Agency Rocket Show

Don’t wait for perfect... submit it bad. In this episode of the Agency Rocket Show, Liz Hunt sits down with DayCloud designer Maren McDaniel to talk about her journey from illustrator and graphic designer into the world of website design. They unpack what it really looks like to learn a new skill inside an agency environment, from early fear and perfectionism to feedback, collaboration, and real growth through doing. Maren shares how she went from avoiding web design altogether to confidently building sites, why minimalist design can be harder than maximalism, and how wireframes, typography, color restraint, and UX thinking reshaped the way she designs. Liz offers insight into mentorship, critique, and why submitting work before it feels “ready” is essential to becoming a better designer. If you’re a creative who’s afraid to show unfinished work, struggling with perfectionism, or learning something new and uncomfortable, this episode is your reminder that growth doesn’t happen when things are perfect. It happens when you start.

In this episode of the Agency Rocket Show, Host Liz Hunt is flying without Chelsea (who is off doing casual things like HAVING A BABY) and is joined by DayCloud’s own marketing coordinator and resident wordsmith, Keaton Haines. Together they break down what copywriting actually is, how website copy differs from “regular” writing, and why your site shouldn’t read like an HR handbook. They walk through DayCloud’s full website copy process—from discovery and brand voice, to wireframes, UX-minded content strategy, and collaboration between design and copy—and talk honestly about common mistakes businesses make when they DIY their words. You’ll hear how empathy and embodiment drive good copy, how to think about SEO without turning your site into keyword soup, and why “integrity, honesty, professionalism” is not a brand personality. If you’ve ever wondered how agencies actually write websites (or what a ghostwriter does for a brand), this one’s for you.

In this episode of the Agency Rocket Show, Liz and Chelsea explain the phase where websites finally start taking shape: before the visuals, before the colors, before anyone gets distracted by “Can we make the buttons rounder?”   We break down the two-step magic of our process, built from years in the industry: 1. The Interactive Mood Board, where we mine for client taste, gather inspiration across industries, and intentionally include a few designs clients will absolutely hate. 2. The Wireframe Phase, aka the blueprint, skeleton, framework, bones… whatever you want to call it. It’s the non-sexy, extremely important step where content, flow, hierarchy, functionality, and UX all lock into place.   No colors, no fonts, no flourishes. Just pure structure, clarity, and strategic thinking.   We also discuss why this phase prevents project blowups, how it eliminates surprise edits later, and why clients understand their own website better when they can’t get distracted by the pretty stuff yet.   If you’ve ever wondered how the pros design websites that feel intentional, aligned, and on the mark, this is the episode for you.

Episode 3 of our website series is the “not glamorous, insanely essential” one. Hosts Liz and Chelsea walk through the two meetings that make or break a web project before a single pixel gets designed: the Kickoff + Sitemap meeting and the Discovery session.  First, the Kickoff & Sitemap: how we set expectations, timelines, roles, and guardrails... then map the site in a humble Google Sheet with pages, subpages, notes, and any special functionality. We share how we prep before the meeting (competitive analysis, industry language, common CTAs, user goals), the questions we bring (legal footers, integrations, hiring goals, etc.), and the rule that saves everyone’s sanity: don’t design until the structure and purpose are clear. Then, Discovery: when a client’s needs are complex or unclear, we scope paid discovery to co-build high-fidelity wireframes and a true content plan. We cover the difference between basic vs. complex projects, where discovery sits in the contract, and how we keep scope honest (pages promised, templates vs. content volume, and what happens when someone requests “just add a blog” midstream). Along the way, we hit: Why showing up prepared establishes you as the leader (and dramatically improves client experience) How to align business goals with user goals (customer = hero, not you) The psychology behind navigation, CTAs, and clarity (and why “industry boilerplate” often fails) Practical artifacts: sitemap doc, questions list, competitor notes, discovery wireframes Scope control without drama: what’s in, what’s out, and how to price change requests Key takeaway: Preparation is part of the product. If you nail the kickoff, define the sitemap, and run discovery with intention, then your design phase will (usually) fly. Skip it, and you’ll pay for it in confusion, rework, and scope creep. If you like a little structure with your chaos, this one’s for you.

