7 Common StoryBrand Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

The StoryBrand framework is a powerful tool for simplifying your message and connecting with your customers. But as straightforward as it is, many businesses stumble when implementing it on their own. From misidentifying the customer’s problem to skipping essential steps, these common mistakes can undermine your brand’s message and confuse your audience.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the most frequent StoryBrand mistakes businesses make and how to avoid them. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your brand messaging, our team is here to help guide you to StoryBrand success!

Mistake #1: Making the Brand the Hero

One of the foundational principles of StoryBrand is that your customer—not your brand—is the hero of the story. When businesses focus on their own achievements, products, or features, they unintentionally put the spotlight on themselves instead of the customer. This approach can alienate customers, who want to know how you can help them succeed, not why you’re great.

Solution: Position your brand as the guide who helps customers overcome their challenges. Speak directly to the customer’s desires and position your business as the expert who can lead them to success.

Mistake #2: Skipping Over the Problem

Your customers are facing problems, and it’s those problems that drive them to seek solutions. A common mistake is failing to clearly define the problem your product or service solves. This can make your messaging feel generic or irrelevant, missing the opportunity to resonate deeply with your audience.

Solution: Identify and articulate the customer’s problem on three levels—external, internal, and philosophical. By addressing both the tangible and emotional pain points, you’ll show customers that you truly understand their struggles and are equipped to help.

Mistake #3: Failing to Provide a Clear Plan

Even when customers understand that you’re the solution to their problem, they may hesitate if there’s no clear path to engage with your business. Without a simple, actionable plan, they can feel uncertain or overwhelmed, which may cause them to look elsewhere.

Solution: Create a three- or four-step plan that outlines how to get started with your product or service. Make it straightforward and actionable. Your plan should alleviate any confusion and show customers exactly what steps they need to take to succeed.

Mistake #4: Weak or Unclear Calls to Action

In StoryBrand, a strong call to action (CTA) is essential to moving customers toward a decision. But many businesses shy away from a direct CTA, afraid of seeming “too pushy,” or they make the CTA vague and non-specific, such as “Contact us to learn more.”

Solution: Be bold and direct with your CTAs. Use clear, compelling language like “Get Started Today,” “Schedule Your Free Consultation,” or “Buy Now.” Include both direct CTAs, which drive immediate action, and transitional CTAs, which invite customers to learn more with less commitment, like downloading a guide or signing up for a newsletter.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Failure and Success

It’s tempting to keep your messaging upbeat and focused solely on the positive. However, the StoryBrand framework encourages brands to illustrate both the negative consequences of inaction and the positive outcomes of choosing your solution. Skipping over these elements can reduce the urgency and impact of your message.

Solution: Show customers what’s at stake if they don’t act—the potential challenges, missed opportunities, or risks. Then, paint a clear picture of the success they’ll experience by working with you. This contrast not only builds urgency but also inspires confidence in your solution.

Mistake #6: Overloading the Message with Details

When you’re passionate about your product or service, it’s easy to fall into the trap of sharing too much information. Unfortunately, a complicated or overly detailed message can overwhelm customers, leading them to disengage.

Solution: Keep it simple. Stick to the essentials: who you help, the problem you solve, and the outcome they can expect. Save the finer details for deeper conversations or follow-up content. By staying concise and clear, you make it easy for customers to understand your message and take action.

Mistake #7: Not Staying Consistent Across Platforms

Your StoryBrand messaging should be consistent across all channels—your website, social media, email marketing, and ads. Many businesses create a great StoryBrand message but only apply it to one platform, creating inconsistencies that dilute the message and confuse customers.

Solution: Ensure your StoryBrand message is integrated across all customer touchpoints. Consistency not only reinforces your brand message but also builds trust with your audience. This unified approach can strengthen customer relationships and make your brand memorable.

How Our Team Can Help You Avoid These Mistakes

The StoryBrand framework is a game-changer for clarifying your message, but implementing it correctly can be challenging. Our team specializes in StoryBrand strategy and knows how to avoid the common pitfalls that trip up so many businesses. From crafting a clear plan to creating compelling calls to action, we can help you build a brand message that resonates and converts.

Ready to get your StoryBrand message right? Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s ensure your brand story is the one that customers can’t resist.