What do you think?
Rate this book
Building a StoryBrand 2.0: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen
Since the original publication of Building A Storybrand, over one million business leaders have discovered Donald Miller’s powerful Storybrand Framework and they are making millions. Now, the classic resource for connecting with customers has been fully revised and updated, making it even more powerful to prepare you for today’s challenges.
If you use the wrong words to talk about your product, nobody will buy it. Marketers and business owners struggle to effectively connect with their customers, costing them and their companies millions in lost revenue.
In a world filled with constant, on-demand distractions, it has become near-impossible for business owners to effectively cut through the noise to reach their customers, something Donald Miller experienced first-hand and led him to create his proven system he first shared in Building a Storybrand to help you engage and truly influence customers.
The StoryBrand process is a proven solution to the struggle business leaders face when talking about their companies. Without a clear, distinct message, customers will not understand what you can do for them and are unwilling to engage, causing you to lose potential sales, opportunities for customer engagement, and much more.
In Building a StoryBrand 2.0, Donald Miller teaches marketers and business owners to use his fully revised system of the seven universal elements of powerful stories to dramatically improve how they connect with customers and grow their businesses.
His proven process has helped thousands of companies engage with their existing customers, giving them the ultimate competitive advantage. Building a StoryBrand does this by teaching
The seven universal story points all humans respond to;
The real reason customers make purchases;How to simplify a brand message so people understand it; andHow to create the most effective messaging for websites, brochures, and social media.
Whether you are the marketing director of a multibillion-dollar company, the owner of a small business, a politician running for office, or the lead singer of a rock band, Building a StoryBrand 2.0 will forever transform the way you talk about who you are, what you do, and the unique value you bring to your customers.
If you use the wrong words to talk about your product, nobody will buy it. Marketers and business owners struggle to effectively connect with their customers, costing them and their companies millions in lost revenue.
In a world filled with constant, on-demand distractions, it has become near-impossible for business owners to effectively cut through the noise to reach their customers, something Donald Miller experienced first-hand and led him to create his proven system he first shared in Building a Storybrand to help you engage and truly influence customers.
The StoryBrand process is a proven solution to the struggle business leaders face when talking about their companies. Without a clear, distinct message, customers will not understand what you can do for them and are unwilling to engage, causing you to lose potential sales, opportunities for customer engagement, and much more.
In Building a StoryBrand 2.0, Donald Miller teaches marketers and business owners to use his fully revised system of the seven universal elements of powerful stories to dramatically improve how they connect with customers and grow their businesses.
His proven process has helped thousands of companies engage with their existing customers, giving them the ultimate competitive advantage. Building a StoryBrand does this by teaching
The seven universal story points all humans respond to;
The real reason customers make purchases;How to simplify a brand message so people understand it; andHow to create the most effective messaging for websites, brochures, and social media.
Whether you are the marketing director of a multibillion-dollar company, the owner of a small business, a politician running for office, or the lead singer of a rock band, Building a StoryBrand 2.0 will forever transform the way you talk about who you are, what you do, and the unique value you bring to your customers.
304 pages, Paperback
Published January 7, 2025
1101 people are currently reading
2753 people want to read
About the author
Donald Miller
190 books2,759 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Don Miller is an American author, speaker, and entrepreneur best known for his New York Times bestseller Blue Like Jazz. He is the CEO of StoryBrand, a company that helps businesses clarify their messaging. Miller’s writing often explores faith, identity, and personal growth. His other books include Searching for God Knows What, Through Painted Deserts, and A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. He founded The Mentoring Project to support fatherless youth and has advised both nonprofit and government initiatives. His later work, including Scary Close and Building a StoryBrand, reflects a shift toward personal development and business communication. He lives in Nashville with his wife, Betsy.
Don Miller is an American author, speaker, and entrepreneur best known for his New York Times bestseller Blue Like Jazz. He is the CEO of StoryBrand, a company that helps businesses clarify their messaging. Miller’s writing often explores faith, identity, and personal growth. His other books include Searching for God Knows What, Through Painted Deserts, and A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. He founded The Mentoring Project to support fatherless youth and has advised both nonprofit and government initiatives. His later work, including Scary Close and Building a StoryBrand, reflects a shift toward personal development and business communication. He lives in Nashville with his wife, Betsy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
August 17, 2025
Holy bologna this is an excellent book. I have about a million ideas to market my new press where I had like 3 before.
------------------
Pre-Read Notes:
I thought this would be a valuable read for my small press, and so far I think that was a good judgement call.
