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.
Shopping Apps Ranked by How Much Data They Take
By Vicky Sidler | Published 8 December 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2
If you’re thinking of leaving your Christmas shopping to the 22nd again, consider this your friendly PSA: start now. Especially if you’re ordering online. Those “guaranteed delivery” dates have a habit of disappearing faster than your will to wrap gifts at 2am.
But before you start downloading a dozen shopping apps in a caffeine-fueled spree, it’s worth asking: what are you giving up in exchange for convenience?
A new study from Surfshark shows that several of the most popular shopping apps are quietly collecting a staggering amount of personal data. Not just your cart contents. Some are scooping up voice recordings, phone contacts, and even details about your health, race, or political views.
Let’s break it down so you can make smarter decisions in your own business—and maybe rethink your shopping habits too.
TL;DR:
Amazon collects the most user data of all shopping apps
US-based apps collect more than Chinese or Canadian apps
Apps like Amazon, Walmart, and Alibaba even collect voice recordings
Some apps share your info with advertisers and data brokers
Most of the data is linked to individual user profiles
👉 Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix
Table of Contents:
Shopping Apps Ranked by How Much Data They Take
What These Apps Are Actually Collecting:
The "Other Purposes" Loophole:
Why This Matters to Small Business Owners:
Want to Clarify Your Message Instead of Spying on Customers?
1. AI Slop Is Breaking the Internet—Here’s What Small Brands Can Do
2. Meta’s AI Spending Spikes But There’s No Product
3. Customer-Aligned Branding: How to Build a Brand That Actually Fits
4. AI Marketing Trust Gap Widens as Consumers Push Back
5. How to Find Out What Customers Really Want
Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping App Data Collection
1. Which shopping app collects the most data?
2. Do US-based shopping apps collect more data than Chinese apps?
3. What kind of personal information do most apps collect?
4. Are these apps sharing data with third parties?
5. Why do apps collect so much data?
6. Should I be worried about apps collecting sensitive data?
7. Why does Amazon have an “Other Purposes” category for so much data?
8. How can small businesses learn from this?
9. What is the risk of collecting too much data as a business?
10. How much customer data do I actually need as a business owner?
What These Apps Are Actually Collecting:
The Surfshark study analysed the top 10 shopping apps in the US based on AppMagic rankings. That list included big names like Amazon, Walmart, Shein, and AliExpress.
Of the 35 possible data types tracked in Apple’s App Store privacy labels, Amazon collects 25. Walmart and Costco follow closely at 23 each. Chinese apps collect less but not by much—Alibaba grabs 19, Temu 17, and Shein 15.
And it’s not just your name and payment details. Every single app on the list collects your:
Name
Email
Address
Payment info
Search history
Product interactions
User ID
But they don’t stop there. Most also grab your:
Location
Device ID
Phone number
Photos or videos
Except in rare cases like Shein (no location) or Temu (no device ID), the collection is pretty much full sweep. Most of it is tied directly to you, which allows for extremely detailed user profiling.
And once they have it, they often share it.
Who Are They Sharing It With?
Seven of the ten apps share your data with outside parties. That includes advertisers and data brokers.
Let’s spell that out. If you use Amazon, Walmart, Costco, Alibaba, Whatnot, Shein, or Capital One Shopping, there’s a good chance someone else has access to your user ID, device ID, or browsing history.
Some examples:
Walmart shares your purchase history, device ID, and user ID
Alibaba shares your name, email, and physical address
Amazon shares advertising data and your user ID
Costco shares browsing history
Whatnot shares usage data and user ID
This isn’t just about ads. It’s about the broader issue of data control. Once your information leaves the app, it’s hard to track where it ends up.
The "Other Purposes" Loophole:
Apple’s privacy framework lists six standard reasons for data collection. The last one, “Other Purposes,” is vague to the point of useless. It means the company can collect data for reasons not listed anywhere.
Amazon collects 20 different types of data under this category. The next closest is Shein with just three.
So what’s Amazon doing with it all? We don’t know. That’s the problem.
The Weird Stuff:
Let’s talk about the odd and unsettling bits.
