You're excited about StoryBrand and want to implement this methodology in your company. Now you are faced with the choice: do you go for a full StoryBrand implementation or opt for Buzzlytics' start-up program?

The price difference between the two options is significant, so you want to make sure you're making the right investment. You're wondering exactly what you get for your money with each option, what results you can expect, and which approach is best suited to your specific situation.

As a StoryBrand-certified guide, I have already guided several companies in implementing this methodology. Having been involved in both intensive one-on-one and group programs, I have seen which approach works best in different situations. From small sole traders to larger companies with complex structures - I know which factors are decisive in making the right choice.

In this article, I compare both programs based on content, structure, guidance, investment and results. After reading, you'll know exactly what the StoryBrand implementation and startup program entail and which option best suits your needs and capabilities. This will allow you to make an informed decision that fits the current stage of your business as well as your marketing ambitions.

With a StoryBrand implementation, you not only get personal guidance, but also advice tailored specifically to your organization.

A StoryBrand implementation is an intensive process where you work with a StoryBrand-certified guide to implement the StoryBrand methodology within your organization. The process starts with a private workshop hosted by our sister company StoryBrand Netherlands, during which you and your team will develop your BrandScript - the foundation for the rest of the implementation.

This workshop is followed by six implementation sessions, spread over approximately two to three months. In these sessions you will work one-on-one with a StoryBrand expert who will personally guide you through each step of the implementation process:

1. Kick-off with baseline measurement: You start with a clear baseline measurement and setting your goals for the implementation.
2. BrandScript and oneliner: Your BrandScript will be checked and refined where necessary. You'll also develop your one-liners - short descriptions that say in one paragraph what problem your organization solves, what the solution is and what result you deliver.
3. Wireframes website: You get wireframes for six essential pages of your website (homepage, about us page, opt-in page, sales page, thank you page and contact page).
4. Lead generator and email campaigns: You will be trained on how to create effective lead generators and email campaigns.
5. Content refinement: A hands-on work session where all the components created are reviewed and checked for consistency.
6. Result analysis: One to two months after the implementation a session follows in which the results are analyzed and adjusted where necessary.

With a StoryBrand implementation, you not only receive personal guidance, but also advice tailored specifically to your organization. The sessions include both theory and practical guidance, with plenty of room for personal questions and brainstorming on the best approach for your specific situation.

Also read: What can I expect from a StoryBrand implementation?

The starter program is a more accessible alternative for entrepreneurs who want to get started with StoryBrand themselves. In this program, you lay the foundation for a successful marketing strategy without the high investment of a full implementation.

You get access to an online platform where all training, templates and recordings are available. The heart of this program consists of five live group calls in which you and other entrepreneurs implement the 5-step marketing plan of Marketing Made Simple (the successor of StoryBrand).

The starter program is a more approachable alternative for entrepreneurs who want to get started with StoryBrand on their own.

These group sessions are held weekly at set times, so you can decide when to join. During these sessions you will learn:

1. Developing your BrandScript and one-liner
2. Optimize your website
3. Create a lead generator
4. Setting up email campaigns

After completing the Marketing Made Simple training program, you can participate in bi-weekly StoryBrand group calls. These will cover specific topics based on participants' questions, provide in-depth coverage of parts of the framework, and share best practices and new developments.

The startup program is ideal for entrepreneurs who:

• Want to get started with StoryBrand implementation yourself
• Want to manage this with their own team or their own marketing agency
• Generally have a smaller marketing and sales team
• Want to achieve a large ROI with a minimal budget

Read also: Which variant of Buzzlytics' marketing and sales program suits my company?

If you put both programs side by side, there are some essential differences that may influence your decision:

Guidance and personal attention

• StoryBrand implementation: Full one-on-one guidance, tailored feedback and advice specific to your organization. You get much more practical guidance and less theory.
• Start-up program: Group sessions with general feedback and inspiration from how other companies are doing it. You can ask questions, but there is not always time to cover everyone's specific situation in detail.

Planning and time

• StoryBrand implementation: You will work with the coach to create a realistic schedule that fits your organization.
• Startup program: You have to plan and discipline yourself to follow and implement the program.

