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.
.
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.
.
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 Security Cameras Are Quietly Watching More Than You Think
By Vicky Sidler | Published 17 December 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2
You bought the smart security camera to keep your business safe. Motion alerts? Great. Night vision? Sure. Facial recognition? Fancy. But now it turns out the camera might also be spying on your neighbor’s face, your license plate, and possibly your toddler’s birthday party.
According to a new Surfshark study, the real risk with modern AI-powered security cameras isn't just what they capture. It’s what they quietly send, store, and share behind the scenes—with or without your knowledge.
TL;DR:
AI security cameras now include facial and vehicle recognition
Your neighbors might be recorded without consent
Companion apps collect more data than you think
That data often goes back to the manufacturer’s servers
Some apps collect up to 15 types of personal information
👉 Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix.
Table of Contents:
AI Security Cameras Are Quietly Watching More Than You Think
What Your Camera Might Be Collecting:
The Risk Isn’t Just Data Collection:
So What Can Small Business Owners Do?
2. Turn Off What You Don’t Need:
This Isn’t Just a Tech Problem:
1. OpenAI's $27B Loss Could Tank the Whole AI Industry
2. Brand Guidelines for Small Business
3. Ideal Client Profile: The Marketing Shortcut Small Businesses Miss
Frequently Asked Questions About AI Security Cameras and Privacy
1. What makes AI security cameras different from regular ones?
2. Can my AI camera record my neighbors without their consent?
3. What kind of personal data do companion apps collect?
4. Which brand collects the most data?
5. Is it legal for these cameras to collect biometric data?
6. Can these cameras be hacked?
7. Should I use third-party services with my camera?
8. What’s the most privacy-friendly brand in the study?
9. How can small business owners protect their data and customers' trust?
Not Just a Camera Anymore:
Six out of the eight top camera brands now offer facial recognition. Seven can identify vehicles. All can spot people and send intelligent alerts. That sounds useful until you realize it’s not just about spotting a delivery guy anymore.
It’s about turning your storefront, driveway, or office hallway into a biometric data point for someone else’s analytics engine.
And here's the fun part. These cameras don’t just work on their own. They rely on companion apps to function. Those apps? They're quietly hoovering up your personal details. Not just names and emails, but location, contact lists, and even photos and videos.
According to the study, Amazon Ring collected the most, with 15 unique data types. Google Nest followed closely with 14. That’s not just overkill. That’s an open buffet of customer data.
What Your Camera Might Be Collecting:
Let’s take Amazon Ring as an example. It doesn’t just collect images. It gathers:
Your physical address
Phone number
Email
Device and user IDs
Purchase history
And ten extra types of data labelled “Other Purposes”
No explanation. No specifics. Just a vague label that feels like the digital version of “miscellaneous drawer.”
Some brands also feed your device ID to third-party advertisers. Arlo was the worst in this category, sharing more types of ad-related data than any other brand studied.
But Isn’t This All Legal?
That depends on where you live.
In the EU and UK, facial recognition features are tightly regulated under GDPR
In the US, Canada, and Australia, rules vary by region and are generally more relaxed
So just because it’s legal somewhere doesn’t mean it’s ethical or secure. Especially if the people being recorded don’t even know it’s happening.
Miguel Fornes, cybersecurity expert at Surfshark, summed it up well:
“When people can’t meaningfully opt in or out, and are not informed about where their biometric data is stored... you’ve created a privacy hazard.”
Recording your neighbor’s face or car plate without consent? That’s not just awkward. That might be illegal depending on your country’s laws.
The Risk Isn’t Just Data Collection:
It’s what happens after the data is collected.
These cameras often stream everything back to the company’s servers. That creates a second, quieter surveillance stream. One that hackers can access if the camera has a known vulnerability.
And it doesn’t take much. Fornes says there are entire platforms online that list compromised cameras. All you need is a link, a little curiosity, and suddenly you're watching someone else’s living room in real time.
So What Can Small Business Owners Do?
