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.
Simple Strategies to Develop Your Small Business’s Marketing Hourglass
By Vicky Sidler | Published 8 November 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2
If your marketing plan feels like it’s just you throwing spaghetti at a wall and hoping it sticks, I have good news. There’s a better way.
It’s called the Marketing Hourglass, and it’s less complicated than it sounds. Think of it as a relationship map for your business.
I’m Vicky Sidler, a StoryBrand Certified Guide and Duct Tape Marketing strategist who believes that when done right, it guides people from “Who the heck are you?” to “Take my money” and then straight into “I told my cousin and three friends about you.”
The idea isn’t new. John Jantsch from Duct Tape Marketing introduced it years ago. But too many business owners still treat it like theory. Or maybe they just don’t know about it at all. Let’s fix that today.
TL;DR:
Map how customers find and experience your business
Identify what’s working, what’s not, and what’s missing
Create helpful content for each of the seven stages
Use low-cost tools to track progress and build momentum
Systemise it all so your marketing doesn’t fall apart when you’re busy
👉 Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix
Table of Contents:
Simple Strategies to Develop Your Small Business’s Marketing Hourglass
What Is the Marketing Hourglass?
Step 1: Audit What’s Actually Happening:
Step 2: Map the Journey as It Really Happens:
Step 3: Create Stage-Specific Content:
Step 4: Use The Right Tools to Keep It Simple:
Step 5: Review Regularly or Risk Drifting:
The Hourglass Is a System, Not a Guessing Game
1. Marketing Hourglass Explained: What It Is and Why Your Small Business Needs It
2. The Complete Guide to Strategic Marketing
3. Free Target Audience Research That Actually Works
4. How to Find Your Unique Selling Proposition Fast
5. Marketing Automation’s Transparency Gap Is Costing You Sales
6. Is Generative AI Worthless? Maybe That’s a Good Thing
FAQs on Building Your Small Business’s Marketing Hourglass
1. What is the Marketing Hourglass?
2. How is the Marketing Hourglass different from a sales funnel?
3. Where do most small businesses struggle in the hourglass?
4. How do I know which stage to improve first?
5. Do I need expensive software to build a Marketing Hourglass?
6. How often should I review my Marketing Hourglass?
7. Is this something I can do myself, or do I need a consultant?
What Is the Marketing Hourglass?
The Marketing Hourglass is a seven-stage model that maps how someone becomes a loyal customer. It flips the traditional sales funnel by focusing just as much on what happens after the sale as before.
Here’s the flow:
Know → Like → Trust → Try → Buy → Repeat → Refer
Each stage needs specific actions from you and clear next steps for the customer. Miss a stage, and people either fall through the cracks or never come back.
Here’s how to do that.
Step 1: Audit What’s Actually Happening:
Start with a reality check. Pull out a spreadsheet. Label seven columns: Know, Like, Trust, Try, Buy, Repeat, Refer.
If you want a template sheet to get you started, grab it free in our Resources section.
Now list every way someone interacts with your business. Website. Google reviews. That one email you send after a sale.
Where are you missing steps? Where are you doubling up? Color code it. Green = solid. Yellow = needs work. Red = missing entirely.
Spoiler: most people flounder in the Try, Repeat, and Refer stages. That’s where the biggest opportunities are.
Step 2: Map the Journey as It Really Happens:
Forget how you want people to find you. Focus on how they actually do.
Interview 5 to 10 customers. Ask them to walk you through their entire experience, from first hearing about you to telling others.
What do they google? What makes them nervous? Where do they get stuck?
This will show you things your analytics never could. Like how someone might check your reviews three times before even opening your website.
The key insight? You’re not the hero in this story. They are.
Step 3: Create Stage-Specific Content:
Each stage needs its own type of content. That’s how people move forward.
Know: Blog posts, SEO, guest features
Like: Behind-the-scenes, welcome emails, newsletters
Trust: Testimonials, before-and-afters, media mentions
Try: Free templates, webinars, 30-minute consults
Buy: Clear pricing, FAQs, onboarding steps
Repeat: Loyalty perks, check-ins, helpful tips
Refer: Easy referral links, double-sided rewards, shout-outs
Do not try to do everything at once. Pick your weakest stage and start there.
