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.
Google Gemini Fails the Pixel 9a Test
By Vicky Sidler | Published 2 October 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2
If you’ve ever daydreamed about outsourcing your brain to AI, a guy named Jared just gave it a go for you—so you don’t have to.
Armed with Google’s budget-friendly Pixel 9a and a determined spirit, tech journalist Jared Newman tried to become “AI Man” for a week. His goal? Use Google’s Gemini AI for everything. Appointments. Travel plans. Work. Life.
Spoiler: Gemini got confused, made up a flight, mismanaged his calendar, and gave plant advice that sounded like it was phoning it in from 2014.
According to Newman’s hands-on report for Fast Company, Google’s vision of an “AI-first Android experience” is more marketing than actual magic. And while small business owners may not rely on their phones to the same obsessive level as a tech reviewer, the takeaways are worth paying attention to.
TL;DR:
Google’s Gemini AI is better than it was—but still unreliable
Even basic tasks like calendar syncing and travel planning can go sideways
Most of the useful features are reserved for higher-end phones
If your business runs on trust and clarity, AI tools like this need guardrails
👉 Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix
Table of Contents:
Google Gemini Fails the Pixel 9a Test
Gemini Still Feels Like Beta Software:
The Budget Phone Doesn’t Get the Good Stuff:
Most Used Feature? Spam Filter.
So, Should Small Business Owners Care?
A Message That Makes Sense (Even If the AI Doesn’t):
1. AI Search Distrust Grows—What Small Brands Should Do
2. AI Customer Service Is Broken. Here's What to Fix
3. Almost 99% of People Can't Identify AI Ads
4. AI Business Advice: Why It Helps Some Owners but Hurts Others
5. Why 95% of AI Pilots Fail and What to Do Instead
FAQs on Google Gemini, Pixel 9a, and Small Business Use:
1. Can small business owners rely on Google Gemini for daily tasks?
2. What features does the Pixel 9a support compared to higher-end phones?
3. Is Gemini better than the old Google Assistant?
Gemini Still Feels Like Beta Software:
On paper, Gemini sounds impressive. You can talk to it. Ask questions. Get directions. Even point your phone camera at something and let it explain what you're looking at.
But in practice, Newman found the assistant still acts like it’s guessing its way through life.
For example, Gemini told him he had two flights home. He only had one. Then it helpfully added a new flight to his calendar—to New York. He lives in Cincinnati.
That’s not just clunky. That’s “you missed your actual flight” clunky.
For small business owners who manage their lives through synced calendars, shared apps, and voice-to-text tasks, those kinds of errors aren’t quirky. They’re costly.
The Budget Phone Doesn’t Get the Good Stuff:
The Pixel 9a is Google’s cheapest entry into the Gemini ecosystem. It’s solid as a phone—fast, functional, nothing major to complain about. But the best AI features? Those are locked behind the premium paywall.
You don’t get transcript summaries. You don’t get phone call recaps. You don’t get app support that would actually make Gemini useful for day-to-day work.
Instead, you get a voice assistant that sort of listens, kind of understands, and sometimes invents travel plans that don’t exist.
Most Used Feature? Spam Filter.
Ironically, the only AI feature Newman actually used consistently was “Call Screen,” which has existed long before the Gemini rebrand. It screens unknown callers and gives you a transcript of what they say.
It’s great for dodging telemarketers. But that’s not a reason to rebuild Android from the ground up. That’s just a good filter.
So, Should Small Business Owners Care?
Yes—but not because Gemini is ready for prime time.
This experiment shows where AI is still falling short: reliability, context, and real-world usefulness. It’s a warning to anyone thinking of handing over client communication, calendar planning, or research to an AI system that still invents facts on command.
As a Duct Tape Marketing Strategist, I’d never suggest ignoring AI tools. They can save time. They can help you show up more consistently. But if the tool breaks the trust you’ve built with clients—it's not helping.
That’s why every AI tool should support your message, not confuse it.
A Message That Makes Sense (Even If the AI Doesn’t):
Your brand doesn’t need perfect tech. It needs clear communication. If you’re testing AI tools in your business, start with a message so solid that even a distracted voice assistant can’t mess it up.
That’s where my 5-Minute Marketing Fix comes in. It helps you write one clear sentence that connects with your audience—whether you’re using Gemini or just your own voice.
Related Article:
1. AI Search Distrust Grows—What Small Brands Should Do
If Gemini’s fuzzy answers made you raise an eyebrow, you’re not alone. This piece shows why 61% of consumers want AI search turned off—and what small businesses should do instead.
2. AI Customer Service Is Broken. Here's What to Fix
Tired of bots that can’t understand basic instructions? This article unpacks how companies are wrecking customer support with AI—and how to avoid doing the same in your own business.
3. Almost 99% of People Can't Identify AI Ads
Gemini may sound robotic, but most AI content doesn’t. This article explores the trust issues at play when your audience can’t tell what’s real—and why that matters for your brand voice.
4. AI Business Advice: Why It Helps Some Owners but Hurts Others
Just like Jared’s phone fumbled the basics, AI advice can go sideways fast. This Harvard-backed post explains when to trust the bots—and when to trust your gut.
5. Why 95% of AI Pilots Fail and What to Do Instead
The Pixel 9a experiment is a textbook AI pilot gone wrong. This article walks you through why most fail—and how to test smarter before you commit.
FAQs on Google Gemini, Pixel 9a, and Small Business Use:
1. Can small business owners rely on Google Gemini for daily tasks?
Not yet. While Gemini can handle basic questions and some assistant features, it still makes mistakes with calendars, directions, and task accuracy—especially on the budget Pixel 9a.
2. What features does the Pixel 9a support compared to higher-end phones?
The Pixel 9a misses out on key AI perks like call summaries, Recorder app transcripts, and screenshot organisation. Most of Gemini’s advanced features are only available on flagship models.
3. Is Gemini better than the old Google Assistant?
It depends. Gemini has improved since launch and now supports some back-and-forth chat and task management. But it’s still inconsistent and sometimes makes things up, which limits its usefulness.
4. Should I use AI tools like Gemini in my business?
Yes, but with a clear purpose. Use AI to support your work—not replace your judgment. Always test before you trust, especially with customer-facing or time-sensitive tasks.
5. What’s the safest way to start using AI in my marketing?
Start with a strong message. If your core brand message is clear and trustworthy, AI tools can help you scale it. Need help with that? 👉Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix
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)