Content and structure

• StoryBrand implementation: Six comprehensive sessions including content refinement and results analysis after one to two months.
• Starter supplement program: Training program Marketing Made Simple (5 group calls), in which you will work on your BrandScript and oneliner, wireframes for your main pages, lead generator and email campaigns. The content refinement and results analysis from the StoryBrand implementation are not included in the startup program.

Method of implementation

• StoryBrand implementation: You will be actively guided through each step of implementation.
• Start-up program: You are given the knowledge and tools, but must do most of the implementation yourself.

Investment

• StoryBrand implementation: A significantly higher investment (€9,950).
• Startup program: A fraction of the cost of a full implementation (€450 per month, assume you need three months).

It is important to note that the startup program is not a replacement for the StoryBrand implementation. They are different programs for different needs and situations. Whereas the implementation offers intensive guidance, the starter program focuses more on teaching you the knowledge and skills you need to get started with StoryBrand on your own.

In a StoryBrand implementation you will be guided every step of the way, in the starter program you have to do more yourself.

A StoryBrand implementation is the best choice in the following situations:

Your organization is complex
If your company has a complex structure or if your products or services are complex, an implementation can help you translate this complexity into a clear, engaging message. The extra room for refinement and discussion is very valuable here.

You have a larger team
With larger teams or when many different stakeholders are involved in the marketing process, an implementation provides the structure and guidance needed to get everyone on the same page.

You have limited time or capacity
If you're looking for the fastest path to results because the urgency is high, an implementation can help you get to concrete results faster.

There are political layers within your organization
In companies that have recently merged or been acquired, for example, there may be extra pressure on the nuance of communication. An implementation here can help integrate different interests and perspectives.

You want to be taken completely by the hand
If you know you struggle with planning and implementing new strategies on your own, the accountability that comes with an implementation can be crucial to success.

You want maximum results in minimum time
If you want to see results quickly and are willing to invest in them, an implementation offers the most direct path to a fully implemented StoryBrand framework.

The starter program is a better choice in these situations:

You have a limited budget
If you don't have the resources for a full implementation but want to reap the benefits of StoryBrand, the starter program is an affordable alternative.

You have a small team
If you have a small team or even are a sole proprietor, and you have the flexibility to plan your own implementation, then the startup program may be a better fit.

You want to get started yourself
If you prefer to take control of the implementation process yourself and have enough time to delve into it, the Starter Program provides the knowledge and tools you need.

You're looking for inspiration and feedback
If you are mainly looking for knowledge, inspiration and general feedback, and have less need for intensive personal coaching, the starter program is a good choice.

You're already familiar with marketing
If you already have experience with marketing and only need specific StoryBrand knowledge to improve your marketing strategy, the startup program may be sufficient.

You first want to build a foundation for later
If you want a phased approach, laying the groundwork first and potentially scaling up to more guidance later, the startup program is a good first step.

It is important to remember that you need to set aside a realistic budget regardless of which option you choose. With the start-up program, it is wise to not only look at the cost of one month, but also calculate what the total investment will be over the period of time you think you will need to fully implement the program.

You can slow down or speed up on your own initiative.

Implementing StoryBrand in your organization is a powerful step to clarify your marketing message and achieve better results. Whether you choose the intensive guidance of a full implementation or the more independent approach of the start-up program, both options can move your business forward.

The choice ultimately depends on your specific situation: the complexity of your organization, the size of your team, the available time and capacity, and of course your budget. A StoryBrand implementation offers more personal guidance and customization, while the starter program gives you the flexibility to work at your own pace at a lower cost.

As a StoryBrand-certified guide, I've seen how both programs have helped companies sharpen their marketing message and achieve better results. How much success you achieve with StoryBrand lies not so much in which program you choose, but in the commitment to consistently apply the StoryBrand framework throughout your organization.

The investment you make now in clarifying your message and improving your marketing will pay off in the long run in more quality leads, higher conversion rates and ultimately more sales. Whether you choose the StoryBrand implementation or the starter program, you are taking an important step toward a more effective marketing strategy that meets the needs of your customers.

After reading this article, are you still not sure which option is best for your situation? Then schedule a no-obligation consultation with me or one of my colleagues. We are happy to help you make the right choice for your company.