Final Review
(thoughts & recs) I found this book incredibly useful. I'm planning to adopt a number of the ideas to market my small independent press. Please understand, this is kind of a miracle, because I am deathly allergic to marketing. And being able to see myself taking advantage of this system helped me apply the concepts to my concept.
One of the things I love about this system is the application of Joseph Campbell's story concepts. Your brand's story tells your audience a story about themselves, in which they may heroically solve their own problems. I know how well hero's epic framework works in stories. I'm quite excited to see how these ideas take shape in my marketing efforts!
I recommend this book to anyone looking to learn a system of marketing that rejects the traditional marketing approaches and focuses instead on the story of your brand.
My Favorite Thing:
✔️ "The StoryBrand framework has been just as effective for billion-dollar brands as it has for mom-and-pop businesses. It is just as powerful for American corporations as it has been for those in Japan and Africa. Why? Because the human brain, no matter what region of the world it comes from, is drawn toward clarity and away from confusion." p6 Clarity is key in all kinds of writing.
Thank you to the author Donald Miller, HarperCollins Leadership, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of BUILDING A STORYBRAND 2.0. All views are mine.
------------------
Pre-Read Notes:
I thought this would be a valuable read for my small press, and so far I think that was a good judgement call.
Final Review
(thoughts & recs) I found this book incredibly useful. I'm planning to adopt a number of the ideas to market my small independent press. Please understand, this is kind of a miracle, because I am deathly allergic to marketing. And being able to see myself taking advantage of this system helped me apply the concepts to my concept.
One of the things I love about this system is the application of Joseph Campbell's story concepts. Your brand's story tells your audience a story about themselves, in which they may heroically solve their own problems. I know how well hero's epic framework works in stories. I'm quite excited to see how these ideas take shape in my marketing efforts!
I recommend this book to anyone looking to learn a system of marketing that rejects the traditional marketing approaches and focuses instead on the story of your brand.
My Favorite Thing:
✔️ "The StoryBrand framework has been just as effective for billion-dollar brands as it has for mom-and-pop businesses. It is just as powerful for American corporations as it has been for those in Japan and Africa. Why? Because the human brain, no matter what region of the world it comes from, is drawn toward clarity and away from confusion." p6 Clarity is key in all kinds of writing.
Thank you to the author Donald Miller, HarperCollins Leadership, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of BUILDING A STORYBRAND 2.0. All views are mine.
November 15, 2025
It had been a while since I’d been dreaming of building a brand that could genuinely help people. I had ideas—too many ideas. They were swirling around in every direction, and instead of feeling inspired, I felt overwhelmed. Every time someone asked me what my brand was actually about, I froze. I couldn’t articulate the value, the mission, or even the direction.
I thought motivation and hard work would be enough. Turns out, they weren’t.
The good thing about this world is that when you’re facing a problem, chances are someone else has already been there—and found a solution. So I started asking for help. In my case… ChatGPT (ahah). More precisely, I asked for book recommendations that could teach me how to tell a compelling story. My intuition was simple: if I wanted people to care about my brand, I first needed to learn how to craft a narrative they could connect with.
Among all the suggestions, StoryBrand 2.0 immediately stood out. A book about building a clear, structured brand story? Exactly what I needed.
And honestly? It delivered way more than I expected.
With a simple and powerful framework, it helped me transform my chaotic pile of ideas into a clear, engaging narrative. Everything suddenly made sense. I understood what my brand stood for, how to communicate it, and how to present it in a way people would actually remember.
Since then, talking about my brand has become incredibly easy.
Just to give you an idea: the last time my dad asked me what I was doing with my life these days (poor man genuinely never knows), he understood everything in less than two minutes.
(Doesn’t mean he didn’t complain afterward about me not having a “real job,” but still—progress.)
If you’re feeling lost with your brand, drowning in ideas, or unable to explain what you do in a simple sentence, StoryBrand 2.0 is hands-down the guide you need. It did for me what motivation alone never could: it gave me clarity.
I thought motivation and hard work would be enough. Turns out, they weren’t.
The good thing about this world is that when you’re facing a problem, chances are someone else has already been there—and found a solution. So I started asking for help. In my case… ChatGPT (ahah). More precisely, I asked for book recommendations that could teach me how to tell a compelling story. My intuition was simple: if I wanted people to care about my brand, I first needed to learn how to craft a narrative they could connect with.
Among all the suggestions, StoryBrand 2.0 immediately stood out. A book about building a clear, structured brand story? Exactly what I needed.
And honestly? It delivered way more than I expected.
With a simple and powerful framework, it helped me transform my chaotic pile of ideas into a clear, engaging narrative. Everything suddenly made sense. I understood what my brand stood for, how to communicate it, and how to present it in a way people would actually remember.
