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.
File Sharing Sites Skip Virus Scans—Here’s the Risk
By Vicky Sidler | Published 14 December 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2
If you’ve ever sent a file to a client or downloaded one from a colleague without giving it a second thought, you’re in good company. Unfortunately, you may also be one bad upload away from a malware mess.
A recent study by cybersecurity firm Surfshark reviewed some of the world’s most popular file-sharing platforms. The finding? Most don’t scan your files for viruses unless you’re paying for the upgrade. And even then, it’s not guaranteed.
Meanwhile, the UK is about to force platforms to start scanning everything—ostensibly for illegal content. Depending on how that plays out, your harmless spreadsheet could end up flagged as dangerous. Or worse, your files could be silently scanned without your knowledge in the name of online safety.
Let’s break this down in plain English.
TL;DR:
Free file-sharing services like Dropbox, WeTransfer, and iCloud do not scan for viruses
Paid plans sometimes offer scanning, but it’s inconsistent
The UK wants platforms to scan all shared files for illegal content
This could create new privacy issues and security risks
👉 Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix.
Table of Contents:
File Sharing Sites Skip Virus Scans—Here’s the Risk
What File-Sharing Services Are (Not) Doing:
The UK Plan: Safety or Surveillance?
Why This Could Backfire for Small Business Owners:
But Isn’t This Just a Tech Problem?
Advice From a Marketer, Not a Hacker:
Want to Show You’re a Pro? Start With Clarity
1. SA Data Breaches Drop But AI Makes Them More Dangerous
2. US Leads in AI but Lags in Internet Quality and Security
3. AI Marketing Trust Gap Widens as Consumers Push Back
4. Digital Scams Targeting Women Are Getting Smarter
5. Shopping Apps Ranked by How Much Data They Take
Frequently Asked Questions About File-Sharing Security
1. Do free file-sharing platforms scan for viruses?
2. Is it safe to use file-sharing tools for business?
3. What are the risks of not scanning files?
4. How does the UK’s Online Safety Act affect this?
5. Why are people concerned about file scanning and privacy?
6. What should small businesses do to stay safe?
7. Are paid plans better for file safety?
8. Can scanning software make mistakes?
What File-Sharing Services Are (Not) Doing:
According to Surfshark, most file-sharing services are letting your uploads pass through like unsupervised toddlers in a supermarket.
Here’s a quick look at the big players:
Dropbox: 700 million users. No virus scanning.
WeTransfer and Box: Combined 138 million users. Virus scanning is available only on paid plans.
iCloud: 900 million users. No upload/download scanning. Relies on Apple device security instead.
This means if you’re using these tools for your business—and using them for free—you are one double-click away from installing ransomware.
And no, this is not a 2003 problem. Malware is still very much alive and well.
The UK Plan: Safety or Surveillance?
The UK government is taking a more aggressive approach. Under its Online Safety Act 2023, it wants platforms to proactively scan files for illegal content.
Sounds reasonable—until you realize what that means in practice.
It means scanning everything. All uploads. All downloads. Every file you send to a colleague or receive from a client. All in the name of catching the bad stuff.
But according to James Baker from the Open Rights Group, this opens the door to mass surveillance. Not targeted. Not filtered. Just universal scanning of every file, by default.
It’s like asking your courier to open every parcel and read every letter, just in case you’re sending contraband.
Why This Could Backfire for Small Business Owners:
You may be thinking: “I’m not sending anything illegal. Who cares?”
But false positives are a thing. Especially when automated systems are involved. A photo used for protest coverage. A research paper on sensitive topics. A file with keywords flagged by mistake.
If your file gets flagged, it could be deleted. Or your account could be banned.
And if your files are scanned at the server level, it also means someone—or something—has access to your data. Even if it’s just a machine, that’s still one more place your private business info lives.
But Isn’t This Just a Tech Problem?
Yes and no.
The tech companies are the ones skipping virus scans. And now governments want them to act more responsibly.
But the burden falls on you.
If you don’t pay for a scanning service, you have to:
Hope your client isn’t sending you something dodgy
Trust that your antivirus will catch threats before they open
And cross fingers your files don’t get wrongly flagged in the name of “safety”
None of those sound like solid risk management strategies.
