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

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...

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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https://assets.cdn.filesafe.space/kJ0HTx71roamzOBLLJ9Q/media/66215c9b78944a2e943c19b3.jpeg

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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.

Loyalty Marketing Tips From SA’s Top Rewards Experts

Loyalty Marketing Tips From SA’s Top Rewards Experts

August 23, 20256 min read
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By Vicky Sidler | Published 23 August 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2

Loyalty isn’t just a programme. It’s a strategy. And like any strategy, it works best when it’s clear, consistent, and genuinely relevant.

Confession time: I have a loyalty card for every grocery store in South Africa. Spar, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolies—you name it, I’ve got it. And yes, I regularly hand over the wrong one at the till. The truth? I’m not deeply loyal to any of them. I just want to make sure I get the best deal wherever I happen to be.

If that’s how your customers feel about your brand, your loyalty programme needs to work harder.

Recent research from The Loyalty Effect report—based on Everlytic’s top-performing rewards mailers of the past year—shows that the best loyalty campaigns aren’t just about points and perks. They’re about simple structures, real relevance, and the kind of trust you build over time.


TL;DR

  • Keep your rewards structure simple and clear

  • Use personalisation that’s genuinely useful

  • Tie rewards to purposeful actions and instant value

  • Test and tweak campaigns for ongoing improvement

  • Email still beats other channels for loyalty engagement

Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix.


Table of Contents


Why Simplicity Still Wins:

Craig Small of Clicks Rewards put it bluntly: if your customers don’t understand your programme, they won’t use it. That means no overcomplicated points tables, no vague “exclusive” perks that require a law degree to interpret (looking at you, eBucks…).

Clicks keeps it simple and relevant by offering personalised health and beauty deals that fit everyday needs. It’s not flashy. It’s just useful. And that’s why it works.

Purpose-Driven Rewards Build Trust:

Dr. Nceba Hene from African Bank showed how linking rewards to responsible behaviours—like saving or budgeting—turns a loyalty programme into a trust-builder.

When customers see that you’re rewarding them for smart financial habits, they feel like you’re on their side. Add instant gratification into the mix (no waiting three months for rewards to clear), and engagement spikes.

Test, Learn, Repeat:

Katie Alomia from Old Mutual Rewards has the trophies to prove that small changes can make big differences.

Her advice:

  • Test subject lines

  • Test send times

  • Test messaging angles

Data-driven tweaks keep your campaigns sharp and your audience opening.

The Channel That Still Pulls Ahead:

Despite all the hype about social and apps, email still drives the most efficient loyalty engagement—when done right.

Why?

  • It’s direct

  • It’s personal

  • It’s measurable

With the right triggers and emotional pull, email outperforms other channels without demanding constant algorithm chasing.

Your Takeaway:

Whether you’re running a points club or a VIP rewards system, the core principles are the same:

  1. Make it easy to understand

  2. Keep it genuinely relevant

  3. Deliver on your promises every time

And if you want your loyalty programme to be more than just a marketing expense, start by making your brand message clear. That’s the part most loyalty emails get wrong.

Need help? Start with the 5-Minute Marketing Fix—it’ll help you craft a single, sharp line that makes customers want to stay.

👉 Download it free here


Related Articles

AI Visibility: What ChatGPT, Google AI, and Perplexity Cite Most

If your loyalty programme relies on personalised messaging and email campaigns, this article will help you understand how AI tools are changing customer research behaviour — and how that impacts whether your brand gets mentioned before customers even visit your website.

LLM Visibility: The SEO Shift You're Missing

Loyalty emails work best when people actually see them — and this piece shows how AI-driven search is changing discovery patterns. Learn why your loyalty messaging should be optimised for AI visibility, not just Google rankings.

Customer-Centric Marketing & Tech: How Small Businesses Are Winning in 2025

Reinforces the loyalty article’s key points on email effectiveness and personalisation. Shares practical ways to keep your marketing relevant and customer-focused in a crowded digital space.

Your Customers' Attention Spans Now Last 40 Seconds

Explains why keeping your loyalty programme “simple and clear” is critical. With only 40 seconds to capture attention, overcomplicated reward structures risk losing customers before they engage.

Trust in News Hits New Lows—Why It Matters for Your Marketing

Explores the broader trust crisis affecting all communications and offers actionable ways to build authentic messaging — essential for loyalty programmes that rely on long-term relationships and delivering real value.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is The Loyalty Effect report?

It’s an in-depth research study by Everlytic, developed with Breadcrumbs Linguistics, analysing the 20 best-performing rewards-based email campaigns of 2024. The report reveals what worked, why it worked, and how you can apply those strategies to your own loyalty marketing.

Why is simplicity important in a loyalty programme?

If customers don’t understand how your rewards work or can’t see the value quickly, they won’t engage. Simple structures make it easy for members to participate, redeem rewards, and stay active in your programme.

How can I make my loyalty programme more relevant?

Use customer data to personalise offers that meet real needs. As Craig Small from Clicks Rewards highlighted, personalisation only matters if it’s useful — for example, tailored health and beauty offers for a retail audience.

What does “purpose-driven rewards” mean?

Purpose-driven rewards are incentives tied to behaviours that align with customer wellbeing or long-term goals. For example, African Bank rewards actions like saving or budgeting, which builds trust and reinforces brand values.

Why is testing so critical for loyalty campaigns?

Small, data-driven changes can have a big impact. Testing subject lines, send times, and messaging helps you refine your approach and improve engagement over time.

Is email still effective for loyalty marketing?

Yes. Despite the rise of social media and apps, email remains one of the most efficient and measurable channels for loyalty engagement — especially when combined with behavioural triggers and emotional appeal.

How do I start improving my loyalty marketing today?

Begin by clarifying your brand message so customers instantly understand your value. Use tools like the5-Minute Marketing Fix to create a clear, compelling one-liner that supports all your loyalty communications.

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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