Amazon and Walmart collect “sensitive” data like race, political views, biometric or genetic data, sexual orientation, or pregnancy status
Whatnot and Alibaba access your phone’s contact list
Amazon, Walmart, Whatnot, and Alibaba collect your voice recordings
Voice recordings. For a shopping app. Let that sink in.
Why This Matters to Small Business Owners:
You’re not Amazon. You don’t need 25 categories of personal data. You just need enough to serve your customers well and keep their trust.
Here’s what you can take away from this:
Data is valuable, but so is restraint. If you collect too much, people get uncomfortable.
Transparency matters. Tell people what you’re collecting and why.
Don’t confuse “more data” with “better marketing”. The key is relevance, not volume.
Respect privacy. Especially if you’re in a service-based business built on relationships.
The more you collect, the more you're responsible for. That includes storage, security, and explaining what you're doing with it.
As a StoryBrand Certified Guide and Duct Tape Marketing Consultant, I’ve seen too many businesses fall into the trap of overcollecting without a clear purpose. It doesn’t just annoy customers. It can backfire legally and ethically.
Use the tools you need. Skip the ones you don’t. And always be able to explain your choices in plain English.
Want to Clarify Your Message Instead of Spying on Customers?
If you want a simpler way to connect with customers without digging through their phone, try this instead.
Download the 5 Minute Marketing Fix and get one clear sentence that explains what your business does and why it matters.
Related Articles:
1. AI Slop Is Breaking the Internet—Here’s What Small Brands Can Do
If shopping apps collecting voice recordings gives you the ick, this one explains how AI-generated junk is flooding the web—and how your business can rise above it.
2. Meta’s AI Spending Spikes But There’s No Product
Worried your data's being used to fund pointless AI projects? This article explores Meta’s AI obsession and why small businesses should care where tech money is going.
3. Customer-Aligned Branding: How to Build a Brand That Actually Fits
This one shows you how to build a brand that reflects your customer’s values—without spying on their contact list or voice memos.
4. AI Marketing Trust Gap Widens as Consumers Push Back
Customers love convenience but hate creepy. Learn how to market with AI while protecting privacy and building trust.
5. How to Find Out What Customers Really Want
Before you collect 35 data points, try asking them. This guide teaches low-cost, high-trust ways to get the insights you actually need.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping App Data Collection
1. Which shopping app collects the most data?
Based on the Surfshark study, Amazon collects the most data out of the top ten shopping apps analysed. It collects 25 out of the 35 data types listed in Apple’s privacy framework.
2. Do US-based shopping apps collect more data than Chinese apps?
Yes. The study found that US-based apps such as Amazon, Walmart, Costco, and Whatnot collect more data types on average than Chinese apps like Temu, Shein, or AliExpress.
3. What kind of personal information do most apps collect?
Every app in the study collects basic information such as your name, email address, payment details, purchase activity, and search history. Most also collect device IDs, photos or videos, and location data.
4. Are these apps sharing data with third parties?
Yes. Seven of the apps share collected data with outside companies, advertisers, or data brokers. Once shared, control over how that information is used becomes limited.
5. Why do apps collect so much data?
Apps collect data to personalise shopping experiences, improve targeting for ads, track user behaviour, and in some cases sell or share data with brokers or marketing platforms.
6. Should I be worried about apps collecting sensitive data?
If an app collects sensitive data such as biometric information, political views, health details, or voice recordings, it is reasonable to ask why they need it and how it will be used.
7. Why does Amazon have an “Other Purposes” category for so much data?
Apple allows apps to label some collected data under “Other Purposes,” which means the app does not need to specify exactly how or why it is collecting it. Amazon collects 20 data types under this vague category.
8. How can small businesses learn from this?
Small businesses do not need to gather large amounts of personal data. Clear messaging and trust-based communication usually perform better than aggressive tracking.
9. What is the risk of collecting too much data as a business?
The more you collect, the more you are responsible for storing and protecting. That responsibility includes explaining how the data is used and complying with privacy laws.
10. How much customer data do I actually need as a business owner?
Most small service-based businesses only need enough information to communicate, deliver services, and build relationships. If you cannot explain why you are collecting a specific data point in plain English, you probably do not need it.
👉 Need help simplifying your marketing so customers understand you without needing tracking tools to do the heavy lifting? Download 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)