Master the 3-Phase Messaging Formula That Grows Your Business

Most businesses struggle to get their marketing right because they jump straight into creating content without a clear, strategic messaging plan. Donald Miller’s Three-Phase Messaging Framework cuts through the noise by showing you exactly what to say, when to say it, and how to guide your customers toward a confident buying decision.

Whether you’re a small business owner, marketer, or leader, mastering these three phases can transform the way your brand connects with your audience and drives sales.

The Three Key Phases of Messaging

1. Attract Attention with Survival Sound Bites

At this phase, your goal is to stop someone in their tracks by addressing their immediate or urgent problem—the thing they’re trying to solve to survive or thrive. These are short, powerful statements that resonate with the emotional or practical challenges your target customer faces daily.

Example: “Struggling to manage rising business costs?” or “Tired of confusing marketing messages that don’t work?”

2. Build Interest and Engagement with Curiosity Sound Bites

Once you have their attention, it’s time to deepen their interest. Curiosity sound bites stir questions and invite the audience to learn more about how you solve their problem uniquely and effectively. They hint at benefits or solutions without giving everything away immediately.

Example: “Discover the simple system businesses use to control costs and increase profits.” or “See how the StoryBrand framework clarifies your message in minutes.”

3. Ask for the Sale with a Clear Call to Action

After engaging their curiosity, it’s essential to lead your customers confidently to the next step with a direct, bold call to action. This phase removes ambiguity and helps prospects understand exactly what action to take and the benefits of doing so now.

Ready to Make Your Marketing Work?

If you’re feeling stuck or confused by your current messaging, applying the Three-Phase Messaging Framework provides a simple, proven path forward. Consider joining a StoryBrand or Business Made Simple workshop, or connect with a certified guide who can help you craft messaging that turns interest into revenue.

This article was written with the assistance of Storybrand AI