If you’re running a small business, you know the deal—standing out in today’s market is no small feat. There’s competition everywhere, and a lot of businesses fall into the trap of talking endlessly about themselves, which just doesn’t resonate with customers. Enter the StoryBrand framework. 

This method, created by Donald Miller, is all about putting your customers first, making them the hero of the story, and turning your brand into the trusty guide who’s got their back. It’s super effective for getting clear on your message and connecting with people in a way that just works.

So, What’s StoryBrand?

StoryBrand is a simple yet powerful messaging framework. It’s structured into seven steps that walk you through how to talk about what you do in a way that feels natural, clear, and, most importantly, customer-centered. The whole idea is to make your customer the hero and put your brand in the role of the guide—the one who’s here to help them solve their problems and reach their goals with the product or service. This isn’t about crafting a story like a novel or some big dramatic tale; it’s more like a set of “talking points” you can use to make sure every piece of your messaging hits the mark. In other words, you clarify your message.

Breaking Down the Seven Parts of StoryBrand

Alright, here’s a quick breakdown of the StoryBrand framework:

1. Character: This is your customer, the hero of the story. They’re the ones on a mission, and they need something.

2. Problem: They run into an obstacle. This is the challenge standing in the way of their goal.

3. Guide: Enter your business, the trusty guide, who’s ready to help.

4. Plan: You lay out a simple plan for how they can solve this problem.

5. Call to Action: You clearly invite them to take action (think “Schedule a Call” or “Get Started”).

6. Success: Paint a picture of the positive outcome they can look forward to.

7. Failure: Mention what they stand to lose if they don’t take action.

These steps create a straightforward, story-based framework that grabs attention, simplifies your message, and makes people want to work with you.

Common Mistakes in StoryBrand

I’ve seen business owners try StoryBrand and miss the mark by falling back into “hero” mode. They’ll read the book, get excited, and then start writing messaging that puts their company back in the spotlight. This defeats the purpose. Your customer is the hero, and your role is as the guide. You’re the expert who’s been through it all, and you’re here to lead them toward success.

Another big mistake? Not fully understanding the real problem your customer is facing. Often, businesses know the broad issues but might miss the underlying frustrations and challenges that are top of mind for their customers. Dig deep—really think about what’s bothering your customer. Are they struggling with lack of time, unclear options, or something else? The better you understand their problem, the better you can position yourself as the solution.

How to Use StoryBrand on Your Website

So, how do you bring all this StoryBrand goodness to your website? You want to think about how people interact with your site—most of us skim, right? So make it easy for them. Right at the top, in what we call the “hero section,” tell them what you offer, how it helps them, and how they can get it.

And please, make your call-to-action crystal clear. Skip the vague stuff like “Learn More” or “Discover Our Story.” Try “Schedule a Call” or “Get Started”—something that gives people a simple next step. And throughout your site, be sure you’re keeping the language clear, customer-focused, and skimmable.

Let’s Make Your Brand the Guide

StoryBrand has transformed marketing by focusing on clarity and connection. When you center your messaging around your customer and show up as the guide with a clear plan, you’re positioning your brand in a way that stands out. It’s a straightforward framework, but it’s powerful.

So if you’re ready to build a message that actually resonates and draws people in, let’s talk. Schedule a call with us today, and let’s see how we can help make your brand the guide your customers have been looking for.