Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller

This is the ONE book you should read about copywriting.

If you've been looking for a copywriting book that will help you writer better and serve your customers/clients more, this is the book. It outlines the importance of making your customer the main character instead of the brand.

It also speaks of simplifying your message and treating the solutions you provide like a movie script.

There is a guide/blueprint they have you use at the end of the book to bring it all together. This includes:

Character – Identifying who the customer is and what they want.
Problem – Pinpointing a specific problem the customer faces.
Guide – Positioning the brand as a guide to help the customer, showing empathy and authority.
Plan – Providing a clear, actionable plan for the customer to follow.
Call to Action – Prompting the customer to take action.
Success – Showing how the product or service will lead to success for the customer.
Failure – Outlining what the customer risks by not taking action.

But - you know what's even more amazing than that?

You can hop on over to ChatGPT and build the StoryBrand framework with it!

I just put in the prompt, "are you familiar with storybrand by donald miller?" and we are off to the races!

Here is what it's helped me nail down for this group – Six Figure Writer:

1. Character

Who they are: A professional writer, often in a traditional job or freelance position, who wants financial security and greater control over their career.
What they want: To make over six figures so they can achieve financial freedom, avoid job insecurity, and choose work they’re passionate about with high-quality clients.

2. Problem

External Problem: They aren’t making enough money in their writing career to feel secure or fulfilled.
Internal Problem: They feel undervalued, stuck, or financially strained and are frustrated by limited income and job control.
Philosophical Problem: They believe they deserve to do fulfilling work and be compensated well for it.

3. Guide

Empathy: "Six Figure Writer" understands the struggle of not making enough despite having talent and dedication. It empathizes with writers who feel undervalued, financially insecure, or stuck in limiting jobs.
Authority: Highlight your expertise in making a lucrative career in writing possible. For instance, showcase any success stories, testimonials, or methods that have proven effective in helping writers break past income and career barriers.

You could express this with statements like:

"We know what it’s like to be a writer with big dreams but limited income. Six Figure Writer is here to help you build a thriving career that’s fulfilling and financially rewarding."

4. Plan

Three-Part Plan:Identify: Help writers uncover what’s holding them back from achieving six figures (e.g., market positioning, pricing, finding quality clients).Develop: Provide a clear pathway with actionable strategies and resources to develop skills, network, and market themselves effectively.Achieve: Guide them step-by-step to achieve the income and control they desire through expert support and a proven system.

Here’s an example statement for this section:

"Follow our proven three-step process to go from undervalued writer to a six-figure earner: Identify what’s holding you back, develop the skills and strategies to overcome it, and achieve the financial freedom you’ve been dreaming of."

5. Call to Action

Direct CTA: Invite them to take a clear action. Options could be:
Transitional CTA: For those not ready to fully commit, provide a smaller step that builds trust:

6. Success

Paint a vivid picture of their future once they’ve achieved their goals with Six Figure Writer. Examples:“Imagine a career where you’re not just making ends meet but thriving, with more freedom and the ability to choose projects you’re passionate about.”“Enjoy the peace of mind that comes from financial security, and the fulfillment of working with clients who value your talent.”

7. Failure

To highlight the cost of inaction, gently emphasize the risks of staying on their current path:“Don’t stay stuck in a career that undervalues you, leaving you financially stressed and creatively unfulfilled.”“Avoid the trap of relying on jobs that may not be there tomorrow—build a career that gives you control and security.”

tl;dr

If you're stuck writing for a client or trying to figure out HOW to write for a client that hits directly on the customer's paintpoints and pulls at their emotional strings - go to ChatGPT and ask it to walk you through the StoryBrand framework.

3 comments

Six Figure Writer

skool.com/writer

Become a six-figure writer in 2025 with copywriting, ghostwriting, niche writing, content writing, and more.

Leaderboard (30-day)

🔥