Since then, talking about my brand has become incredibly easy.
Just to give you an idea: the last time my dad asked me what I was doing with my life these days (poor man genuinely never knows), he understood everything in less than two minutes.
(Doesn’t mean he didn’t complain afterward about me not having a “real job,” but still—progress.)
If you’re feeling lost with your brand, drowning in ideas, or unable to explain what you do in a simple sentence, StoryBrand 2.0 is hands-down the guide you need. It did for me what motivation alone never could: it gave me clarity.
May 29, 2025
Read this for my summer internship! It was helpful. It did ruin TV commercials for me though.
July 20, 2025
Honestly, one of the best Business Books I've ever read. Have started to read it again!!
July 30, 2025
it’s been fun to start implementing the framework for my business. hoping i can stay consistent
October 17, 2025
Needed material for business owners and growth operators, particularly if you believe there's room for scaling more or sensing there is a lull, because this provides clarity of making customers act.
November 17, 2025
I thought StoryBrand 2.0 was excellent! It starts off telling a little story about Donald Miller's friendship with Science Mike (someone that I actually know...or at least used to know!). This is a marketing book. It's primary message is clarity...if you aren't clear with the message, people don't care about your product/service. It's about how to tell your story to get the most engagement from your customers, clients, etc. The idea is to base your story like you would a movie. Each movie has a character and problem and a guide, and the guide is there to help the character get through the problem. I learned a lot through this book, and I've already implemented the ideas in my primary business as well as my small vacation rental business. I really loved the AI tools that writes your script for you too. It's super easy to use, and it has been great.
Favorite quotes:
p. 5 - "The human brain...is drawn toward clarity and away from confusion."
p. 8 - "If we position our products and services as anything but an aid to helping people survive, thrive, be accepted, find love, achieve an aspirational identity, or bond with a tribe that will defend them physically and socially, good luck selling anything to anybody. Surviving and thriving are the primary concerns of every healthy human being on the planet."
p. 23 - "People don't buy the best products; they buy the products they can understand and apply to their lives the fastest."
p. 37 - "The only things people buy are solutions to problems. And if you haven't identified your customer's problems or fail to talk about them clearly, you aren't going to sell anything."
p. 71 - "The more we talk about the problems our customers experience, the more curiosity they will have about our brand."
p. 95 - "The customer must always be the hero and the brand must always play the guide."
p. 128 - "When we try to sell passively, we communicate a lack of belief in our product. When we don't ask for the sale clearly, the customer senses weakness."
p. 146 - "Loss aversion is a greater motivator of buying decisions than potential gains."
p. 201 - "Don't be clever, be clear."
p. 216 - "The rule is this: the fewer words you use, the more likely it is that people will read them."
p. 240 - "Your customers may not need your product today, and they might not need it tomorrow, but on the day they do need it, you want to make sure they remember who you are, what you offer, and where they can reach you if they want to buy it."
Favorite quotes:
p. 5 - "The human brain...is drawn toward clarity and away from confusion."
p. 8 - "If we position our products and services as anything but an aid to helping people survive, thrive, be accepted, find love, achieve an aspirational identity, or bond with a tribe that will defend them physically and socially, good luck selling anything to anybody. Surviving and thriving are the primary concerns of every healthy human being on the planet."
p. 23 - "People don't buy the best products; they buy the products they can understand and apply to their lives the fastest."
p. 37 - "The only things people buy are solutions to problems. And if you haven't identified your customer's problems or fail to talk about them clearly, you aren't going to sell anything."
p. 71 - "The more we talk about the problems our customers experience, the more curiosity they will have about our brand."
p. 95 - "The customer must always be the hero and the brand must always play the guide."
p. 128 - "When we try to sell passively, we communicate a lack of belief in our product. When we don't ask for the sale clearly, the customer senses weakness."
p. 146 - "Loss aversion is a greater motivator of buying decisions than potential gains."
p. 201 - "Don't be clever, be clear."
p. 216 - "The rule is this: the fewer words you use, the more likely it is that people will read them."
p. 240 - "Your customers may not need your product today, and they might not need it tomorrow, but on the day they do need it, you want to make sure they remember who you are, what you offer, and where they can reach you if they want to buy it."
May 26, 2025
Great book for new business owner, it’s like a roadmap to develop a strong message to build a strong relation with your potential clients
Donald divided the formation of this strong relation into 7 parts, he called it “The StoryBrand Framework”:
1. A hero (your client) has a problem.
2. They meet a guide (your business).
3. The guide gives them a plan.
4. The plan calls them to act.
5. The action helps them avoid failure.
6. It leads to success.
7. The hero is transformed.
For a creative / web design / marketing agencies and freelancers, this book is perfect because it helps you create a clear message for your target niche, making it easier during your sales and marketing approaches to meet your revenue goals.