Hold on to your butts! In this episode of The Agency Rocket Show, hosts Liz and Chelsea break down the anatomy of a great website—from the brand strategy that should inform every page, to the technical and UX details that separate a scroll-worthy site from one that makes users bail in three seconds. We'll cover everything from: Why “pretty” isn’t a strategy (and how to stop designing for yourself instead of your users) How to define your site’s real job: lead gen, storytelling, donor outreach, or credibility Balancing SEO and humanity, so your site ranks and doesn't read like AI slop The tech side nobody tells you about, like image weight, load time, and Google indexing The unsung heroes: accessibility, site maintenance, and post-launch client support Between jokes about aging, filters, and filler (literally and figuratively), we'll unpack what makes a web project actually succeed... and why it’s always worth doing it the right way, even when it’s not the easy way. So if you take nothing else from this episode: make it strategic, make it work... and then you can make it pretty. 

In this episode of The Agency Rocket Show, hosts Liz and Chelsea break down one of the most misunderstood—but most essential—parts of branding: strategy. Designers are taught how to make things look good. But when it comes to making brands mean something? That’s where strategy comes in. We cover the core components of a brand strategy—mission, vision, values, audience, positioning, purpose, and even that sometimes-optional competitor analysis. From Discovery Workshops to target audience therapy, we talk about how strategy sets the foundation for every decision you make after—from logos to tone of voice to websites and truck wraps. You'll hear how strategy helps clients grow and helps agencies charge more, plus real-world examples of when strategy maintained clarity over chaos. What IS the difference between Liquid Death and Fiji water? Spoiler warning: it's not just taste. Whether you’re a designer trying to level up or a business owner who’s tired of blending in, this episode gives you the blueprint for doing brand strategy right. 🎧 Like, share, follow, and reach out if you want us to audit your brand. Just... maybe don’t say “slide into our DMs.” We’re too old for that now.

In this episode of the Agency Rocket Show, Liz Hunt and Chelsea Poppens are asking the question that keeps brand owners up at night: “Do I need a rebrand... or do I just want to cut my bangs and move to another country?” (Spoiler: maybe both.) This episode is all about the rebranding era—from tiny tweaks and font facelifts to full-blown identity overhauls. We spill on the signs it’s time to evolve your brand (like when your logo gives ‘Microsoft Paint, circa 1997’), dish out cautionary tales (looking at you, Tropicana), and preach the gospel of doing it right the first time. Liz even confesses her own junior high track meet sabotage stories. (You’ll understand.) Whether you’re craving a fresh vibe or just sick of looking like every other home contractor with a house-shaped logo, this episode is your permission slip to rethink your brand—boldly and strategically.

Social media isn’t just about selling anymore—it’s about entertainment, education, and staying unforgettable. So how can small businesses keep up without feeling overwhelmed? On this episode of The Agency Rocket Show, hosts Liz Hunt and Chelsea Poppens sit down with marketing coordinator Keaton Haines to break down the latest trends and what they mean for small businesses. Topics include: Why brands like Duolingo and Nutter Butter are ditching consistency for bold, unfiltered content—and why it’s working How over 60 percent of social media content now focuses on storytelling instead of direct promotion The biggest mistakes small businesses make with social media and how to fix them The three key strategies every business needs to stay relevant without burning out If you want to make social media work for your business without chasing every trend, this episode is a must-listen.

Every touchpoint of your business is a chance to brand, and social media is no different. But social media in 2025 moves fast, and for small businesses, staying relevant can feel like a full-time job. In this episode of The Agency Rocket Show, Liz Hunt and Chelsea Poppens sit down with DayCloud’s marketing coordinator, Keaton Haines, to talk about what really matters when it comes to social media. From keeping your brand consistent to knowing where (and how often) to post, we break down the biggest misconceptions and share practical tips for making social media work for your business—without the burnout. Whether you're just getting started or looking to level up, this episode is packed with tactical insights you may need to survive (and thrive) online.

