The Story You’re Telling Might Not Be the One They’re Hearing
You’ve spent hours refining your logo, polishing your elevator pitch, and agonizing over your About page. You know what your business is all about.
But do your clients?
Because here’s the hard truth: what you think you’re saying and what people actually hear are often two very different things.
We like to believe that once we declare our “brand story,” it travels through the internet, untouched and intact, arriving in the hearts and minds of our audience exactly as intended. Like a noble carrier pigeon soaring through digital skies.
In reality? It’s more like a game of telephone.
You’re Speaking English, They’re Hearing Elvish
Let’s say your business is rooted in care, safety, and service. You see yourself as the Caregiver—warm, generous, and reliable. But your website copy is full of “push through” language, your color palette is intense and bold, and your tagline sounds like it belongs to the Hero archetype.
Your audience hears “drive,” not “dependability.” And if they’re looking for a nurturing guide, they’ll scroll right past.
This kind of archetypal mismatch is more common than you think. It happens when the story you tell with your visuals, language, and energy doesn’t match the story you believe you’re telling. And in branding, confusion doesn’t just cost attention—it costs connection.
Check Yourself Before You Wreck Your Message
So how do you know if your business story is landing the way you want it to? Start by asking:
Is your voice aligned with your archetype? If you’re the Sage or Innocent, but your tone leans more toward the Magician or Outlaw, people will feel mixed messages.
What emotional response are you getting? If people say your brand feels “intense” but you’re aiming for “welcoming,” something’s off.
Would a stranger understand your offer in 10 seconds or less? If not, your story may be too complex—or not clear enough.
A misaligned story isn’t just a branding issue—it’s a trust issue. People buy when they feel seen and understood. They move on when they feel confused.
Time for a Fresh Start
If you’ve realized your brand story isn’t quite telling the truth of who you are, don’t panic. You’re not alone. Most entrepreneurs inherit a patchwork narrative—bits from past mentors, copy they thought “sounded right,” or what worked for someone else.
But now? Now you get to start fresh.
Ground your business in your story. Let your brand reflect the archetype that actually lives at the heart of what you do—whether that’s the Creator, the Explorer, the Lover, or anyone in between.
Don’t just revamp. Rewrite. A clear, honest, and aligned story will do more than attract your ideal clients—it’ll resonate.