What You Can Do About It:
Here’s the simplest fix: get a reliable antivirus.
Surfshark says that if you’ve got antivirus software installed, you don’t need to rely on file-sharing platforms for scanning.
That’s good advice. But let’s take it a step further:
Stick to known platforms with strong reputations
Upgrade to paid plans if they offer extra security features
Use password protection and encryption for sensitive files
Label files clearly so they don’t get flagged as suspicious
Keep your devices updated
And finally, don’t assume the platform is doing the safety work for you. Most aren’t.
Advice From a Marketer, Not a Hacker:
As a StoryBrand Certified Guide and Duct Tape Marketing Consultant, I usually help businesses get their messaging right. But clear communication doesn’t just matter in your website copy.
It matters in how you protect your business too.
If a client gets a file from you that sets off their virus scanner, you don’t just look careless. You look untrustworthy.
And if your file-sharing tool silently scans and flags your content without context? That’s a brand perception issue you’ll have to explain.
Trust is fragile. It’s built through consistent, secure, and clear interactions.
If you want to be seen as the business that has its act together, protecting your files is just part of the deal.
Want to Show You’re a Pro? Start With Clarity
Confusion isn’t just a tech problem. It’s a marketing one too.
If your messaging is as murky as your malware settings, your prospects won’t feel safe doing business with you.
That’s why I created the 5-Minute Marketing Fix. It helps you write one clear sentence that tells people exactly what you do and why they should trust you.
Related Articles:
1. SA Data Breaches Drop But AI Makes Them More Dangerous
Now that you know file-sharing platforms don’t scan for threats, this post explains what happens when a breach actually occurs—and how AI makes it worse.
2. US Leads in AI but Lags in Internet Quality and Security
If you're relying on popular tech tools, this article shows why security gaps in places like the US affect global small businesses too.
3. AI Marketing Trust Gap Widens as Consumers Push Back
You just read about trust and data. This post builds on that idea by showing how consumer trust is eroding—even in marketing—and how clarity protects your brand.
4. Digital Scams Targeting Women Are Getting Smarter
Scammers love weak spots. This article shows what happens when fraudsters take advantage of unsecured systems—and what real business owners can do to protect clients.
5. Shopping Apps Ranked by How Much Data They Take
Worried about what platforms are collecting from you behind the scenes? This post shows exactly how much data popular apps extract—so you can make smarter choices.
Frequently Asked Questions About File-Sharing Security
1. Do free file-sharing platforms scan for viruses?
Most do not. Platforms like Dropbox, WeTransfer, and Box skip virus scans on free plans. Even Apple’s iCloud relies on device security instead of scanning uploads or downloads.
2. Is it safe to use file-sharing tools for business?
Only if you take extra steps. Use reliable antivirus software, encrypt sensitive files, and don’t assume the platform is checking for threats.
3. What are the risks of not scanning files?
You could download a file that installs ransomware or other malicious software. This can damage devices, compromise client data, or stall your business operations.
4. How does the UK’s Online Safety Act affect this?
The UK plans to require platforms to scan all shared files for illegal content. This could lead to mass surveillance, false flags, and unnecessary account bans.
5. Why are people concerned about file scanning and privacy?
Automated scans could access sensitive or private data without consent. There’s also a risk of files being misinterpreted, flagged, or removed incorrectly.
6. What should small businesses do to stay safe?
Use antivirus software, avoid relying solely on free file-sharing tools, label files clearly, and secure files with passwords or encryption when needed.
7. Are paid plans better for file safety?
Sometimes. Some paid file-sharing plans include virus scanning and additional security features. But always check the fine print before assuming you’re covered.
8. Can scanning software make mistakes?
Yes. Automated systems can produce false positives, flagging safe content as harmful. They can also miss more sophisticated threats.
9. What if I share sensitive data with clients?
Use secure platforms, enable encryption, and make sure your files are labelled in a way that won’t trigger scanning tools. Trust and professionalism matter.
10. How does this relate to my marketing or brand?
If your files cause problems for clients—like triggering antivirus alerts or being blocked by scanning tools—you risk damaging trust. Protecting your files is part of protecting your reputation.
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)