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.

.

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.

.

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.

1

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.

.

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

2

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.

.

.

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.

The Buddy Bench Project

Inside the Buddy Bench Project—How a Teen Turned Playground Pain into a Mental Health Movement

June 05, 20253 min read

By Vicky Sidler | Published 5 June 2025 at 12:00 GMT

Many kids experience schoolyard trauma. Some of us carry it into adulthood, bury it under productivity apps and group chats. But every now and then, a teenager decides to build a bench instead—and changes everything.

That’s what 15-year-old Victoria Portela did with the My Buddy Bench Project, a U.S.-based nonprofit co-founded with her mom, Mary, to fight isolation, bullying, and disconnection in elementary schools.

What started as a passing comment—"I wish they had that at my old school"—has grown into a full-blown kindness movement.

What’s a Buddy Bench?

At face value, it’s a bench. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a symbol of safety—a place where a kid can sit when they’re feeling alone, and another kid knows to come sit next to them. It’s a silent nudge that says: you’re not alone.

These benches aren’t just plopped down on a playground. The My Buddy Bench Project works with schools to integrate them through enrichment activities that teach empathy, kindness, and mental health awareness. Children submit their own bench designs, take a pledge to become kindness ambassadors, and create a culture that makes the bench more than furniture—it becomes a connection point.

The Business Lesson Hidden in a Playground:

As a Duct Tape Marketing Strategist and StoryBrand Certified Guide, I’m always paying attention to how movements grow—and this one checks all the boxes for what actually builds trust:

  • A clear story

  • A personal mission

  • Community buy-in

  • Visible symbols that mean something

  • Consistent follow-through

Most small businesses chase reach. The My Buddy Bench Project chased meaning—and earned reach as a result.

If you want your brand to connect deeply, look at how this mother-daughter team uses one simple object to spark transformation. Your version of a “bench” might be a lead magnet, product, or service—but if it doesn’t come with meaning and structure, it’s just... a bench.

The Impact So Far:

Victoria and Mary have shared stories with me that speak louder than stats:

  • A shy girl who helped paint a bench found her voice and inspired her school to start an art program.

  • A boy moved to tears during a Friendship Day event said it was the first time he felt truly seen.

  • Counselors now use the benches as open-air spaces to mend friendships and discuss emotions.

The team collects feedback through questionnaires and classroom interaction—not high-tech, but deeply human.

What You Can Take from This:

Whether you're a school, a nonprofit, or a business trying to grow, here’s how to apply what works in the Buddy Bench model:

1. Start with a real story:

Victoria’s experience of being left out fuels everything. What’s the human experience behind what you sell? Tell that.

2. Make people part of the mission:

From student-designed benches to school pledges, everyone participates. What part of your brand invites customer or team involvement?

3. Don’t let your symbol sit alone:

A bench is useless without the kindness campaign. Your website, offer, or product needs supporting activity to keep it alive—content, education, and community.

Closing the Loop:

In our call, I said that what struck me most was how rare it is for someone to resolve childhood trauma while they’re still in childhood. Most of us carry those wounds into adulthood. Victoria turned hers into a legacy—and did it before she turned 16.

I mentioned that some kids end up going off the rails. She ended up doing friendship benches.

Honestly? More brands should aim for that kind of transformation.

Want to Build Trust That Grows?

Start with your message.

Download my free 5-Minute Marketing Fix. It helps you craft a clear sentence about what you do and why it matters—without overthinking it or sounding salesy.

👉 Get it here.

Because even if you don’t have a bench, you still need a message that makes people feel seen.

And while you’re at it, why not support Victoria in her inspiring mission? You can join the movement at mybuddybenchproject.org.

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.

Back to Blog
Strategic Marketing Tribe Logo

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!

StoryBrand Certified Guide Logo
StoryBrand Certified Guide Logo
Duct Tape Marketing Consultant Logo
Woman Owned Business Logo

Created with clarity (and coffee)

© 2025 Strategic Marketing Tribe. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Sitemap