In this episode of The Agency Rocket Show, Liz and Chelsea dive into the art of defending creative work—without turning it into a battle. As agency owners, we’ve had our fair share of moments where we had to justify our designs, but we’ve learned that the best defense is actually a great offense. We discuss how to proactively present work, tie decisions back to the client’s own words from discovery, and build a narrative that minimizes resistance. Plus, we break down the difference between design and art, the importance of client collaboration, and how to handle pushback with strategic questioning. Chelsea's on a roll in this one, so get ready to laugh along! If you’ve ever struggled with client feedback or felt like your work was being steamrolled, this episode is for you! 🎧 Like, share, and follow for more insights on running a creative agency. Have a question? Reach out through our website or socials—we’d love to hear from you!

Is your branding project on the right track? In this episode of The Agency Rocket Show, Liz Hunt and Chelsea Poppens dish out some stories on the most memorable branding projects at DayCloud Studios. From the lessons learned by cutting corners to the importance of sticking to a proven process, we share practical insights on the anatomy of a truly successful branding project. We'll discuss how setting aside personal biases, creating a deep understanding of clients and their audiences, and empowering our creative team leads to standout results. Plus, we get real about the chaos, the client dynamics, and why making money matters just as much as making great work. Whether you're a creative professional, agency owner, or just curious about the branding process, this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and behind-the-scenes knowledge!

In this episode of the Agency Rocket Show, Liz Hunt and Chelsea Poppens uncover the not-so-secret weapon behind iconic brands like Starbucks, Nike, and Apple: brand consistency. They explore how the most trusted and recognizable companies go beyond logos and color palettes to weave their identity into every touchpoint—messaging, tone, customer experience, and even the way a space smells. But it’s not all success stories; they dish on branding blunders from Pepsi to Bud Light, proving how inconsistency can alienate even the most loyal customers. From Instagram to TikTok to LinkedIn, Liz and Chelsea break down how to tailor your brand for each platform without losing its soul. Packed with real-world examples and actionable tips, this episode is your ultimate guide to building a brand that not only stands out, but keeps your audience coming back for more.

In this episode of The Agency Rocket Show, hosts Liz Hunt and Chelsea Poppens start crunching numbers, pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to price your branding projects correctly. We're dishing out hard-earned advice on understanding your costs, setting boundaries, and charging what you’re actually worth—no more undervaluing your creativity! From tracking time to presenting professional proposals, we'll help you navigate everything from client conversations to avoiding burnout. Liz even shares a traumatic story about a past project gone off the rails (spoiler: sometimes you SHOULD say no). Packed with wisdom, laughs, and, as always, a sprinkle of chaos, this episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to price their creative work with confidence and clarity.

The Discovery Phase... a.k.a. our foundation for branding that hits the mark every time. In this episode of the Agency Rocket Show, hosts Liz Hunt and Chelsea Poppens dive into the ins and outs of the discovery process at DayCloud Studios. From workshops designed to squeeze every ounce of branding inspiration to aligning with client visions through interactive mood boards, we reveal our secrets behind a very confident 10/10 success rate. You’ll hear about the power of asking the right questions, setting clear expectations, and never skipping steps—even when it’s tempting. Tune in to learn how discovery workshops can save time, enhance creativity, and build lasting client relationships!

In this episode of The Agency Rocket Show, hosts Liz Hunt and Chelsea Poppens kick off Season 3 with a deep dive into the art of branding. After a well-earned summer break (and Chelsea’s wedding!), we're back to share the tools, techniques, and lessons that fuel our creative agency. From discovery workshops to stylescapes and brand books, learn how DayCloud Studios crafts impactful, client-focused brands. Packed with real-world insights, humorous tangents, and actionable takeaways, this episode sets the stage for a season full of branding expertise and creative inspiration.