1. Choose the Right Brand:
Surfshark named TP-Link as the most privacy-conscious option. It collects the least data and turns off risky third-party connections by default.
2. Turn Off What You Don’t Need:
If you don’t use facial recognition or vehicle alerts, disable them. You don’t need to accidentally scan your mail carrier into some server in another country.
3. Read the Fine Print:
Yes, the privacy policy is boring. Yes, you should still read it. If you see things like “Other Purposes,” ask yourself why the app needs that data.
4. Use It Like It’s Public:
Assume every recording could be seen by someone who shouldn’t see it. Act accordingly. Don’t point cameras where they could capture people who haven’t agreed to be filmed.
5. Protect Your Ecosystem:
Avoid third-party plugins unless you understand what they do. Stick to native apps where possible. Simpler systems usually mean fewer leaks.
This Isn’t Just a Tech Problem:
It’s a trust problem.
If a customer walks into your shop and sees a camera with facial recognition, they might wonder:
Where does that data go?
Is it shared with anyone?
Can I ask for it to be deleted?
If you can’t answer those questions confidently, you’re not just risking bad PR. You might be risking your legal compliance.
And here’s where it ties back to marketing. Customers do business with people they trust. If your tech setup undermines that trust, no amount of clever copywriting or social proof will fix it.
Want help building a clear message that earns trust from the first sentence?
Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix and learn how to describe your business in a way that makes people feel safe, informed, and respected.
Related Articles:
1. OpenAI's $27B Loss Could Tank the Whole AI Industry
Your current article warns about the privacy risks of AI hardware. This post explores the financial risks of the companies behind the tech. If you're betting on AI, you should know whether the engine might stall.
2. Brand Guidelines for Small Business
If privacy issues erode trust, brand guidelines are how you build it. This article helps you create clear, consistent messaging that earns customer confidence.
3. Ideal Client Profile: The Marketing Shortcut Small Businesses Miss
Your cameras might be capturing people who will never buy from you. This post flips that into a strength by teaching you how to define and reach your ideal clients—intentionally, not accidentally.
Frequently Asked Questions About AI Security Cameras and Privacy
1. What makes AI security cameras different from regular ones?
AI cameras use facial recognition, vehicle detection, and person tracking to analyze what they capture, not just record it. This means they collect biometric data and may identify or profile individuals automatically.
2. Can my AI camera record my neighbors without their consent?
Yes, and that’s the problem. Most cameras don’t have boundaries beyond your property line. Recording people who haven’t given permission—like neighbors or delivery drivers—raisesc serious privacy concerns and could violate local laws.
3. What kind of personal data do companion apps collect?
Beyond video footage, apps may gather your physical address, email, phone number, device IDs, contact info, usage patterns, and more. Some group vague items under “Other Purposes” without clear explanation.
4. Which brand collects the most data?
According to the Surfshark study, Amazon Ring collects the most, with 15 unique user data types. Google Nest follows closely with 14.
5. Is it legal for these cameras to collect biometric data?
That depends on your country. In the EU and UK, biometric data like facial recognition is strictly regulated under GDPR. In the US, Canada, and Australia, laws vary by state or province and are generally less strict.
6. Can these cameras be hacked?
Yes. If the camera has a known vulnerability, hackers can take control. There are even websites that list compromised webcams, making it easier for bad actors to spy on others.
7. Should I use third-party services with my camera?
Generally, no. Third-party plugins increase your risk exposure. Stick with the camera’s native ecosystem unless you fully understand what the external service is doing.
8. What’s the most privacy-friendly brand in the study?
TP-Link ranked best in terms of privacy. It collects the least data and disables third-party connections by default.
9. How can small business owners protect their data and customers' trust?
Disable features you don’t need, read privacy policies carefully, and avoid pointing cameras where people haven’t consented to being recorded. And always prioritize trust over convenience.
10. What does this have to do with marketing?
Privacy builds or breaks trust. If customers feel monitored or unsafe, they’ll hesitate to buy from you. Clear, respectful communication—starting with your tech choices—sets the tone for everything else.
👉 Need help getting your message right? 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)