They squint at your sales pitch. They nod through your website. They half-listen during meetings. And then they ghost you.
Not because they’re rude.
Not because they’re broke.
But because your message was a maze—and they got lost.
If people are confused, they do nothing. That’s why clarity is a competitive advantage. And it’s exactly why I use the framework—not just in marketing, but also in sales processes and team alignment strategies for small and mid-sized businesses across Canada.
Let’s walk through what this simple framework is—and why it belongs in more places than just your homepage.
What is the Framework?
This messaging framework helps businesses clarify their message by using the elements of storytelling. Instead of positioning your company as the hero (which most brands do), it shows you how to position your customer as the hero—and your brand as the guide who helps them succeed.
Here’s the 7-part StoryBrand framework:
- A Character – Your customer
- Has a Problem – External, internal, and philosophical
- And Meets a Guide – That’s you
- Who Gives Them a Plan – A clear process
- And Calls Them to Action – To buy or engage
- That Helps Them Avoid Failure – The stakes
- And Ends in Success – A picture of their future
Most businesses skip straight to what they offer. StoryBrand slows you down to make sure you’re telling the right story to the right person—at the right time.

For Marketing: Clarity Converts
This is where most people start with StoryBrand. You use the framework to clarify your:
- Website messaging
- Lead magnets and email campaigns
- Video scripts and social content
The result? People stop bouncing and start booking. When your marketing speaks to what your customer wants and the real problem they’re facing, your offers become obvious.
➡️ Related reading: Why StoryBrand Isn’t Just for Marketing
For Sales: Better Conversations, Higher Close Rates
StoryBrand doesn’t end with your website—it can (and should) shape your sales conversations.
When I train teams using StoryBrand, we rework sales scripts so that reps speak the customer’s language. That means:
- Framing the problem the way the customer feels it
- Explaining your offer as a clear plan
- Describing success in their terms, not yours
It removes pressure from the sales call. You’re not convincing anyone—you’re inviting them into a story where they win. And that creates trust.
For Team Alignment: Everyone on the Same Page
Here’s where it gets exciting: StoryBrand isn’t just for external communication.
When you bring the framework inside your company, your team finally understands:
- Who your customer is
- What the real problem is
- Why your business exists (hint: it’s not just to make money)
- How each department contributes to customer success
This leads to better decision-making, less internal confusion, and a unified message that gets echoed across every touchpoint—sales, support, leadership, marketing, hiring.
Most internal misalignment is a messaging issue in disguise. StoryBrand solves it by giving your whole team a shared narrative.
What About AI?
If you’re curious about how to implement StoryBrand faster, StoryBrand AI is a great starting point.
This tool walks you through the framework and helps you apply it to websites, lead generators, and more. It’s ideal for people who want to test-drive the system or generate first drafts quickly.
I’ve written a full review of it here:
➡️ My Honest Review of StoryBrand AI
You can try it with a 7-day trial using my referral link*
*I receive a small commission if you subscribe after the trial.
Clarity Wins
Sales friction? Team confusion? Weak marketing? These aren’t different problems. They’re all signs of unclear messaging.
And there’s a fix: get everyone (and everything) speaking the same simple story.
If you want to bring this kind of clarity to your sales team or internal communication—not just your homepage—let’s talk.

Thom Van Dycke is the only StoryBrand Certified Coach based in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and North-Eastern Ontario. As a seasoned growth consultant and StoryBrand expert, Thom helps small and mid-sized businesses clarify their message, align their teams, and grow their revenue through strategic sales, marketing, and business development.
Whether through consulting, on-site workshops, or mastermind groups, Thom brings practical clarity to businesses ready to scale.