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.
Map Content to the Customer Journey for Better Results
By Vicky Sidler | Published 17 November 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2
Most business owners know they should create content. Fewer know what content. Even fewer know when to use it.
If you’re posting tips one day and testimonials the next, crossing your fingers something sticks—you’re not alone. But you’re also not being strategic.
I’m Vicky Sidler, a StoryBrand Certified Guide and Duct Tape Marketing strategist who believes there’s a smarter way to approach content. It’s called the Marketing Hourglass. And when you map your content to each of its seven stages, marketing stops being a gamble and starts working like a system.
Let’s break it down.
TL;DR:
Content only works when it’s timed right
The Marketing Hourglass has 7 stages: Know, Like, Trust, Try, Buy, Repeat, Refer
Each stage needs different content types
Start by auditing what you have and filling the gaps
This approach builds a stronger customer journey and better long-term results
👉 Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix
Table of Contents:
Map Content to the Customer Journey for Better Results
First, What’s the Marketing Hourglass?
1. Know—Start with Problems, Not Your Brand:
3. Trust—Show Proof, Not Hype:
5. Buy—Make the Decision Easy:
7. Refer—Make It Easy to Share:
1. How to Find Your Unique Selling Proposition Fast
2. Free Target Audience Research That Actually Works
3. Graça Machel Urges Women to Lift Each Other at Wealth Creating Summit 2025
4. AI vs Human Music: Why Imperfection Wins
5. OpenAI's Billion-Dollar Loop: Is the AI Boom a Bubble?
6. The Complete Guide to Strategic Marketing
FAQs on Mapping Content to the Customer Journey
1. What is the Marketing Hourglass?
2. Why should I map content to each stage?
3. How do I know what stage a customer is in?
4. What kind of content should I create for the Know stage?
5. How often should I update or review my content map?
6. What if I don’t have content for every stage yet?
7. How is this different from the traditional marketing funnel?
First, What’s the Marketing Hourglass?
It’s a smarter version of the traditional funnel. Instead of stopping at “buy,” it keeps going—because real business growth comes from repeat customers and referrals.
The seven stages are:
Know
Like
Trust
Try
Buy
Repeat
Refer
At each stage, your customer is thinking something different. Your job is to answer their questions before they even ask.
1. Know—Start with Problems, Not Your Brand:
Customers at this stage are just realising they have a problem. They’re not searching for your business—they’re searching for answers.
Give them:
Blog posts that explain common problems
Infographics and videos with simple explanations
Quizzes that help them figure out what’s wrong
Avoid selling. Instead, build trust by being helpful.
2. Like—Show Who You Are:
Now they know you exist. But do they like you?
This is your chance to show personality:
Behind-the-scenes posts
Email newsletters with real stories
Social posts that sound like a human, not a brochure
Video content that shows your personality
Your content should feel like a conversation, not a broadcast.
3. Trust—Show Proof, Not Hype:
At this point, they’re comparing you with other options. They want evidence.
What to create:
Case studies that show real results
Video testimonials
Comparison guides (yes, even against competitors)
Webinars that let them see how you think
This stage is about credibility. Make it easy for them to believe in you.
4. Try—Let Them Test You:
They like you. They trust you. But they’re still nervous.
Offer them:
Free audits or consultations
Downloadable tools or templates
Mini-courses or assessments
Low-risk intro offers
This is like the sample at the grocery store. Once they taste it, they’re more likely to buy.
5. Buy—Make the Decision Easy:
Here, friction kills momentum.
So give them:
Clear product/service pages
Transparent pricing
FAQ content that tackles objections
Videos showing what happens after they buy
People want to feel confident about their decision. Help them cross the line.
6. Repeat—Keep Giving Value:
Now they’re a customer. Great. But will they stick around?
Keep them engaged with:
Pro tips and advanced guides
Progress updates
Invitations to exclusive events
Upsell offers that make sense
Retention content is just as important as sales content. Maybe more.
7. Refer—Make It Easy to Share:
Happy customers want to help—but only if it’s easy.
Offer:
Pre-written social posts
Referral bonuses
Recognition (with permission)
Shareable resources
A loyal customer is great. A loyal customer who brings friends is gold.
What To Do Next
Most businesses already have some of this content. But it’s scattered. The key is to map it to each stage, find the gaps, and then plan forward.
In our client strategy sessions, we start by identifying where people fall out of the journey. Then we build content that moves them forward—one clear step at a time.
If you want to start planning your own content this way, grab the free worksheets in our Resources section. They’ll help you list what you already have, spot the gaps, and decide what to create next.
And if you’d like to build a clearer message before mapping out the content itself, that’s where my 5-Minute Marketing Fix comes in.
Let your content earn trust, not just attention.
Related Posts:
1. How to Find Your Unique Selling Proposition Fast
Before you plan content for each stage of the hourglass, you need to know what makes you different. This article helps you figure that out fast using free tools and customer feedback.
2. Free Target Audience Research That Actually Works
You can’t guide customers through a journey if you don’t understand them. This guide shows how to research your audience—without spending a cent.
3. Graça Machel Urges Women to Lift Each Other at Wealth Creating Summit 2025
Machel’s message of growth, trust, and advocacy mirrors the final stages of the Marketing Hourglass. If you care about loyalty and long-term relationships, you’ll want to read this.
4. AI vs Human Music: Why Imperfection Wins
Authenticity beats automation when it comes to connection. This piece explores why imperfect, human content performs better—especially across the Know, Like, and Trust stages.
5. OpenAI's Billion-Dollar Loop: Is the AI Boom a Bubble?
Before you use AI to scale your content, read this. It breaks down which tools are useful, which are hype, and how to stay strategic when mapping content across the customer journey.
6. The Complete Guide to Strategic Marketing
Want the full picture? This guide shows how content mapping fits into a broader marketing system, from positioning and messaging to customer experience and repeat sales.
FAQs on Mapping Content to the Customer Journey
1. What is the Marketing Hourglass?
The Marketing Hourglass is a seven-stage customer journey framework: Know, Like, Trust, Try, Buy, Repeat, and Refer. It helps you plan the right content for each step of the relationship, not just the first sale.
2. Why should I map content to each stage?
Because content only works if it matches where your customer is in their journey. When you give the right info at the right time, people move forward faster and more confidently.
3. How do I know what stage a customer is in?
Start by looking at what they’re doing. Are they asking basic questions (Know)? Comparing options (Trust)? Booking a consult (Try)? Their actions usually give clues.
4. What kind of content should I create for the Know stage?
Focus on education, not promotion. Blog posts, infographics, videos, and quizzes that answer broad questions work best here. You're solving problems, not selling.
5. How often should I update or review my content map?
Every quarter is a good rhythm. Check what’s performing, where you have gaps, and what’s changed in your business or industry. Your content strategy should grow with you.
6. What if I don’t have content for every stage yet?
That’s normal. Start by auditing what you already have. Then use the free Worksheets to plan content for your biggest gaps.
7. How is this different from the traditional marketing funnel?
The funnel stops at the sale. The hourglass keeps going, recognising that repeat business and referrals are where real growth happens. It’s not just about closing—it’s about building loyalty.
8. Can I use AI to create content for the journey?
Yes—but use it wisely. AI can help you draft, plan, and optimise. Just make sure your voice stays human and your message stays clear. No one buys from a robot.
9. What’s a good first step if I feel overwhelmed?
Start with your message. If your one-liner isn’t clear, your content won’t be either. Grab the5-Minute Marketing Fix to write one sentence that makes everything easier.
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)