As usual, I love to test each book I read by putting it into practice, test its methods, and share the results in my blog on Substack — there I’ll provide what I call a “practical feedback” on each of the 7 frameworks in this book.
If you curious to know result, let’s get connected — subscribe to my newsletter on Substack: [🔗https://substack.com/@adamkhaled] — I share deep insights every Saturday, including the results from each book I put in practice.
With care,
Donald divided the formation of this strong relation into 7 parts, he called it “The StoryBrand Framework”:
1. A hero (your client) has a problem.
2. They meet a guide (your business).
3. The guide gives them a plan.
4. The plan calls them to act.
5. The action helps them avoid failure.
6. It leads to success.
7. The hero is transformed.
For a creative / web design / marketing agencies and freelancers, this book is perfect because it helps you create a clear message for your target niche, making it easier during your sales and marketing approaches to meet your revenue goals.
As usual, I love to test each book I read by putting it into practice, test its methods, and share the results in my blog on Substack — there I’ll provide what I call a “practical feedback” on each of the 7 frameworks in this book.
If you curious to know result, let’s get connected — subscribe to my newsletter on Substack: [🔗https://substack.com/@adamkhaled] — I share deep insights every Saturday, including the results from each book I put in practice.
With care,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2025
The best thing about this book is the actionable insights that you can implement in your business right away. The worst thing about this book is that Donald Miller is evidently obsessed with screenwriting and Jason Bourne. The countless references to films got tiresome quickly, and I found myself skipping over these paragraphs coming toward the end of the book. I know he’s trying to provide examples that illustrate the messages being conveyed, but there are just too many in this book. The irony is that he’s an advocate for simple, lean and “to the point” marketing communication, yet, this book could have been a lot shorter if he chose to lessen the movie references and eliminate his political views. Nevertheless, I’m grateful to have read this book as my messaging is significantly clearer and I’m able to improve the landing page copy for my main offer.
July 1, 2025
Para los amantes del Marketing digital y/o emprendedores, este libro es el que debes leer, es una belleza, te cambia la perspectiva de comunicar o vender tu Marca o negocio, desde una perspectiva muy pragmática y fácil, atraves de una técnica milenaria, como es la de contar Historias, así de simple y sin tantas arandelas, te da un paso a paso de como hacerlo de una manera muy entretenida, 1000% recomendado
April 16, 2025
Finishing the school year means finishing school books and counting it towards my reading goal!
June 12, 2025
Leaders of organizations should read the first 100 pages. And then skip the redundancy of the second half.
July 7, 2025
Probably my second favorite business book I've ever read.
March 14, 2025
In today's competitive business landscape, standing out requires more than just a great product or service. Many companies struggle to capture their audience's attention because their marketing fails to engage customers on a meaningful level. This book presents a powerful strategy rooted in storytelling, where the customer plays the lead role, facing obstacles and searching for a trusted guide to help them succeed. The approach outlined here offers a simple yet effective framework that enables businesses to craft messages that truly resonate, ensuring that their audience not only listens but also takes action.
One of the most common marketing mistakes companies make is positioning themselves as the hero. This is counterproductive because customers are primarily focused on their own stories, not a business’s achievements. The most successful brands recognize this and shift their messaging accordingly. Rather than highlighting their own accolades, they position their customers as the protagonists and present themselves as the mentor guiding them toward success.
Nike is a perfect example of this approach. Instead of boasting about their advanced shoe technology, they focus on everyday athletes striving to push their limits. Their advertising emphasizes personal triumphs, making the customer feel like the central character in an inspiring journey. Smaller businesses can adopt this principle as well. A local gym, for instance, saw significant growth after shifting their marketing from showcasing equipment to highlighting members’ fitness transformations. By making this subtle but important shift, businesses can create a deeper emotional connection with their audience.
To implement this strategy, companies need to understand what their customers truly seek. A bakery may think it’s selling bread, but its customers are actually purchasing the joy of sharing something special with loved ones. A software company might believe it provides efficiency tools, but what its customers really want is the recognition that comes with being seen as an innovative leader. Every aspect of marketing should be shaped around the customer’s desires, transforming generic messages into compelling narratives that draw people in.
At the heart of every great story are challenges that the hero must overcome. Customers, too, experience multiple levels of problems that influence their decisions. However, most marketing efforts only address surface-level issues, missing the deeper motivations that drive people to take action.
