When we think about marketing challenges, the term “noise” often comes to mind. There’s no shortage of competition out there—every business is vying for attention, cranking out content, and trying to stand out. But the biggest enemy in your marketing isn’t external; it’s internal.

It’s unclear messaging.

Here’s the thing: clarity is everything. As renowned storytelling expert Robert McKee says, “Stories are how we remember; we tend to forget lists and bullet points.” And yet, so often, brands fall back on lists and jargon, hoping customers will understand their value. But without a clear, engaging brand story, even the best marketing strategies can fall flat.

Know Your Core Values
Before anything else, take a step back and think about what really matters to your business. Are you driven by innovation? Reliability? Community? Defining these core values is essential; they’ll shape every message you put out there and give customers a reason to care.

Define Your Mission (but Tell It as a Story)
Think of your mission as your brand’s “why”—why do you do what you do? But here’s a tip: don’t just market a dry mission statement. Craft a story that shows why you’re passionate, where you’re headed, and how it matters to your audience.

Know Your Audience
It’s not just about who your customers are, but also about what they value and what challenges they face. The more you understand them, the more you can connect in a way that feels genuine, not forced.

Speak with a Consistent, Unique Voice
Is your brand formal, friendly, witty, or compassionate? This voice should come through consistently in every piece of content, from emails to social media posts, building a sense of familiarity and trust.

When your story is clear, customers can understand not only what you do, but why they should choose you. And that kind of clarity cuts through any amount of “noise.”

Here’s to sharing your story with confidence!