What is a StoryBrand Guide?
If you're reading this, I'm guessing you've heard about StoryBrand. If not, and you’ve just stumbled across this blog, here’s more about StoryBrand and how it’s the game-changer for communicating clearly with your customers.
Maybe you've read the book Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller or even tried implementing the framework yourself. But something's not quite clicking.
Are you wondering if your message is clear enough or whether your marketing will actually work?
That's exactly where a StoryBrand Certified Guide can help.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about working with a StoryBrand Guide and how they can help transform your marketing from confusing to crystal clear.
What is a StoryBrand Certified Guide?
A StoryBrand Certified Guide is a marketing professional who has been trained and certified directly by Donald Miller (the creator of StoryBrand), Dr J.J. Peterson (the President of StoryBrand) and the StoryBrand team to help businesses clarify their message using the StoryBrand framework.
Yes, I literally travelled to Nashville, Tennessee, and spent a week with the StoryBrand team, where they shared their knowledge, answered my questions, saw my work and started me on the road to the StoryBrand guide I am today.
StoryBrand Guides are the only marketers officially licensed to use this powerful marketing framework with clients.
Because of this intensive, behind-the-scenes, comprehensive training, when you're working with a StoryBrand Guide, you can be confident that you're getting it done the right way—the first time.
The power of the StoryBrand framework
The StoryBrand framework is a revolutionary approach to marketing that uses the power of story to help businesses communicate clearly.
It's based on the same storytelling principles that Hollywood has used for decades to capture audiences' attention and create emotional connections.
At its core, the StoryBrand framework helps businesses position their customers as the hero of the story, not the brand itself.
This subtle but powerful shift changes everything about how you communicate with potential customers.
The framework helps you:
- Create a clear message that resonates with your target audience
- Position your business as the expert guide in your field
- Develop a clear plan that leads customers to success
- Eliminate confusion from your marketing materials
- Build trust with potential customers through clear communication
And, bottom line, the StoryBrand way of communicating drives more sales.
Why work with a StoryBrand Certified Guide?
When you're growing your business, having a clear marketing message is crucial. A StoryBrand Guide helps you:
- Cut through the marketing noise with a clear, compelling message
- Create websites that convert visitors into customers
- Build effective sales funnels that generate leads
- Develop marketing materials that actually work
But there's more to it than that.
As your StoryBrand Guide, we bring a fresh outside perspective to your marketing. When you're close to your business, it can be hard to see things from your customer's point of view.
We act as translators, taking your expertise and communicating it in a way your customers will understand. We focus on the parts of your message that matter most to them.
Most importantly, we help you show customers the transformation they'll experience by working with you.
What training do StoryBrand Guides receive?
StoryBrand Guides complete intensive training with Donald Miller and Dr. J.J. Peterson. The certification process includes:
- In-depth training on the StoryBrand framework
- Practical experience creating sales funnels
- Assessment and certification by the StoryBrand team
- Ongoing support and resources
I was fortunate to complete my training in person at Nashville, Tennessee in April 2019. Nothing beats sitting across the table from the StoryBrand team and getting feedback and advice in person. Since the pandemic, StoryBrand has transitioned their training to a livestream format, following the StoryBrand Online Workshops.
This certification isn't just a simple online course. Like a chef who knows how to adjust recipes, StoryBrand Guides learn how to tailor the framework to suit each unique business. We have a deep knowledge of when and how to adapt the framework while making sure it's still effective.
This certification requires significant investment in both time and resources. Certified guides are fully equipped to help businesses transform their marketing.
The process of working with a StoryBrand Guide
When you work with a certified guide, the process typically follows these steps:
Clarify your message
First, your guide will work with you through the StoryBrand framework to create your marketing foundation. This includes crafting your One Liner - a powerful pitch that clearly explains what you do - and your BrandScript, which becomes the blueprint for all your marketing messages.
Transform your website
Using your clarified message, your guide will write compelling website copy that connects with your customers. They'll create a wireframe that follows StoryBrand's proven layout practices, designed to convert visitors into customers. Some guides can even design and build the complete website for you.
Build your Sales Funnel
Your guide will create a system that turns visitors into leads, and leads into customers. This includes designing your Lead Generator (a valuable resource your customers want) and crafting email sequences that nurture potential customers through their buying journey.
Refresh your marketing collateral
Finally, your guide will help you roll out your clear message across all your marketing materials. This might include:
- Refreshing your proposals and brochures
- Creating effective advertising campaigns
- Developing social media content
- Training your team on your new messaging
- Updating your presentation materials
Working with a local StoryBrand Guide
Working with a local StoryBrand Guide offers unique advantages.
They understand the local market, cultural nuances, and how to adapt the framework for regional businesses.
While the StoryBrand framework is universal, having someone who understands your market helps your message resonate with your specific audience.
I've been New Zealand's StoryBrand Certified Guide since training in Nashville in 2019, helping Kiwi businesses transform their marketing message.
Conclusion
A StoryBrand Certified Guide helps you get the most out of the StoryBrand framework. They bring:
- A fresh outside perspective to your marketing
- Deep knowledge of how to adapt the framework for your business
- The ability to translate your expertise into messages that connect with customers
- Practical experience in implementing clear messaging across all your marketing
When you work with a guide, you'll save time, create marketing that works, and have confidence that your message is clear and compelling.
Don't let confusing marketing hold your business back. Book a Discovery call today to discuss how we can clarify your message and grow your business.
A Note About StoryBrand Guides:
Starting in 2024, StoryBrand Certified Guides will be known as StoryBrand Certified Coaches. While the name is changing, the expertise and service remain the same.