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

Join the StoryBrand Course

for weekly group coaching, templates, and a proven system that fits seamlessly into your week—without taking over your life.

.

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.

.

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.

1

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.

.

https://assets.cdn.filesafe.space/kJ0HTx71roamzOBLLJ9Q/media/66215c9b78944a2e943c19b3.jpeg

2

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.

.

.

3

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.

AI vs Human Music: Why Imperfection Wins

AI vs Human Music: Why Imperfection Wins

October 31, 20257 min read
Custom HTML/CSS/JAVASCRIPT

By Vicky Sidler | Published 31 October 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2

When pop star Charlie Puth says AI will never replace human-made music, he isn’t being dramatic. He’s being observant. In a recent reel, he pointed out that what makes music powerful isn’t technical precision—it’s the tiny flaws. The missed chord. The uneven tempo. The stuff no algorithm would dare leave in.

According to Puth, AI drums sound bland because they’re too perfect. There’s no personality in a beat that never slips or swings. He even reminds us that in Hey Jude, Paul McCartney swore mid-recording after hitting the wrong chord—and they left it in. The Beatles didn’t hide their humanity. They built a legacy on it.


TL;DR:

  • AI makes music too clean to feel real

  • Imperfections—like tempo changes or offbeat moments—create emotion

  • Authenticity beats precision in music and in marketing

👉 Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix


Table of Contents:


The Magic of a Missed Note:

Puth’s point about Kanye West’s Stronger hits home. The song uses an open hi-hat where a snare should be. It shouldn’t work—but it does. That kind of rule-breaking gives the song its edge.

AI, on the other hand, removes what it doesn’t understand. It edits out the stumbles, flattens the tempo, and delivers something technically flawless but emotionally empty. It’s like a speech that sounds great on paper but makes you feel nothing.

As Puth puts it, “Music was meant to breathe.” When Earth, Wind & Fire recorded September, the song actually speeds up as it goes. You’d never notice unless someone told you. But that rising energy pulls you in. It feels alive because it is.

What This Teaches Small Business Owners:

You don’t need to be a songwriter to relate. Many small business owners try to make their marketing “perfect.” They polish every sentence, adjust every pixel, and overthink every word. But the truth is, people don’t connect with perfect. They connect with real.

That small typo in your social post? The unfiltered video you almost didn’t upload? The behind-the-scenes photo where your desk is a mess? Those are the things that make your brand human.

When you chase perfection, you risk losing the quirks that make your story interesting. AI can help you refine your ideas, but it can’t feel your passion. It doesn’t know what it’s like to fail, recover, and keep showing up anyway.

The Balance Between Precision and Personality:

Puth isn’t saying he’s against AI. He’s just saying it needs a partner. Technology should serve creativity, not sterilise it. The same goes for your marketing tools.

Use AI to structure your content, not to replace your voice. Let it suggest headlines or fix grammar, but keep the raw edges that make you sound human. Because the goal isn’t to sound perfect. It’s to sound true.

That’s what makes art resonate—and what makes brands memorable.

If your message feels robotic, maybe it’s time to let a little humanity back in.

Download my 5-Minute Marketing Fix to learn how to write a simple, authentic one-liner that connects—no auto-tune required.

👉 Download it free here


Related Articles:

1. What AI Hype Gets Wrong About Work

Charlie Puth says AI can’t replicate human imperfection in music—and this article proves that’s true in business too. It explains why automation can’t replace insight, emotion, or judgment, and how leaning on AI too heavily makes your brand feel mechanical instead of magnetic.

2. AI Tools Aren't Replacing Designers—Here's Why Not

If AI music sounds soulless, AI design often looks it. This article breaks down why AI-generated visuals are still bland and predictable three years in, and why real designers—like real drummers—still matter for creating memorable work.

3. AI in Marketing Needs Human Thinking

Just as a song needs rhythm and emotion, marketing needs human judgment. This post explores how AI tools create endless content but can’t capture meaning or purpose without strategy behind them.

4. AI Disasters That Cost Millions and What You Should Learn

AI doesn’t know when to stop editing. This piece shares real examples of what happens when businesses let automation run unchecked—from tone-deaf chatbots to PR meltdowns—and how to keep your brand’s humanity intact.

5. It's Not Just You—AI Does Kinda Suck

Feeling underwhelmed by AI tools? You’re not alone. This article explores why generative AI still struggles with creativity and why the best ideas come from a mix of structure, spontaneity, and human judgment.

6. Most People Can't Spot AI Ads—Why That Matters for Your Brand

AI-made music and AI-made ads share a problem—they sound right but feel wrong. This post unpacks why emotional authenticity, not technical polish, is what truly builds trust and connection with your audience.


FAQs on AI, Music, and Human Creativity

1. Why does Charlie Puth think AI can’t replace human-made music?

Charlie Puth believes AI will never fully replace human-made music because it removes the small imperfections that make songs feel alive. He points out that human flaws—like missed notes, tempo shifts, and spontaneous energy—create emotion and connection in ways machines can’t replicate.

2. What are examples of imperfections that make music better?

Puth gives a few: Paul McCartney’s accidental curse in Hey Jude, the open hi-hat in Kanye West’s Stronger, and the tempo changes in September by Earth, Wind & Fire. Each moment breaks the “rules” yet makes the music more memorable.

3. How does this idea relate to marketing and business?

Just like music, marketing works best when it feels authentic. Small imperfections—like unscripted moments in a video or a slightly rough social post—help your audience trust you. Over-editing or relying too heavily on AI can make your brand feel distant and robotic.

4. Should small businesses still use AI tools?

Yes, but with balance. AI is great for organising ideas, cleaning up copy, or handling repetitive tasks. The key is to use it as an assistant, not a replacement for your voice. AI should help you express your ideas more clearly, not erase what makes them yours.

5. Why are imperfections important in marketing?

Imperfections signal honesty. They show your audience that a real person is behind the message. People don’t connect with perfect—they connect with relatable, genuine stories. That’s how brands build trust and loyalty.

6. How can small business owners find the right balance between AI and authenticity?

Let AI do the technical work, but always review the final result through your own lens. If something feels “too clean” or emotionless, tweak it until it sounds like you. The goal isn’t to be flawless—it’s to be real.

7. What’s the main takeaway from Charlie Puth’s message for business owners?

Creativity isn’t about perfection. Whether you’re making music or marketing, what matters most is how your work makes people feel. Human quirks, mistakes, and emotion create connection—and that’s something no algorithm can reproduce.

8. How can I make my marketing sound more human?

Start with a clear, simple message that reflects what your business truly stands for. Speak like you’d talk to a friend. Avoid over-polished, jargon-heavy copy. And if you need help finding your voice, try the free tool I created—

👉Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix to write one authentic sentence that connects across every channel.

blog author image

Vicky Sidler

Vicky Sidler is a seasoned journalist and StoryBrand Certified Guide with a knack for turning marketing confusion into crystal-clear messaging that actually works. Armed with years of experience and an almost suspiciously large collection of pens, she creates stories that connect on a human level.

Back to Blog
Strategic Marketing Tribe Logo

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!

StoryBrand Certified Guide Logo
StoryBrand Certified Guide Logo
Duct Tape Marketing Consultant Logo
50Pros Top 10 Global Leader Award
Woman Owned Business Logo

Created with clarity (and coffee)

© 2025 Strategic Marketing Tribe. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Sitemap