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 US (OK, NOT REALLY)
But we’re 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? We’ve got ideas.
Just need clarity? We’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 US 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.
Underrated AI Chatbots That Can Save You Time and Money
By Vicky Sidler | Published 16 January 2026 at 12:00 GMT+2
We’ve all had that moment. You open ChatGPT, type a question, and get an answer that sounds polished—but also suspiciously like it was written by a bored committee of tech bros on Red Bull. You switch to Claude for a second opinion. Claude replies with 300 words of gentle reassurance and zero commitment. Gemini? It tries to do everything at once and ends up sounding like your overachieving cousin who never learned the word “no.”
If you’re feeling the chatbot fatigue, you’re not alone.
As Jose Enrico recently reported for TechTimes, most AI conversations still happen with the same three tools. But there’s a quiet rebellion brewing. Some business owners are turning away from the usual suspects and finding real utility in lesser-known platforms that weren’t built to entertain—they were built to work.
TL;DR:
Zapier Agents run tasks for you in the background, not just answer questions
Poe combines all the top AI models in one place and lets you build your own bots
DeepSeek gives you strong reasoning performance for free, with optional self-hosting
👉 Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix.
Table of Contents:
Underrated AI Chatbots That Can Save You Time and Money
1. Zapier Agents—Automation With a Brain:
2. Poe—All the Big AI Models in One Place:
3. DeepSeek—Free AI With Serious Brainpower:
What This Means for Small Businesses:
1. AI Search Is Replacing Google Traffic Faster Than You Think
2. Storytelling Beats Coding in the AI Economy
3. OpenAI's $27B Loss Could Tank the Whole AI Industry
4. Schema Markup Boosts SEO Without Extra Content
5. 10 Best Content Types for Small Business Marketing
Frequently Asked Questions About Underrated AI Tools for Business
1. What is the best alternative to ChatGPT for business automation?
2. Can I use multiple AI models in one place?
3. Is there a free AI tool that’s actually useful?
4. What’s the difference between chatbots and AI agents?
5. Can I make my own chatbot with Poe?
6. Which AI tool is best for small business owners?
7. Do I need to know how to code to use these tools?
8. Is DeepSeek safe to use for business data?
9. How do I choose between ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others?
1. Zapier Agents—Automation With a Brain:
Most chatbots wait for your input. You say something, they respond. Then you go back to your day and hope you remembered to update the CRM, follow up with that lead, and email Susan back about the quote.
Zapier Agents do not wait. They do.
These bots are action-first, not chat-first. You tell them in plain English what you want—like logging form submissions, assigning leads to the right person, or updating spreadsheets—and they connect your favorite apps and get to work.
They don’t need supervision. Once running, they quietly execute tasks across 8,000+ apps. That includes your CRM, project management system, email tool, and more. You can group them, monitor them, and pause them when needed. But for the most part, they do what you tell them to—without asking twice.
Who it’s for:
Small businesses with lots of repetitive admin. Think: sales follow-ups, onboarding workflows, or customer support triggers.
Pricing:
Free plan available. Pro plans from $50/month.
Worth it if your team’s drowning in “did anyone send that email yet?” type of tasks.
2. Poe—All the Big AI Models in One Place:
Poe is what happens when someone finally admits that AI loyalty makes no sense. It combines GPT, Claude, Gemini, and others into a single tool. You use compute points to access whichever model you need, based on what you’re doing.
So you can use GPT to brainstorm headlines, Claude to tidy the tone, and Gemini to turn it all into a social post—without switching tabs, logging into five different tools, or giving up and doing it yourself.
Poe also lets you build your own bots. You can even monetize them. It’s like opening a lemonade stand on the AI playground, except your product might be a contract summarizer or a content planner instead of lemon-flavored sugar water.
Who it’s for:
People who don’t want to commit to one AI, and small business owners who experiment a lot with content, workflows, or research.
Pricing:
Free tier available. Premium plans start at $4.99/month.
This one is surprisingly good value if you juggle different tools daily.
3. DeepSeek—Free AI With Serious Brainpower:
DeepSeek doesn’t come with much hype. No flashy branding, no celebrity founders, and no PR budget that makes tech journalists swoon. But what it does have is reasoning power. And it’s free.
The hosted version includes deep thinking mode, document upload, and web search. The open-source version lets you host the models yourself, which is a dream for privacy-conscious teams or developers who like to tinker.
It’s not perfect. Image analysis is limited, and some topics are off-limits in the hosted version. But if you’re not trying to generate NSFW robot fanfiction, you’ll be fine.
