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.
Is Generative AI Worthless? Maybe That’s a Good Thing
By Vicky Sidler | Published 25 October 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2
Picture this. You’ve just paid for a shiny new AI tool to write blogs, generate leads, and make coffee (okay, not that last one). But after a few weeks, you’re still manually tweaking every sentence, deleting junk outputs, and wondering if the thing just hallucinated an entire paragraph about unicorns in accounting.
You’re not alone.
According to an article in The Conversation, generative AI might not deliver the world-changing productivity gains we were promised. And while that sounds like bad news, it might be the most small-business-friendly thing to happen in tech this year.
TL;DR:
AI companies might never turn a profit
Most tools are useful but not valuable
Copyright lawsuits are stacking up fast
Free and open-source models are getting better
Small businesses may benefit from a slowdown
👉 Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix
Table of Contents:
Is Generative AI Worthless? Maybe That’s a Good Thing
The $800 Billion Question No One Wants to Answer:
If AI Tools Fail to Monetize, That Could Be Great for You:
The Empire May Be Made of Sand:
Don’t Wait for AI to Save You. Build a Brand That Makes Sense Now:
2. AI Investment Gap Hits $600B—Here's What That Means for You
3. AI Business Advice: Why It Helps Some Owners but Hurts Others
4. AI Search Distrust Grows—What Small Brands Should Do
5. Humans Beat AI at Adapting—Here's Why That Matters for Your Business
FAQs on Generative AI’s Real Value
1. Is generative AI really becoming worthless?
2. Why is generative AI so expensive to run?
3. What does this mean for small business owners?
4. Why are AI companies facing so many lawsuits?
5. What’s the difference between commercial and open-source AI models?
6. Should I still use AI in my marketing?
The $800 Billion Question No One Wants to Answer:
Let’s start with the awkward bit. Big AI firms are projecting a shortfall of nearly $800 billion in revenue. That’s not a typo. That’s billion with a B.
Most of today’s generative AI tools are free or cheap to use, but they cost a fortune to run. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, once joked that every “please” or “thank you” typed into ChatGPT racks up millions in server costs. Cute joke, but investors aren’t laughing.
Even the paid versions of these tools reportedly lose money because each prompt needs serious computing power. So far, AI has helped programmers write faster and copywriters write weirder. But it’s not exactly the second coming of the industrial revolution.
If AI Tools Fail to Monetize, That Could Be Great for You:
Here’s where it gets interesting. Many AI startups are doing the old tech trick: give away the service now, figure out how to make money later. That worked when Facebook could sell ads for cat photos. It’s trickier when your service needs a supercomputer and a legal team just to run.
And speaking of legal teams, here come the lawsuits. AI models have been trained on everything from copyrighted books to internet rants. One startup tried to pay authors $3,000 per book to use their work. The court laughed them out of the room.
What does this mean for you? Simple. If commercial AI stalls out, you still win. Why? Because free and open-source tools (like Meta’s Llama model) are already decent. They’re not as powerful as the paid versions, but they’re good enough for most small business tasks.
The Empire May Be Made of Sand:
The hype bubble is looking wobbly. Open-source models are eating into paid services. Investors are starting to ask real questions. And the very thing that made genAI so exciting—its ability to learn from the internet—might be what legally wrecks it.
Think of it like this: If you built a business on water from everyone’s taps, and now you have to pay every neighbour retroactively, you’re in trouble.
In that world, small businesses like yours get access to useful tools without being sold a dream of world domination. You can use AI to write content, brainstorm ideas, and automate boring admin without betting the farm or losing your voice.
Don’t Wait for AI to Save You. Build a Brand That Makes Sense Now:
There’s nothing wrong with using AI tools. I use them too. But the gold rush is fading. What’s left will be the tools that help you work smarter, not the ones promising to do the job for you.
The smartest thing you can do now? Get your message straight. If your core message is clear, it doesn’t matter whether your ad was written by a human, a machine, or someone stuck in traffic voice-noting ideas to themselves.
Use the 5-Minute Marketing Fix to write one sentence that builds trust across every platform.
It’s free. It works. And it’s still 100% hallucination-free.
Related Articles:
1. Generative AI is stalling on cost, trust, and results. Here's what small business owners need to know before jumping in
This article builds directly on the idea that AI might be “good enough” but not game-changing. It shows what’s actually happening when small business owners try to scale AI—and why so many pilots fall flat.
2. AI Investment Gap Hits $600B—Here's What That Means for You
If you're wondering how we got to an $800 billion shortfall, this article connects the dots. It dives into the numbers and shows why the AI business model might not hold up.
3. AI Business Advice: Why It Helps Some Owners but Hurts Others
AI isn’t one-size-fits-all. This post breaks down Harvard research showing that AI tools often help strong businesses but can backfire for struggling ones. Not all tools are built for where you're at.
4. AI Search Distrust Grows—What Small Brands Should Do
More than half of consumers say they don’t trust AI-powered search results. This piece explains why—and what that means for small brands trying to be found online.
5. Humans Beat AI at Adapting—Here's Why That Matters for Your Business
If you’re still on the fence about AI, this one’s for you. It explains why humans still win at problem-solving, and why your flexibility as a small business owner is your biggest asset.
FAQs on Generative AI’s Real Value
1. Is generative AI really becoming worthless?
Not exactly worthless—but it’s proving far less profitable than expected. Many AI companies are spending billions more than they’re making, while small business users find the tools helpful for small tasks, not full-scale transformation.
2. Why is generative AI so expensive to run?
Every AI query uses enormous computing power, cloud storage, and energy. That means each “chat” or image generated costs companies real money. Even paid subscriptions often don’t cover the true costs of running these systems.
3. What does this mean for small business owners?
It means the AI tools you already use could become cheaper or even free. As large companies struggle to profit, open-source alternatives are emerging that are good enough for daily marketing, writing, or admin tasks.
4. Why are AI companies facing so many lawsuits?
Most generative AI models were trained on copyrighted material—books, articles, art, and social media posts—without permission. Creators are suing for compensation, and the settlements could cost billions, making these systems even less sustainable.
5. What’s the difference between commercial and open-source AI models?
Commercial AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini are owned and controlled by companies that charge for access. Open-source models, like Meta’s Llama, are released freely to the public. They might not be as polished, but they’re getting stronger fast and cost little to nothing to use.
6. Should I still use AI in my marketing?
Yes—but strategically. Use AI to brainstorm, write drafts, or organise ideas, not to replace your brand voice or personal connection. The real value comes when you blend automation with authenticity.
7. Could AI’s decline actually help small businesses?
Absolutely. If big tech’s AI bubble bursts, small businesses could gain affordable access to tools without being priced out or buried in hype. A reset could make AI simpler, more transparent, and more useful.
8. How can I keep my brand message clear while using AI?
Start by writing one powerful sentence that defines what you do and why it matters. Once your message is clear, tools like AI become helpers, not hazards. 👉 Download the5-Minute Marketing Fix to write your one-liner in minutes.
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)