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.
AI Search Distrust Grows—What Small Brands Should Do
By Vicky Sidler | Published 23 September 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2
When 61% of people say they want to turn off AI in search, it’s worth asking why we all raced to optimise for it in the first place.
According to new research by Gartner, most consumers don’t fully trust AI-powered search results. And many would prefer to go back to the good old days of scrolling past ten blue links and a suspiciously cheerful sponsored result.
If you’re a small business owner trying to get found online, this news might feel like whiplash. Didn’t everyone just say AI search was the future? It still is. But like most shiny things in tech, it’s complicated.
Let’s break down what’s actually happening—and what to do about it.
TL;DR:
61% of consumers want the option to turn off AI summaries in search
53% don’t trust AI results or summaries
Only 10% rely solely on AI results to make buying decisions
AI works best for top-of-funnel research, not final decisions
You still need strong traditional SEO, plus content that works for AI extraction
👉 Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix
Table of Contents:
AI Search Distrust Grows—What Small Brands Should Do
People Don’t Trust AI. But They Still Use It.
AI Summaries Work Best for Discovery, Not Decisions:
What Small Businesses Should Actually Do:
2. Optimise for Both SEO and AEO:
3. Earn Trust Before You Need It:
1. Why 95% of AI Pilots Fail and What to Do Instead
2. AI Business Advice: Why It Helps Some Owners but Hurts Others
3. What ChatGPT, Google AI, and Perplexity Cite Most
4. Hyper-Connectivity Is Reshaping Marketing—Here's What Small Businesses Need to Know
5. "Am I Doing the Right Things?" What Mailchimp's Marketer Says About AI and Self-Doubt
FAQs on AI Search Summaries and Small Business Marketing
Why do people dislike AI search summaries?
Should I change my website content to work with AI search?
What’s the difference between SEO and AEO?
Will AI summaries replace normal search results?
People Don’t Trust AI. But They Still Use It.
In Gartner’s survey, 53% of people said they don’t trust AI search results. That’s more than half your potential customers side-eyeing your chatbot-written product blurb.
And yet, 51% say AI still affects how they search. This is what’s known in psychology as a contradiction. Or in marketing terms, Tuesday.
Here’s what that means for you: consumers are using AI-powered search results, especially the summaries that now appear at the top of Google and Bing. But they’re not blindly trusting them. They’re skimming, cross-checking, and often scrolling right past to traditional links.
Trust still matters. A lot.
AI Summaries Work Best for Discovery, Not Decisions:
Gartner’s data shows that AI search summaries help people in the early stages of buying. Think curiosity, not commitment.
Here’s how people are using AI in search:
70% for researching new products and services
62% for comparing options
44% for inspiration
But once people start making actual purchase decisions, they want more detail. More nuance. More human.
So while AI summaries might introduce someone to your brand, they won’t close the sale. That job still belongs to your real content.
What Small Businesses Should Actually Do:
This isn’t a tech arms race you have to win. It’s a content quality game you can absolutely play.
Here’s how to show up in both AI results and traditional search:
1. Keep Your Website Human:
Even if an AI tool summarizes your page, that summary is based on your actual words. If those words are vague, stiff, or unclear, the summary will be too.
Write like you talk. Include real examples. Use FAQs to answer questions your audience is actually asking.
2. Optimise for Both SEO and AEO:
SEO is Search Engine Optimisation. AEO is Answer Engine Optimisation. You need both.
That means:
Write useful headers (like the one above)
Use bullet points and lists
Answer one clear question per section
Add a short, punchy summary near the top
Google’s AI likes to scan. Help it do that. But don’t stop there. People still want detail once they click through.
3. Earn Trust Before You Need It:
Your next customer might find you through an AI summary. But they’ll judge you by what they see after the click.
So build trust early. Make your one-liner clear. Show reviews. Use simple, honest language.
You don’t need to sound like a genius. You just need to sound like a real person who can help.
Clear Messaging Still Wins:
AI might help you get found, but clarity helps you get chosen.
When someone’s skimming summaries, your job is to be the one they remember. That starts with a message that actually makes sense.
I’ve been experimenting with this myself. I’ve made a few changes to my blog lately—mostly to help AI summarise it better. And the results have been solid. I’m showing up more often in summaries and answer boxes—and the content is great.
But here’s the thing: it sometimes comes at a cost to the reading experience.
For example, on my own blog, I’ve added a big table of contents to each blog post, which is great for search engines. It gives structure. It helps AI tools “see” what the post is about. But if you’re a human reader, scrolling past a chunky list of links before you even reach the first sentence? Not exactly delightful.
That’s the tradeoff. You optimise for machines to get visibility. But you still have to write for humans to build trust. I’m still navigating that balance myself.
If your current marketing feels foggy or disconnected, the easiest fix is to sharpen your one-liner. And I’ve got a tool for that.
👉 Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix.
It’s free, fast, and gives you one sentence that works across AI summaries, websites, and real conversations.
Related Articles:
1. Why 95% of AI Pilots Fail and What to Do Instead
AI search is just one piece of the puzzle. This post explains why so many AI projects flop and how to avoid wasting time on shiny tools that don’t serve your strategy.
2. AI Business Advice: Why It Helps Some Owners but Hurts Others
Not all AI advice is helpful. This article explores when AI-driven insights are actually useful—and when they cause more confusion than clarity.
3. What ChatGPT, Google AI, and Perplexity Cite Most
Worried about trust but still want visibility? This breakdown shows what AI tools tend to surface most often—and how to shape your content to match.
4. Hyper-Connectivity Is Reshaping Marketing—Here's What Small Businesses Need to Know
More connections, less trust. This one unpacks how to market in a world where people are bombarded with content and more sceptical than ever.
5. "Am I Doing the Right Things?" What Mailchimp's Marketer Says About AI and Self-Doubt
Even seasoned marketers get overwhelmed by AI. This article offers a realistic take on using new tools without losing your head—or your message.
FAQs on AI Search Summaries and Small Business Marketing
What is an AI search summary?
An AI search summary is a quick answer generated by artificial intelligence at the top of a search results page. It pulls key points from web pages and gives users a short overview without needing to click through.
Why do people dislike AI search summaries?
According to Gartner, many people feel these summaries are frustrating or not trustworthy. 61% of consumers said they wish they could turn them off. They’re often vague, and some users feel they skip over important context.
Should I change my website content to work with AI search?
Yes—but carefully. Add structure like headings, lists, and clear answers to common questions. But don’t sacrifice clarity or reader experience just to please the bots.
What’s the difference between SEO and AEO?
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps your site show up in traditional search results. AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) helps your content appear in AI-generated answers. You want both.
Will AI summaries replace normal search results?
Not anytime soon. Most people still check regular links, especially when making serious buying decisions. AI summaries are more helpful at the start of the search journey, not the end.
How can I build trust if people don’t trust AI?
Focus on clear, honest messaging. Make sure your site answers real questions and sounds human. People might find you through AI, but they’ll choose you based on what they see next.
What’s one easy step I can take right now?
Start by fixing your one-liner. It’s the sentence that tells people what you do, who it’s for, and why it matters. If it’s clear, everything else gets easier.
👉Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix to write yours.
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)