The first level of problems is external—these are the obvious challenges customers face, such as needing a new roof, increasing revenue, or improving academic performance. While these issues are important, they are not the real reasons people make purchasing decisions. The second level is internal problems, which tap into emotions like frustration, self-doubt, or anxiety. A homeowner dealing with a leaky roof may feel embarrassed about neglecting home maintenance, while a business owner struggling with sales might question their leadership abilities. The third level is philosophical problems, which reflect deeper beliefs about fairness and purpose. A homeowner may feel that everyone deserves a secure home, a business leader might want to create a positive impact, and a student may believe that education should be empowering.
Most businesses stop at addressing external problems, but truly effective marketing speaks to all three levels. A roofing company, for example, shouldn’t just promote its fast service—it should also highlight the relief and peace of mind it brings homeowners, positioning itself as a protector of families. To connect with customers on a deeper level, businesses should examine not just the surface challenges their customers face, but also the emotions and principles that influence their choices. This multi-layered approach fosters a stronger, more meaningful connection.
In any great story, the hero doesn’t navigate their journey alone—they have a mentor who provides wisdom and guidance. Businesses should embrace this role, acting as a trusted advisor rather than the main character. This shift in perspective helps build credibility and trust while keeping the focus where it belongs: on the customer.
Successful brands excel at balancing expertise with empathy. Apple, for example, doesn’t just showcase its technological innovations; it highlights how its products empower creatives to achieve their best work. Small businesses can do the same by demonstrating both understanding and capability. A financial advisor, for instance, might acknowledge that managing money can be overwhelming while also showcasing their track record of helping families secure their financial future. This combination of empathy and authority reassures potential customers that they’re making the right choice.
To position your business as a guide, start by identifying common frustrations your customers experience. Then, align each frustration with a solution that demonstrates your expertise. Share real-life success stories that illustrate customer transformation while keeping the focus on their journey rather than your company’s achievements. When businesses embrace the role of a mentor, they cultivate trust and encourage long-term relationships.
Every hero needs a clear plan to follow, or they risk becoming lost. The same principle applies to customers—when presented with too many choices or unclear steps, they often hesitate to make a decision. Businesses must simplify the path to action, removing unnecessary obstacles and ensuring that customers understand exactly what they need to do next.
Companies that streamline their processes see greater engagement. Warby Parker, for instance, revolutionized eyewear shopping by offering a simple home try-on system, guiding customers through a clear three-step process. A wedding photographer might make it easier for clients to book their services by offering three straightforward packages. The clearer the path, the more likely customers are to take action.
To create an effective plan, businesses should map out the customer’s journey and break it into three to five simple steps. Each step should be easy to understand and lead naturally to the next. Additionally, direct calls to action—such as 'Book your consultation today' or 'Try it free for 30 days'—should be included to prompt immediate engagement. By providing a clear roadmap, businesses eliminate confusion and encourage customers to move forward with confidence.
A compelling story also emphasizes what’s at stake. If the hero doesn’t act, what could they lose? If they do, what exciting possibilities await them? The same applies to marketing—customers must see both the benefits of taking action and the consequences of inaction.
Many businesses focus solely on positive outcomes, which, while important, is only half of the equation. Highlighting what customers stand to lose if they don’t take action can be just as powerful. A home security company, for instance, might emphasize the peace of mind that comes from having a reliable system while also subtly acknowledging the risks of not being prepared. A career coach might show clients the contrast between a fulfilling job and years of professional stagnation. By clearly outlining both potential futures, businesses make the decision more compelling.
The final step in the storytelling framework is issuing a direct call to action. Every great story leads to a pivotal moment where the hero must make a choice. In marketing, this translates to a clear, decisive invitation to take the next step.
Businesses that master this step make it easy for customers to engage. A coaching service might offer a free discovery call, a software company could provide a trial period, and a restaurant might invite new guests to a tasting event. The key is to remove ambiguity and encourage immediate action.
This storytelling framework is powerful because it aligns with how people naturally process information. Humans are drawn to narratives of transformation, seek guidance from those who understand their struggles, and respond to clear choices. A small bakery, for example, saw increased engagement by shifting from listing products to inviting customers on a journey: 'Start your artisan baking adventure with a free class.' By framing its offer as the beginning of a story, it attracted more interest and loyalty.
To apply this approach, businesses should map out their customer’s journey, position themselves as a trusted guide, clarify the path forward, highlight the stakes, and issue a strong call to action. When done effectively, this strategy turns marketing from a one-sided message into a compelling story that customers want to be part of.
