Building a StoryBrand

Miller's approach feels both revolutionary and obvious once you understand it. The StoryBrand framework provides a systematic method for what great marketers have done intuitively for decades. The book is packed with practical examples, clear frameworks, and actionable advice that businesses can implement immediately.

Critical Reception: Building a StoryBrand has sold over 1.4 million copies and become a foundational text in modern marketing. It's praised for its practical approach, clear methodology, and measurable results. Thousands of businesses have used the framework to transform their marketing and dramatically increase conversions.

Donald Miller is an American author, speaker, and CEO of StoryBrand. He first gained recognition with his memoir Blue Like Jazz, which became a New York Times bestseller. After years of helping businesses with marketing, he developed the StoryBrand framework and has since helped thousands of companies clarify their messaging.

Miller is known for his ability to make complex concepts accessible and practical. He founded Business Made Simple and Coach Builder, platforms that help entrepreneurs and business leaders grow their companies. His work combines storytelling, psychology, and business strategy to create transformative results for organizations of all sizes.

The SB7 Framework in Detail

The StoryBrand framework (SB7) consists of seven essential components that create compelling customer stories:

1. Character

Every story needs a hero—and that hero should be your customer. Define who your ideal customer is, what they want, and what internal/external problems they're trying to solve.

2. Problem

Identify the specific problem your customer faces. Miller emphasizes that stories thrive on conflict, and customers are drawn to brands that clearly articulate and solve their problems.

3. Guide

Your brand serves as the wise guide—the Yoda to your customer's Luke Skywalker. Guides provide empathy, authority, and a clear plan to help heroes succeed.

4. Plan

Present a simple, step-by-step plan that shows customers how to achieve success. This reduces anxiety and makes the path forward feel achievable.

5. Call to Action

Every story needs a turning point. Provide clear calls to action that move customers from passive observers to active participants in their transformation.

6. Success

Paint a vivid picture of what success looks like. Help customers visualize the positive outcomes they'll experience by working with your brand.

7. Failure

Show what happens if customers don't take action. This creates urgency and helps customers understand the stakes involved.

Practical Applications

Website Messaging

Apply the SB7 framework to your website's homepage, about page, and service descriptions. Position customers as heroes seeking transformation, with your brand as their trusted guide.

Sales Conversations

Train sales teams to use storytelling principles. Instead of listing features, help customers see themselves as heroes overcoming challenges with your guidance.

Email Marketing

Structure email sequences around the customer's journey. Start with identifying their problem, then position your solution as the guide's plan, and conclude with clear calls to action.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Talking about yourself instead of your customer: Focus on customer transformation, not company history
• Using industry jargon: Speak in plain language customers understand
• Creating confusion: Simplify messaging to one clear problem and solution
• Forgetting the call to action: Every piece of marketing should include a clear next step

Implementation Checklist

• [ ] Define your ideal customer (character)
• [ ] Identify their primary problem
• [ ] Position your brand as the guide
• [ ] Create a simple plan
• [ ] Develop clear calls to action
• [ ] Describe success outcomes
• [ ] Explain failure consequences
• [ ] Apply framework across all marketing channels