In some ways, AI has changed how we work. If companies want to remain relevant, it’s crucial to keep up with the rapidly improving technology of today. So what do we utilize in our day-to-day at DayCloud? In this episode of the Agency Rocket Show, join hosts Liz and Chelsea as they reveal their modern tools of the trade. From generated captions and blog outlines to the audio/video services we utilize to edit this very podcast, it’s a jam-packed session on saving time, enhancing content, and maintaining a balance between robotic and human touch. Tune in to find out how AI can transform your agency’s game!  AI We ❤:  SocialPilot ChatGPT  PodSqueeze Deciphr Canva Opus Clip AutoPod

In the final part of the Agency Rocket Show Project Management Series, hosts Liz and Chelsea explore the intricacies of budget management in the creative agency world. Drawing from our own experiences at DayCloud, we share the hurdles we've faced and the strategies we've employed to manage our finances effectively; things have come a long way since the beginning! From hourly billing and master spreadsheets lump sum pricing and time tracking with Harvest, our process has evolved significantly over time. We also delve into new employee budget management, client transparency, scope creep, and the impact of client importance (and kindness) on budget leniency. If you're searching for effective tips on managing your own project budgets, this is the episode for you!

In Part 2 of the Agency Rocket Show Project Management Series, hosts Liz and Chelsea delve into the essentials of internal management of a creative agency. Drawing from 12 years of experience, they share the trials and triumphs of team management. How do you fully resource your team while maintaining clear and effective communication? What does it take to empower your team members and ensure they meet their goals? The truth is, it varies; every team is a different collection of personalities and work styles...  But Liz and Chelsea can help offer practical insights and real-world examples, from using tools like Slack and Teamwork to the critical role of discovery meetings in capturing client visions. They also highlight the importance of leadership alignment (which happens to be a lot like parenting, by the way) to foster a supportive and productive work environment. Tune in for a wealth of knowledge and valuable tips about what it takes to manage a team, and make sure to keep an eye out for Part 3: Managing your budget!

Welcome to our first episode in a new series on project management essentials! In this episode of the Agency Rocket show, hosts Liz and Chelsea tackle the perpetual challenge of client management in a creative agency. What practices make a project flow smoothly, for both the agency and the client? We learned the hard way, and we’re sharing our methods with you. From the art of communication and setting boundaries to milestone management and scope creep, join us as we lay down the fundamentals of exceeding expectations and ensuring a project meets its deadlines… as long as our clients meet theirs too. Get ready for insightful takeaways, valuable dialogue, and plenty of real-world wisdom to elevate your project management game!

On this episode of The Agency Rocket Show, hosts Liz and Chelsea are joined by Django Greenblatt-Seay, Marketing & Communications Director at Rabble Mill and The Bay, co-founder of Huge Creative, and a ninja behind the camera. Together, we recall tales of mentorship, the magic of collaboration, and how an abundance mindset keeps the industry thriving. Whether he’s mentoring up-and-coming talents, orchestrating the one-take wonders of his Love Drunk project, or petitioning General Motors to bring back the Chevy Astro, Django’s journey is a testament to the power of pushing boundaries and embracing the imperfect. From technological evolutions in videography to the art of storytelling, this episode is an inspiring blueprint for anyone ready to make their mark with a camera and a dream. Tune in to uncover how you, too, can transform passion into impactful content and why sometimes, involving a few friends in your projects might just be the key to creative success! 🔗 Connect with Django LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djangogs IG: https://www.instagram.com/babyclient/ ⛰️ Huge Creative Website: https://thehugecreative.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/thehugecreative/ 🛹 Rabble Mill & The Bay Website: https://rabblemill.org/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/rabblemill/   △ Love Drunk: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LoveDrunk Website: https://www.love-drunk.com/   🚐 #BringBackTheAstro Website: https://www.bringbacktheastro.com/ Show Notes: https://www.agency-rocket.com/blog-overview 🚀 https://www.agency-rocket.com/