Ultimately, the key to cutting through marketing noise is crafting a message that aligns with human nature. Customers aren’t looking for companies that talk about themselves—they want to see how a business can help them succeed. By positioning the customer as the hero and acting as their mentor, businesses can create marketing that doesn’t just get noticed but inspires action and lasting loyalty.
One of the most common marketing mistakes companies make is positioning themselves as the hero. This is counterproductive because customers are primarily focused on their own stories, not a business’s achievements. The most successful brands recognize this and shift their messaging accordingly. Rather than highlighting their own accolades, they position their customers as the protagonists and present themselves as the mentor guiding them toward success.
Nike is a perfect example of this approach. Instead of boasting about their advanced shoe technology, they focus on everyday athletes striving to push their limits. Their advertising emphasizes personal triumphs, making the customer feel like the central character in an inspiring journey. Smaller businesses can adopt this principle as well. A local gym, for instance, saw significant growth after shifting their marketing from showcasing equipment to highlighting members’ fitness transformations. By making this subtle but important shift, businesses can create a deeper emotional connection with their audience.
To implement this strategy, companies need to understand what their customers truly seek. A bakery may think it’s selling bread, but its customers are actually purchasing the joy of sharing something special with loved ones. A software company might believe it provides efficiency tools, but what its customers really want is the recognition that comes with being seen as an innovative leader. Every aspect of marketing should be shaped around the customer’s desires, transforming generic messages into compelling narratives that draw people in.
At the heart of every great story are challenges that the hero must overcome. Customers, too, experience multiple levels of problems that influence their decisions. However, most marketing efforts only address surface-level issues, missing the deeper motivations that drive people to take action.
The first level of problems is external—these are the obvious challenges customers face, such as needing a new roof, increasing revenue, or improving academic performance. While these issues are important, they are not the real reasons people make purchasing decisions. The second level is internal problems, which tap into emotions like frustration, self-doubt, or anxiety. A homeowner dealing with a leaky roof may feel embarrassed about neglecting home maintenance, while a business owner struggling with sales might question their leadership abilities. The third level is philosophical problems, which reflect deeper beliefs about fairness and purpose. A homeowner may feel that everyone deserves a secure home, a business leader might want to create a positive impact, and a student may believe that education should be empowering.
Most businesses stop at addressing external problems, but truly effective marketing speaks to all three levels. A roofing company, for example, shouldn’t just promote its fast service—it should also highlight the relief and peace of mind it brings homeowners, positioning itself as a protector of families. To connect with customers on a deeper level, businesses should examine not just the surface challenges their customers face, but also the emotions and principles that influence their choices. This multi-layered approach fosters a stronger, more meaningful connection.
In any great story, the hero doesn’t navigate their journey alone—they have a mentor who provides wisdom and guidance. Businesses should embrace this role, acting as a trusted advisor rather than the main character. This shift in perspective helps build credibility and trust while keeping the focus where it belongs: on the customer.
Successful brands excel at balancing expertise with empathy. Apple, for example, doesn’t just showcase its technological innovations; it highlights how its products empower creatives to achieve their best work. Small businesses can do the same by demonstrating both understanding and capability. A financial advisor, for instance, might acknowledge that managing money can be overwhelming while also showcasing their track record of helping families secure their financial future. This combination of empathy and authority reassures potential customers that they’re making the right choice.
To position your business as a guide, start by identifying common frustrations your customers experience. Then, align each frustration with a solution that demonstrates your expertise. Share real-life success stories that illustrate customer transformation while keeping the focus on their journey rather than your company’s achievements. When businesses embrace the role of a mentor, they cultivate trust and encourage long-term relationships.
Every hero needs a clear plan to follow, or they risk becoming lost. The same principle applies to customers—when presented with too many choices or unclear steps, they often hesitate to make a decision. Businesses must simplify the path to action, removing unnecessary obstacles and ensuring that customers understand exactly what they need to do next.
Companies that streamline their processes see greater engagement. Warby Parker, for instance, revolutionized eyewear shopping by offering a simple home try-on system, guiding customers through a clear three-step process. A wedding photographer might make it easier for clients to book their services by offering three straightforward packages. The clearer the path, the more likely customers are to take action.
To create an effective plan, businesses should map out the customer’s journey and break it into three to five simple steps. Each step should be easy to understand and lead naturally to the next. Additionally, direct calls to action—such as 'Book your consultation today' or 'Try it free for 30 days'—should be included to prompt immediate engagement. By providing a clear roadmap, businesses eliminate confusion and encourage customers to move forward with confidence.