Who it’s for:
Budget-conscious businesses, developers, or anyone who wants to run their own AI setup without monthly fees.
Pricing:
Free. Yes, really. Unless you self-host, in which case your only cost is time and tech know-how.
What This Means for Small Businesses:
Here’s the simple version.
If AI chat feels stale, it’s probably because you’re using it like a search engine with a personality. The newer tools don’t want to just chat. They want to work.
Zapier Agents help you automate the boring stuff without lifting a finger.
Poe gives you variety and flexibility.
DeepSeek offers strong thinking power at zero cost.
Each of these tools plays a different role. You don’t need to abandon ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini entirely. But if they’re starting to feel like the same three answers in slightly different fonts, now you’ve got more options.
And if your real goal is clarity—so your team knows what you do, your clients understand how you help, and your business finally feels like it has direction—AI tools can help. But the message itself needs to be clear first.
Start with one sentence. Make it count.
Download my free 5-Minute Marketing Fix and get a simple sentence that explains what you do and why it matters.
Related Articles:
1. AI Search Is Replacing Google Traffic Faster Than You Think
The article you just read introduces tools like Poe and DeepSeek that help you work. This article flips the perspective to explain how your customers are using similar AI tools (Perplexity, ChatGPT) to find businesses like yours—and why your current SEO strategy might be invisible to them.
2. Storytelling Beats Coding in the AI Economy
While tools like Zapier Agents and DeepSeek can automate code and workflows, they cannot automate connection. This post reinforces the conclusion of the "Underrated AI" article: that clear messaging and human storytelling are becoming the ultimate competitive advantage in a world flooded with automated content.
3. OpenAI's $27B Loss Could Tank the Whole AI Industry
You’re looking for alternatives to the "usual suspects" (ChatGPT, Claude) because of fatigue. This article dives deep into the "AI bubble" mentioned in your reading, explaining the financial instability of the major models and why diversifying your toolset (as the "Underrated" article suggests) is a smart business move.
4. Schema Markup Boosts SEO Without Extra Content
Just as Zapier Agents run in the background to improve efficiency, Schema Markup is a "set-and-forget" technical layer that helps AI search engines understand your business. It’s the perfect practical next step for business owners who want to use technology to automate their visibility.
5. 10 Best Content Types for Small Business Marketing
Now that you have powerful tools like Poe to help you generate content and ideas, you need to know what to create. This guide ensures you don't just use your new AI powers to generate noise, but rather to build the specific content assets that actually drive business growth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Underrated AI Tools for Business
1. What is the best alternative to ChatGPT for business automation?
If you need automation, not just answers, Zapier Agents are a smart pick. They run workflows in the background across thousands of apps, helping you handle admin without needing to log in every five minutes.
2. Can I use multiple AI models in one place?
Yes. Poe lets you access GPT, Claude, Gemini, and others in one interface. You can switch between models or use several in a single project without jumping between tabs.
3. Is there a free AI tool that’s actually useful?
DeepSeek is a strong free option. It handles reasoning tasks well and even supports document uploads and web searches. If you’re tech-savvy, you can self-host it for more control.
4. What’s the difference between chatbots and AI agents?
Chatbots wait for instructions and reply. AI agents like Zapier Agents take your instructions once and then run tasks continuously across connected apps, without asking again.
5. Can I make my own chatbot with Poe?
Yes. Poe allows users to create and even monetize their own bots. You don’t need to design your own app or website—they host everything.
6. Which AI tool is best for small business owners?
There’s no one-size-fits-all.
Use Zapier Agents for automation.
Try Poe if you want flexibility across models.
Use DeepSeek if you're on a tight budget but still want decent AI capabilities.
7. Do I need to know how to code to use these tools?
No. All three tools in the article (Zapier Agents, Poe, and DeepSeek) are designed to be user-friendly. Zapier is especially no-code friendly, and Poe’s interface is simple and clean.
8. Is DeepSeek safe to use for business data?
The hosted version is safe for general use, but for sensitive data, self-hosting gives you full control. That’s a big plus for businesses concerned with privacy or compliance.
9. How do I choose between ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and others?
If you're not sure which model fits your need, try Poe. It gives you access to all of them in one place, so you can test and compare easily.
10. What’s the smartest way to use AI in a small business?
Start by using AI for background tasks—automation, document handling, and content drafts. Don’t let it replace human thinking or strategy. And always begin with a clear message. Get help with that using the5-Minute Marketing Fix.
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)