S3 96. From Scroll-Stopping Covers to Cult Status Merch: Podcast Branding That Works with Liz Mosley
When it comes to branding, whether for podcasting, businesses, or as content creators, the goal is to stand out, stop the scroll, and engage audiences worldwide. Recently, I had the pleasure of chatting with Liz Mosley, an Adobe Express Ambassador, design and brand expert for small business owners, about the essentials of impactful branding. In this podcast episode, Liz shared very practical advice on where to start and how to grow your brand effectively, plus how to design swag your podcast fans ACTUALLY want to wear!
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Branding for Podcasters
00:20 Meet Liz Mosley: Design and Brand Expert
01:57 Key Considerations for Effective Branding
05:14 The Importance of Consistency and Trust
07:56 DIY Branding vs. Professional Help
13:10 Launching Your Podcast: Practical Tips
16:02 Liz Mosley's Podcast Journey
20:22 Standing Out with Unique Branding
24:23 Poking Fun at Yourself
24:50 The Power of Sonic Branding
25:43 Elevating Your Podcast with Sound Design
26:21 Merchandising for Podcasters
27:29 Creative and Practical Merch Ideas
29:25 Sustainable and Thoughtful Merch
34:51 The Importance of High-Quality Swag
Strong podcast branding equals emotion
The first step in building a strong brand is asking yourself how you want people to feel when they engage with it. This emotion-driven approach sets the tone for everything that follows. Whether it's the visual identity, your choice of words, or the style of your podcast, having this foundational understanding will guide you in creating a coherent and resonant brand. It's essential, as Liz pointed out, to know your target audience and your goals from the onset. Many people get stuck following trends or doing what they think they should do, rather than aligning their brand with their personal and business objectives.
Overcoming Branding Challenges
One common hurdle for many business owners is either holding too tightly to branding that no longer serves them or becoming paralyzed by the details before launching. Liz and I shared helpful advice for those at both ends of the spectrum. If you’re constricted by outdated branding, remember that your brand should evolve as you and your business do. Alternatively, for those too focused on the finer details before launching, Liz recommends getting started with a DIY approach to learn and grow with experience.
This trial and error method is particularly beneficial for podcasters just starting out, as it allows you to hone in on your niche and refine your brand over time.
Infusing Personality into Branding
Liz also highlighted the importance of infusing personality into your brand. Podcasting, by nature, is intimate, and it's an opportunity to let your unique voice shine. Whether through creative GIFs, sound effects, or memorable phrases, personal touches make your brand more relatable and memorable. For example, having customized animated GIFs or playful sound effects that align with your brand's vibe can enhance its impact without overwhelming your audience.
Liz’s recommendation about sonic branding
While sonic branding isn’t her wheelhouse, Liz also highlighted the importance of adding sound design to podcasts to create unique experiences. You can listen to the episode in which she spoke to the Founders of creative music agency Hear Me Out about the importance of Sonic Branding:
Merch as Part of Your Brand Strategy
A fun part of branding that many podcasters and creators are eager to explore is creating merch. I resonate with Liz's suggestion to think beyond logos on merchandise. Instead, incorporate inspiring quotes or abstract elements that truly represent your brand’s spirit. High-quality, thoughtful merchandise offers more than brand visibility; it evokes connection and conversation.
Key Takeaway and Continual Growth
Throughout the episode with Liz, I was reminded of the power of simplicity, consistency, and staying true to your unique voice. Ultimately, your brand should reflect your story and mission. Whether you're just starting with a podcast or are considering a rebrand, the takeaway here is to stay authentic, adaptable, and open to learning along the way.
If you're keen to take your branding to the next level, consider the insights shared in my podcast conversation with Liz.
I hope these tips motivate you to create a brand that not only stands out but also resonates deeply with your audience. Keep creating content that's imperfect yet progressive, and remember, it's the journey and the growth that matters most.
Related content mentioned in the episode:
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:
Dish (Waitrose podcast) - https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/content/podcast
Tony’s Chocolonely - https://tonyschocolonely.com
Liz Mosley’s podcast: Building Your Brand Podcast
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ABOUT THE HOST
Hi, I’m Ana Xavier, a multilingual award-winning podcast marketing and content strategist specialized in generating online visibility for women, multilingual, and minority impact-driven business owners.
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