A compelling story also emphasizes what’s at stake. If the hero doesn’t act, what could they lose? If they do, what exciting possibilities await them? The same applies to marketing—customers must see both the benefits of taking action and the consequences of inaction.
Many businesses focus solely on positive outcomes, which, while important, is only half of the equation. Highlighting what customers stand to lose if they don’t take action can be just as powerful. A home security company, for instance, might emphasize the peace of mind that comes from having a reliable system while also subtly acknowledging the risks of not being prepared. A career coach might show clients the contrast between a fulfilling job and years of professional stagnation. By clearly outlining both potential futures, businesses make the decision more compelling.
The final step in the storytelling framework is issuing a direct call to action. Every great story leads to a pivotal moment where the hero must make a choice. In marketing, this translates to a clear, decisive invitation to take the next step.
Businesses that master this step make it easy for customers to engage. A coaching service might offer a free discovery call, a software company could provide a trial period, and a restaurant might invite new guests to a tasting event. The key is to remove ambiguity and encourage immediate action.
This storytelling framework is powerful because it aligns with how people naturally process information. Humans are drawn to narratives of transformation, seek guidance from those who understand their struggles, and respond to clear choices. A small bakery, for example, saw increased engagement by shifting from listing products to inviting customers on a journey: 'Start your artisan baking adventure with a free class.' By framing its offer as the beginning of a story, it attracted more interest and loyalty.
To apply this approach, businesses should map out their customer’s journey, position themselves as a trusted guide, clarify the path forward, highlight the stakes, and issue a strong call to action. When done effectively, this strategy turns marketing from a one-sided message into a compelling story that customers want to be part of.
Ultimately, the key to cutting through marketing noise is crafting a message that aligns with human nature. Customers aren’t looking for companies that talk about themselves—they want to see how a business can help them succeed. By positioning the customer as the hero and acting as their mentor, businesses can create marketing that doesn’t just get noticed but inspires action and lasting loyalty.
November 7, 2025
Wow this guy likes movies! Building a Storybrand by Donald Miller is a pretty good book, albeit not something in the area of my interests, but still it's a pretty good book.
The book is basically as playbook for marketing which guides small to medium businesses and even for lone entrepreneurs , of course if you made it big (like that guy running Tesla), you can kinda skip this book.
The core idea of this book is very straightforward, something i really like even though the subject matter isn't exactly my cup of tea. To put it simply, stop being the hero of your own story, your customer is the hero, and you are the guide and give them a simple plan to win. You as the business will be Yoda, and the Customer is Luke Skywalker, I'm quoting the guy, not being a nerd.
The book presents us with a framework, called SB7 (sounds like an illegal PED), and again, not my cup of tea but objectively wonderful consisting of :
A character > has a problem > meets a guide > who gives them a plan > that calls them to action > that helps them avoid failure > and ends in success
Pretty simple framework for you to remember the core of it, you are the guide, your customer is the hero, you create the plan for them, you make a call to action and they go on to succeed, something like that, I am still super weak at marketing.
The best example in the book is the website of a business, which I totally agree to.
When you go to a product's website and it doesn't state what it is clearly, you lose interest, even if the site is gorgeous to no end. Whereas you go to a plain website, which clearly states what you can get and who you can be (think sites like Apple), you are clearly sold on it.
The best part of this book is, well there are no marketing jargon, as much as I keep saying it's not my cup of tea, I pretty much caught on to the simple concepts in this book. This book works for any type of pitches you have, websites, emails, elevator talk, etc. The book is filled with tools from mystorybrand for you to practice your pitches and to be fair, there's zero rubbish in this book, it's straight to business. My only beef is the whole hero guide metaphor is a little overused, I did get bored at the 40th Luke/Yoda example, but aside from that the book is not too bad.
Highly recommended for business owners, small ones who wanna make it big or dummies like me who don't get marketing.
The book is basically as playbook for marketing which guides small to medium businesses and even for lone entrepreneurs , of course if you made it big (like that guy running Tesla), you can kinda skip this book.
The core idea of this book is very straightforward, something i really like even though the subject matter isn't exactly my cup of tea. To put it simply, stop being the hero of your own story, your customer is the hero, and you are the guide and give them a simple plan to win. You as the business will be Yoda, and the Customer is Luke Skywalker, I'm quoting the guy, not being a nerd.
The book presents us with a framework, called SB7 (sounds like an illegal PED), and again, not my cup of tea but objectively wonderful consisting of :
A character > has a problem > meets a guide > who gives them a plan > that calls them to action > that helps them avoid failure > and ends in success
Pretty simple framework for you to remember the core of it, you are the guide, your customer is the hero, you create the plan for them, you make a call to action and they go on to succeed, something like that, I am still super weak at marketing.