Read this article for a more detailed guide to this.
Step 4: Use The Right Tools to Keep It Simple:
You don’t need enterprise software.
HighLevel CRM: tracks contacts and sends emails automatically
Canva: makes everything look decent
Google Forms: gather feedback
Google Sheets: old-school but it works
The point is not to be fancy. The point is to stay consistent.
Step 5: Review Regularly or Risk Drifting:
Every three months, take an hour and look at what’s working.
Are more people signing up or dropping off?
Are they sticking around or ghosting you after the first buy?
Are they referring anyone?
Choose one stage to fix each quarter. Small changes compound fast.
The Hourglass Is a System, Not a Guessing Game
Most marketing advice tells you to post more, run ads, or do a dance on TikTok.
But the Marketing Hourglass is different. It gives you a full view of your customer journey—and a clear path to improvement.
It’s how I help clients move from scattered tactics to steady growth. And the first step? Fix your message. If you can’t explain what you do in one clear sentence, none of the other stuff matters.
👉 Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix and let’s start there.
Related Articles:
1. Marketing Hourglass Explained: What It Is and Why Your Small Business Needs It
If this was your first time hearing about the Marketing Hourglass, start here. This article explains the whole framework so you can connect the dots before building your own system.
2. The Complete Guide to Strategic Marketing
If you’re serious about fixing your customer journey, this deep dive helps you see how the hourglass fits into a larger, sustainable marketing strategy.
3. Free Target Audience Research That Actually Works
You can’t guide customers through an hourglass you don’t understand. This article helps you gather the customer insights needed to create the right content for each stage.
4. How to Find Your Unique Selling Proposition Fast
You need more than just good service—you need to stand out. This article helps you shape the kind of messaging that builds trust and nudges people to try.
5. Marketing Automation’s Transparency Gap Is Costing You Sales
Ready to automate some of your hourglass processes? This one shows how to do it without losing control—or accidentally damaging trust.
6. Is Generative AI Worthless? Maybe That’s a Good Thing
If you’ve been distracted by shiny tools instead of building systems, this piece is your reset. It’s a reminder that trust and clarity always come first.
FAQs on Building Your Small Business’s Marketing Hourglass
1. What is the Marketing Hourglass?
The Marketing Hourglass is a seven-stage customer journey model that helps small businesses turn strangers into loyal customers. The stages are: Know, Like, Trust, Try, Buy, Repeat, and Refer. It focuses just as much on what happens after a sale as before.
2. How is the Marketing Hourglass different from a sales funnel?
A funnel focuses only on getting people to buy. The hourglass continues beyond the sale, guiding how to keep customers, turn them into repeat buyers, and encourage referrals. It’s about building relationships, not just closing deals.
3. Where do most small businesses struggle in the hourglass?
Most drop the ball in the Try, Repeat, and Refer stages. These are usually underdeveloped or missing completely. That’s where customers go quiet or disappear—because there’s no clear reason to stay engaged.
4. How do I know which stage to improve first?
Start with an audit. List every customer touchpoint and match it to one of the seven stages. Then color-code it. Green means solid, yellow needs work, red is missing. Your first priority should be whichever stage has the most red.
5. Do I need expensive software to build a Marketing Hourglass?
Not at all. Most of it can be done with free or low-cost tools like Google Sheets, MailerLite, HubSpot CRM, and Canva. The key is consistency, not complexity.
6. How often should I review my Marketing Hourglass?
Quarterly is ideal. Every three months, review your stage-specific metrics, spot bottlenecks, and pick one area to improve. Small changes every quarter lead to steady, long-term growth.
7. Is this something I can do myself, or do I need a consultant?
You can absolutely do this yourself. The whole point of this guide is to give small businesses a way to build their hourglass without hiring a team. That said, if you want help clarifying your message first...
👉Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix and get your one-liner sorted before you build anything else.
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)