Everything to Know About the StoryBrand Framework and Creator, Donald Miller

As a small business owner or a marketing leader, you might have come across the term 'StoryBrand'. Conceived by Donald Miller, a best-selling author, the...

As a small business owner or a marketing leader, you might have come across the term 'StoryBrand'. Conceived by Donald Miller, a best-selling author, the StoryBrand framework has revolutionized the world of digital marketing, providing businesses with a clear, step-by-step roadmap to effectively communicate their brand message.

Who is Donald Miller

Donald Miller is a best-selling American author and public speaker. He is probably best known for his semi-autobiographical book "Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality," which was a New York Times bestseller.

Born in Houston, Texas, in 1971, Miller's work frequently explores his experiences with and thoughts on the Christian faith. His approach has been described as non-traditional and sometimes controversial, as he often explores themes of faith and spirituality in a conversational, humorous, and honest manner.

In addition to "Blue Like Jazz," Miller has written a number of other popular books, including "Searching for God Knows What," "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years," and "Scary Close: Dropping the Act and Finding True Intimacy."

Miller is also the CEO of StoryBrand, a company that helps businesses clarify their brand message. StoryBrand uses a seven-part framework, based on the elements of story, to help companies connect with customers and grow their businesses.

As of my knowledge cut-off in September 2021, this is the most accurate information. For more current information, please consult a reliable source.

Why did Miller Create StoryBrand? What’s the founding Story?

Donald Miller founded StoryBrand to help businesses improve their communication and messaging. He recognized that many businesses struggle to convey their value proposition and mission clearly and compellingly to their customers. This often leads to confusion, which can deter potential customers and inhibit growth.

Miller decided to apply the principles of storytelling to business communication. Stories have a universal structure that resonates with people. They involve a character (the customer) who has a problem, meets a guide (the business) who gives them a plan, calls them to action, which results in success or helps them avoid failure.

Miller designed the StoryBrand 7-Part Framework around this storytelling structure to help businesses improve their messaging. By positioning the customer as the hero and the business as the guide, businesses can engage their customers more effectively and motivate them to action.

In essence, StoryBrand was created to help businesses simplify their message, connect with customers, and grow.

What is the StoryBrand Method?

The StoryBrand method is a marketing strategy that uses the power of story to help potential customers understand a business's value. This method is based on a 7-part framework, which guides businesses in creating a compelling story where the customer is the hero, who meets a guide (the business), helps them avoid failure, and eventually achieve success.

This strategy harnesses the natural pattern of the human brain in understanding and remembering good stories. By using StoryBrand, businesses can ensure their marketing materials convey a clear message that resonates with their target audience.

The 7 Steps of StoryBrand

The StoryBrand Framework involves the following seven steps:

1. The hero of the story: Here, the customer is positioned as the main character or 'hero'.
2. The customer faces a problem: The problem is divided into external, internal, and philosophical issues.
3. The hero meets a guide: The business plays the role of the 'guide', similar to how Yoda guided Luke Skywalker.
4. The guide gives the hero a plan: This plan provides a clear roadmap to solve the customer's problem.
5. Call to action (CTA): The guide (business) calls the hero (customer) to action, nudging them towards making a purchase.
6. Helps them avoid failure: The guide helps the hero envision the negative consequences of not acting.
7. Leads them to success: The guide helps the hero imagine the positive outcomes of taking action.

What Are You Paying for When You Have a StoryBrand Website?

When you decide to have a StoryBrand website, you're paying for more than just web design. You're investing in a marketing strategy that makes your brand's story the centerpiece of your digital marketing efforts. It includes an engaging homepage with a clear header, a sales funnel designed according to the StoryBrand method, and the ability to communicate your brand story effectively.

Is StoryBrand Free?

While StoryBrand offers some free resources, such as the StoryBrand BrandScript (a free tool to help you create your brand's story) and a podcast called 'Business Made Simple', more advanced services require investment. This includes the StoryBrand marketing course, 'Marketing Made Simple', and services from a StoryBrand Certified Guide.

How Much Does It Cost to Have a StoryBrand Website?

The cost of a StoryBrand website can vary widely depending on your business needs and the complexity of your brand story. Hiring a StoryBrand Certified Guide can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. For a comprehensive service that includes web design, messaging strategy, and marketing materials, prices can go up to $25,000.

What are the Benefits of a StoryBrand Website?

A StoryBrand website provides several benefits:

1. Clear Messaging: It simplifies your brand message, making it easy for customers to understand what you offer and how it solves their problem.
2. Improved Customer Engagement: By presenting the customer as the hero, you establish an emotional connection, increasing engagement and trust.
3. Effective Marketing: It ensures all your marketing efforts, from social media to other marketing materials, are cohesive and customer-focused.
4. Increased Conversion: Clear CTAs, testimonials, and a well-structured sales funnel contribute to higher conversion rates.

Top 8 Software or Apps for StoryBrand Implementation

1. StoryBrand BrandScript: This free tool assists in creating your brand's story using the 7-part framework.
2. Marketing Made Simple: A course that provides guidance on how to implement the StoryBrand strategy across all your marketing.
3. Business Made Simple University: Offers a library of courses covering every area of business, including using StoryBrand.
4. Clarify Your Message: A course for business leaders to refine their brand message.
5. ConvertKit: An email marketing tool that integrates well with StoryBrand strategies.
6. Leadpages: A landing page builder that can help in crafting StoryBrand-focused landing pages.
7. Squarespace/WordPress: Website builders where you can create and maintain a StoryBrand website.
8. Hootsuite/Buffer: Social media management tools, useful for applying StoryBrand principles to social media content.

In conclusion, the StoryBrand framework, conceived by Donald Miller, is a revolutionary tool for businesses seeking to enhance their marketing efforts with the power of a great story. It's a worthy investment for any business aiming to amplify their brand message and form a deep connection with their customers.