The best example in the book is the website of a business, which I totally agree to.
When you go to a product's website and it doesn't state what it is clearly, you lose interest, even if the site is gorgeous to no end. Whereas you go to a plain website, which clearly states what you can get and who you can be (think sites like Apple), you are clearly sold on it.
The best part of this book is, well there are no marketing jargon, as much as I keep saying it's not my cup of tea, I pretty much caught on to the simple concepts in this book. This book works for any type of pitches you have, websites, emails, elevator talk, etc. The book is filled with tools from mystorybrand for you to practice your pitches and to be fair, there's zero rubbish in this book, it's straight to business. My only beef is the whole hero guide metaphor is a little overused, I did get bored at the 40th Luke/Yoda example, but aside from that the book is not too bad.
Highly recommended for business owners, small ones who wanna make it big or dummies like me who don't get marketing.
November 30, 2025
So much insights in this book - and it actually makes sense. The only reason for the 4-star is because there is a big element of "hire a certified coach" "purchase the course" "subscribe to our AI tool". I totally understand why, and also why the author only goes so far with the offerings in the book compared to the course, the AI tool etc ... but that's the missing star. The content (beyond the sales speech) is worth all 5 stars 🤩
December 13, 2025
I read business books and think about them for the church context. Not everything applies, but there always are good takeaways. From Miller: Everyone wants to be a hero in their story and needs a "guide" to get them there. The business can be the guide to help them overcome their challenges and take them to where they want to go.
November 27, 2025
After finishing the original edition, I decided to read the updated Building a StoryBrand 2.0—partly out of academic curiosity, and partly because I needed modern perspectives for my master’s research in marketing. This version absolutely delivers.
December 25, 2025
Building a StoryBrand 2.0 is a clean and practical. The book shows you how to cut through noise, simplify your message, and build a narrative that makes people care. It’s straightforward, modern, and easy to apply to any business. Good read!
November 4, 2025
Good info
November 7, 2025
The crux of the book and the StoryBrand framework are excellent but tbh this book could probably be an essay. Worth reading but YMMV on all the details and examples that flesh it out.
November 13, 2025
helpful
Helpful stories that can relate to any business and it’s nice to have a framework to go to after the book is over
Helpful stories that can relate to any business and it’s nice to have a framework to go to after the book is over
November 15, 2025
eye opening!
Cańt wait to start implementing this process to grow my business. It makes so much sense and the author makes its so easy to follow. Thanks Donald Miller!
Cańt wait to start implementing this process to grow my business. It makes so much sense and the author makes its so easy to follow. Thanks Donald Miller!
November 25, 2025
easy to read and understand
online tools proved helpful
adaptable for nonprofits
online tools proved helpful
adaptable for nonprofits
November 27, 2025
Great book for anyone who is running a business. Important insights on how to communicate with your customers.
November 27, 2025
amazing
December 3, 2025
Good insights for marketers.
December 24, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ Hay buenos consejos y un framework interesante, pero todo el tiempo sentí que me querían vender algo.
November 1, 2025
Most number of Tommy Boy references in a book award
October 20, 2025
The message of the book is clear: You can turn your business into a blockbuster movie.
As a businessperson, you're essentially guiding the main character (your customer) away from the problem, and toward the ultimate solution (your product/service). This helped me view marketing in a new light.
To provide a solution, there needs to be a problem. You need a monster or an enemy to create an interesting plot. When you want to be creative, start by identifying (your) problems. Then find what most people are longing for: a way out.
Donald Miller's approach is helpful not only for traditional business, but also for artists looking to promote their work. I appreciated his chapter on Creating a Website and building an email list. I was less convinced by his suggestion to send frequent emails as a way of being remembered (I personally wouldn't enjoy being on the receiving end of so many brand messages).
Overall, this is a useful book on marketing, especially if you're just starting to build a brand.
As a businessperson, you're essentially guiding the main character (your customer) away from the problem, and toward the ultimate solution (your product/service). This helped me view marketing in a new light.
To provide a solution, there needs to be a problem. You need a monster or an enemy to create an interesting plot. When you want to be creative, start by identifying (your) problems. Then find what most people are longing for: a way out.
Donald Miller's approach is helpful not only for traditional business, but also for artists looking to promote their work. I appreciated his chapter on Creating a Website and building an email list. I was less convinced by his suggestion to send frequent emails as a way of being remembered (I personally wouldn't enjoy being on the receiving end of so many brand messages).
Overall, this is a useful book on marketing, especially if you're just starting to build a brand.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews