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

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

Join the StoryBrand Course

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...

WATCH THIS VIDEO

Want to put a face to the name? Watch this quick video to get a feel for who I am, what I do, and how I can help.

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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3

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.

Klarna Reverses AI Customer Support After Backlash

Klarna Reverses AI Customer Support After Backlash—Why Human Help Is Back in 2025

May 24, 20253 min read

By Vicky Sidler | Published 24 May 2025 at 12:00 GMT

If you’ve ever shouted “just let me speak to a human!” at a chatbot, you’ll love this update.

Swedish fintech giant Klarna, famous for its buy-now, pay-later service, is doing a complete U-turn on its AI customer service strategy. After replacing 700 human agents with chatbots last year, Klarna’s customer satisfaction dropped by 22%, according to a recent Forbes report.

Now, they’re back to hiring humans.

Why AI Failed to Deliver on Customer Service Promises:

Let’s start with the promise that flopped.

In early 2024, Klarna bet big on AI. They claimed their new chatbot could handle 75% of customer chats—about 2.3 million conversations—in over 35 languages. Sounds impressive, right?

But here’s the problem:

When real customers needed dispute resolution, refund help, or financial advice, the AI just couldn’t cut it. Klarna’s CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski admitted the bot left “empathetic gaps” that no algorithm could fill.

Or, as one reviewer on X put it, the chatbot was basically just a filter to reach a real human anyway.

The Lesson for Small Business Owners:

If a $14.6 billion company like Klarna can get it wrong, small businesses need to tread carefully. AI tools are great for speed and scale, but when real money, real emotions, or real trust are on the line—humans still win.

Here’s Why This Should Matter to You:

Customers today expect two things:

  1. Fast answers for simple questions.

  2. Real human help for serious issues.

If you only offer one and not the other, you risk losing trust. Klarna learned this the hard way—after a full year of AI-only customer service and a very public backlash.

How to Balance AI With Human Support (Without Breaking the Bank):

As a StoryBrand Certified Guide and Duct Tape Marketing Strategist, I help small businesses build trust without overcomplicating their systems. Here’s how you can apply Klarna’s lesson before it costs you customers.

1. Audit Your Customer Feedback:

Start by listening. Check your reviews, support tickets, and social media mentions. Are people frustrated by automated replies or long wait times? If yes, you’ve got your first clue.

2. Keep Humans in the Loop:

Use AI to handle simple, repetitive questions, like “What are your business hours?” or “Where’s my order?” But make sure customers can easily reach a real person when the stakes get higher.

3. Promote the Human Touch:

Don’t hide your people.Make it clear on your website and social channels that real humans are ready to help. Customers love knowing they’re not alone in a maze of bots.

Why This Strategy Works:

Klarna isn’t ditching AI altogether—they’re building hybrid teams where bots handle the basics, and humans step in when it matters. That’s a smart move for any business, big or small.

Want to make sure your messaging builds trust, not frustration?

Grab my free 5-Minute Marketing Fix. It shows you how to craft one clear sentence that connects with real humans—without sounding robotic.

Get your free 5-Minute Marketing Fix here.

Because as Klarna just proved, nobody wants to be stuck yelling at a chatbot to put them in touch with a human.

blog author image

Vicky Sidler

Vicky Sidler is a seasoned journalist and StoryBrand Certified Guide with a knack for turning marketing confusion into crystal-clear messaging that actually works. Armed with years of experience and an almost suspiciously large collection of pens, she creates stories that connect on a human level.

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