can help. It’s a short guide that helps you write a single sentence that makes people say, “Yes, that’s exactly what I need.”
Related Articles:
1. The Complete Guide to Strategic Marketing
You’ve figured out who your audience is—now what? This guide walks you through what to do next with that information, including how to turn insights into strategy.
2. Small Business Marketing That Works in 2025
Once you know who your audience is, you need to know how to reach them. This article shows where small businesses should focus their limited time and money for real results.
3. Write Your StoryBrand One-Liner in 5 Minutes
Now that you understand your customers, this tool helps you say the right thing to them. It’s the shortest path from audience research to clear, effective messaging.
4. Advertise Your Business on $500—Here's What Works
Audience research is step one. Reaching that audience affordably is step two. This guide shows you exactly how to make your marketing dollars stretch.
5. StoryBrand Guide Name Is Back—and Here's Why It Matters
If you’re trying to connect with real people, clear messaging beats clever content every time. This piece explains why trained experts still matter—even in the AI age.
FAQs on Free Target Audience Research
1. What is target audience research and why does it matter?
Target audience research helps you understand who your ideal customers are, what they need, and how they make decisions. When you know your audience, you can stop wasting time and money on marketing that doesn’t connect.
2. How can small businesses do audience research for free?
Start with tools you already have. Use Google Analytics to study visitor data, free social listening tools to monitor online conversations, and short surveys or customer interviews to gather feedback. It’s more about curiosity than cash.
3. What kind of data should I focus on first?
Look for demographic data like age, gender, and location, but pay closer attention to behaviour—what content people engage with, what they click, and what turns visitors into customers.
4. Are Reddit and Facebook groups really useful for research?
Yes. They’re gold mines for unfiltered opinions. Pay attention to recurring questions and frustrations in relevant communities. The way people describe their problems gives you the exact language to use in your marketing.
5. How many customers should I interview?
Start with five to ten for deep insights, then expand to fifteen or twenty if you want patterns and trends. Quality matters more than quantity.
6. How often should I repeat audience research?
At least once a quarter. But keep an eye on analytics monthly and listen for feedback all the time. Your audience evolves as your business grows.
7. How do I turn research into marketing action?
Summarise your findings into clear customer personas, then craft messages and offers that address their top needs. If you’re not sure where to start, use the 5-Minute Marketing Fix to write a one-liner that connects instantly.
8. Do I need special software to build customer personas?
No. Free templates from HubSpot, Canva, or Xtensio are enough. The important thing is that your personas are based on real data, not assumptions.
9. How can I check what competitors’ audiences are saying?
Look at their social media comments, reviews, and engagement. Tools like Metricool or Mention can show you what people respond to and complain about.
10. What’s the biggest mistake small businesses make with research?
They treat it as a one-time project. Audience research is ongoing. The more often you update it, the sharper and more profitable your marketing becomes.
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)