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.
Good Luck Getting VC Funding If You’re Not An AI Startup
By Vicky Sidler | Published 5 December 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2
The startup world has always played favorites. In the 90s, it was anything with a dot com. In the 2010s, it was social apps for people who didn’t want to talk to each other in person. And now? If your business doesn’t have artificial intelligence in the name, the pitch deck, and the fridge magnets, investors may not even open your email.
According to Bloomberg, new data from PitchBook shows 2025 is set to become the first year where more than half of all global VC money goes to AI startups. Not tech in general. Just AI.
TL;DR:
AI startups have taken 53 percent of global VC investment in 2025
In the US, that number is nearly 63 percent
Fewer startups overall are getting funded
Unless you’re an AI brand or a big name, you’re likely out of luck
👉 Need help getting your message right? Download the 5 Minute Marketing Fix.
Table of Contents:
Good Luck Getting VC Funding If You’re Not An AI Startup
What the Numbers Actually Say:
Small Business Translation: What Does This Mean for You?
Why Everyone Suddenly Sounds the Same:
The Real Takeaway—Clarity Beats Hype:
1. Meta’s AI Spending Spikes But There’s No Product
2. OpenAI’s $27B Loss Could Tank the Whole AI Industry
3. AI Industry’s Profit Problem Just Got Real
4. Is Generative AI Worthless? Maybe That’s a Good Thing
5. AI Will Make the Rich Richer—But It Might Also Backfire Spectacularly
Frequently Asked Questions About AI Dominating VC Funding in 2025
1. What percentage of VC funding went to AI startups in 2025?
2. Why are investors putting so much money into AI?
3. Does this mean non-AI startups can’t get funding?
4. What does “bifurcated market” mean in this context?
5. Should small business owners care if they’re not looking for funding?
6. Will this AI trend affect small business marketing?
7. What’s the risk of jumping on the AI bandwagon too fast?
8. What’s a better strategy than chasing hype?
9. How can I make my small business message stand out right now?
What the Numbers Actually Say:
Let’s start with the headline figures. According to PitchBook:
VC firms have invested $366.8 billion in 2025 so far
$192.7 billion of that went to AI
In the latest quarter, 62.7 percent of US VC funding was AI focused
Globally, 53.2 percent of venture money went to AI startups
These numbers are not gentle suggestions. They are neon signs flashing "Go AI or Go Home."
PitchBook’s director of research Kyle Sanford described the trend as a “bifurcated” market. You are either building in AI or you are not. You are either a big name or you are not. And if you are not both, good luck getting a call back.
Small Business Translation: What Does This Mean for You?
Now, if you are not building a venture-backed startup, you might think this has nothing to do with you. But hang on.
This funding shift impacts everything. From what tech becomes affordable, to what tools you’ll use next year, to which marketing trends get picked up and which ones die quietly behind a paywall.
When VCs shift billions of dollars toward a single category, that category floods the market with tools, platforms, and SaaS solutions claiming to solve every possible problem. Including ones you did not know you had.
And because most of that AI money is going to well-known names like Anthropic, it is not fuelling broad innovation. It is concentrating power. Fewer startups, bigger cheques, more polished pitches.
Which means:
Small businesses will be sold AI tools whether they need them or not
Marketing content will be increasingly AI-generated and increasingly similar
Non-AI startups and service providers will struggle to get noticed, no matter how good they are
Why Everyone Suddenly Sounds the Same:
The AI flood has another side effect. The sameness problem.
AI makes it easier to produce content. But it also makes it easier for everyone to say the same thing. When half the internet is built using similar tools trained on the same data, the result is a blur of interchangeable voices.
For service-based businesses, this is a risk.
If your brand starts sounding like the latest AI tool trying to explain synergy and deliverables, your actual value gets buried under buzzwords.
That’s not strategy. That’s noise.
The Real Takeaway—Clarity Beats Hype:
Here’s the part most small business owners forget. You are not trying to win VC money. You are trying to win trust.
And trust is not built by throwing AI keywords into your headline like seasoning on a bad steak.
It is built by:
Explaining clearly what problem you solve
Showing that you understand your customer’s pain
Making it easy for them to say, “Yes, that’s what I need”
Whether the rest of the market is AI-hyped or not, clarity still wins.
As a StoryBrand Certified Guide and Duct Tape Marketing consultant, I help businesses strip back the fluff and speak directly to what matters.
No jargon. No guessing. Just one clear message that customers get.
If that sounds refreshing, here’s a starting point.
👉 Download the free 5 Minute Marketing Fix.
Related Articles:
1. Meta’s AI Spending Spikes But There’s No Product
If this article helped you see where the money’s going, this one explains what happens when even the biggest players forget to build something useful.
2. OpenAI’s $27B Loss Could Tank the Whole AI Industry
While VC money floods AI, this post shows what happens when the revenue doesn’t follow.
3. AI Industry’s Profit Problem Just Got Real
If you’re wondering whether the AI boom will last, this article breaks down where the cracks are starting to show.
4. Is Generative AI Worthless? Maybe That’s a Good Thing
Sick of AI hype? This one explores how small businesses can win by doing the opposite of what’s trendy.
5. AI Will Make the Rich Richer—But It Might Also Backfire Spectacularly
Learn why big investments might lead to big regret—and how small businesses can avoid following them off a cliff.
Frequently Asked Questions About AI Dominating VC Funding in 2025
1. What percentage of VC funding went to AI startups in 2025?
So far in 2025, AI startups have taken 53.2 percent of global VC investment. In the US, that number is even higher at 62.7 percent.
2. Why are investors putting so much money into AI?
VCs are betting big on AI because they believe it will reshape nearly every industry. The hype, the market potential, and a few big success stories are attracting most of the funding.
3. Does this mean non-AI startups can’t get funding?
It’s getting much harder. PitchBook data shows fewer startups are being funded overall, and most of the money is going to large, well-known AI players. If you're not in AI, you’ll need a very compelling story to stand out.
4. What does “bifurcated market” mean in this context?
It means the market is split. You're either building in AI, or you're not. You're either a big, visible brand, or you're struggling to raise at all. There’s not much middle ground left in VC circles.
5. Should small business owners care if they’re not looking for funding?
Yes. VC money shapes what tools, tech, and trends reach your industry. Even if you're not raising capital, you’ll feel the ripple effects in your software, marketing tools, and customer expectations.
6. Will this AI trend affect small business marketing?
Absolutely. Expect more AI-generated content, more sameness in messaging, and more pressure to stand out with clarity and originality. The tools may get smarter, but your brand voice still needs to be human.
7. What’s the risk of jumping on the AI bandwagon too fast?
You might spend money on tools you don’t need, dilute your message with jargon, or start sounding like everyone else. If your service isn't AI-driven, trying to fake it won’t help your growth—it might confuse your audience.
8. What’s a better strategy than chasing hype?
Clear messaging. Know your customer, solve a real problem, and say what you do in plain language. Trends come and go, but clarity converts.
9. How can I make my small business message stand out right now?
Use a framework like StoryBrand to clarify your message. Focus on the problem you solve, the transformation you offer, and the next step a customer should take. You don’t need to shout. You need to make sense.
10. Where can I get help clarifying my message?
You can start with the5 Minute Marketing Fix. It’s a free tool that helps you write one clear sentence that shows people what you do and why it matters.
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)