Book Review: “Building a StoryBrand” by Donald Miller

In a world where businesses struggle to capture customer attention, “Building a StoryBrand” emerges as a groundbreaking framework for clarifying your message and connecting with your audience.

Published in 2017, this book revolutionizes marketing by applying the time-tested elements of storytelling to business communication. Donald Miller’s unique approach helps companies stop wasting money on ineffective marketing by positioning the customer as the hero of the story – not the brand.

Core Concepts

The StoryBrand framework is built on the universal elements of storytelling that have captured human attention for thousands of years. Miller adapts these elements into a seven-part framework (SB7 Framework) that any business can use to clarify their message:

1. A Character (your customer)
2. Has a Problem (that your brand can solve)
3. Meets a Guide (your brand)
4. Who Gives Them a Plan
5. And Calls Them to Action
6. That Helps Them Avoid Failure
7. And Ends in Success

These concepts transform how you communicate with customers by creating a clear, compelling narrative that resonates with their desires and challenges.

Chapter-by-Chapter Review

The Framework

Miller introduces the SB7 Framework and explains why story is the most powerful tool for organizing information and driving customer engagement. He demonstrates how traditional marketing often fails because it makes the brand the hero instead of the customer.

The Customer is the Hero

This pivotal chapter reframes your brand’s role from hero to guide, positioning your customer as the protagonist of the story. You’ll learn how to identify your customer’s primary desires and frame your product or service as the path to achieving them.

The Customer’s Problem

Miller dives deep into the three levels of customer problems: external, internal, and philosophical. You’ll discover how addressing all three creates a more compelling narrative that resonates with your audience.

Your Role as the Guide

Learn how to position your brand as a trustworthy guide by demonstrating empathy and authority – the two key elements that make customers believe you can help them succeed.

The Plan and Call to Action

These practical chapters show you how to create a clear plan that removes customer confusion and craft calls to action that drive engagement. Miller provides specific examples and templates you can adapt for your business.

Implementation and Brand Script

The final chapters focus on practical application, showing you how to create a “BrandScript” and implement your story across all marketing channels, from websites to email campaigns.

Key Strengths

• Provides a clear, actionable framework that any business can implement
• Uses familiar storytelling elements to make complex marketing principles accessible
• Includes practical examples and worksheets for immediate application
• Offers a systematic approach to message clarity and customer engagement
• Demonstrates how to create consistency across all marketing channels

Potential Drawbacks

• Some may find the framework too simplified for complex B2B scenarios
• The focus on story structure might feel restrictive for creative marketers
• Limited coverage of digital marketing tactics and social media implementation

Who This Book Is For

This book is perfect for:

1. Business owners and entrepreneurs who struggle to communicate their value proposition
2. Marketing professionals seeking a proven framework for message clarity
3. Sales teams looking to improve their customer communication
4. Nonprofit leaders who need to better articulate their mission

Alternative Books

Here are three excellent alternatives from similar genres: