Authentic Brand Builders Podcast

Lately, I've been diving deep into the topics of content creation and marketing, releasing videos and podcast episodes about consistency, top-of-the-funnel strategies, and everything you need to market your business effectively. Why? Becaus, marketing your business can be incredibly frustrating.  But here's the truth: Marketing is essential. It's how your brand gets seen and ultimately, how your brand gets paid. However, one common issue my clients and I experience is feeling disconnected from our own content. When you're disconnected, your audience feels it too. Today, I'm sharing how you can realign with your content through storytelling to simplify your marketing and enhance audience connection. Inside today's episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we'll dive into: Why your struggle with marketing might not be about your skills, but rather about your content alignment. 5 actionable strategies to effortlessly weave personal and micro stories into your marketing for improved connection, engagement, and conversions. How to prioritize content that genuinely excites you boosts creativity, consistency, and ultimately drives stronger audience relationships and results.  

Ever feel like you're churning out content day after day, but not seeing the results you want?  You're definitely not the only one! It's so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of social media updates, algorithm changes, and the latest content trends.  But the real key to success isn't chasing the trends - it's about building a strong foundation for your brand. As my friend Jodie and I chatted about recently as part of our Marketing Mayhem series, your brand strategy, and your content strategy aren't just connected, they're basically inseparable.  Think of them like two peas in a pod! Marketing might get someone's attention, but it's your branding that makes them stay. Jodie always says, "Marketing is like asking someone on a date. Branding is the reason they'll say yes." And it's SO true! Inside today's episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we'll dive into: Why your brand foundation is the key to creating effective content that grows your business consistently, even when algorithms change. The importance of repetition in your content strategy and how it directly builds your authority and visibility. How to simplify and systematize your content creation, leveraging multiple platforms without the overwhelm.  

Your content is getting views. Your emails are getting opened. You're showing up consistently, just like all the marketing experts (including myself) tell you to… but your audience still isn't converting. If you've been wondering why your content isn't leading to more sales, the problem likely isn't the platform, the algorithm, or even the offer itself. It's your messaging. Messaging is the foundation of everything in your brand. It's how you communicate what you do, who you serve, and why your audience should choose you over someone else. However, many entrepreneurs make mistakes that cause their messaging to fall flat, leading to low engagement, slow audience growth, and missed sales opportunities. In this post, I'm breaking down the three biggest messaging mistakes that might be costing you customers, and how to fix them: Vague messaging that doesn't clearly communicate what you do or who you serve Lack of storytelling, making it harder to connect with your audience on an emotional level Inconsistent messaging, which confuses potential customers and weakens your brand recognition If your content isn't converting, one of these three issues is likely the reason.

Let's talk about something that affects so many entrepreneurs… …staying consistent.  You know, that thing we all promise ourselves we'll do, right before we fall off the map and ghost our audience for two weeks (or let's be real, two months). Consistency is the backbone of business growth, but let's be honest, most entrepreneurs struggle with it. Not because they don't care, but because they're trying to do it in a way that isn't sustainable. So, if you've ever felt stuck in a start-stop cycle with your content, this post is for you.  Inside today's episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we'll dive into: Five major reasons entrepreneurs struggle with consistency and how to fix them. How to stay consistent without burning out by creating a sustainable content strategy that fits your business and lifestyle. Why your struggle with consistency isn't a YOU problem, but rather a strategy problem.  

As entrepreneurs, we often reach a point where our brand just doesn't feel right anymore. Maybe you look at your website, your content, or your messaging, and it just doesn't reflect who you are today. It happens to the best of us, including me!  A few years ago, I found myself in this exact position. My brand no longer felt authentic to where I was in my life and business. In this episode, I'll walk you through the signs that it might be time for a brand refresh and share the exact steps I took to refresh my own brand. Let's dive into the checklist you can use to ensure your brand stays in alignment with where you are now and where you're headed! Inside today's episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we'll dive into: How to recognize the signs that it's time for a brand refresh (Hint: it's more than just a new logo or color palette). The simple steps to align your messaging and visuals with your evolving business. How to use a brand refresh to reconnect with your audience and reignite your passion for your brand.  

As someone who's been helping entrepreneurs build authentic brands for nearly a decade, the rise of AI has definitely caught my attention.  But here's the big question: Can AI really help you build your brand without sacrificing its authenticity? If you're wondering how AI fits into the mix of building a brand that truly represents you, your story, and your mission, today's post is for you. In today's episode of the Authentic Brand Builders Podcast, I dive into why branding is the foundation of your business, how AI can complement your efforts (and speed them up), and why authenticity should always come first. Inside today's episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we'll dive into: Why branding is the foundation of your business (and why skipping it can hurt you long-term). How AI can speed up your branding process (without sacrificing your authenticity). Why staying true to your brand voice is non-negotiable for long-term success and how it can help AI provide better content down the line.  

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, tracking data can often feel overwhelming. But when done right, it can free you from the uncertainty and guesswork that often accompany business decisions. You need to be tracking your data, but it's not as complex as you might think based on what other entrepreneurs are doing. We're all about authenticity here, and understanding your authentic metrics is key. I invited Ally, a data strategist from Akari Digital, to the Authentic Brand Builders Podcast, to help you understand which data to use in your business. Inside today's episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we'll dive into: Exactly which key metrics entrepreneurs should track (and which ones to ignore) so you can finally make informed decisions about your marketing. Ally's signature framework for tracking data in a way that feels simple, strategic, and actually helps you grow your business. How to use data to pinpoint what's working, what's not, and how to adjust without burning your business down.  

As entrepreneurs, we often face many challenges, and for me, one of the toughest was mastering copywriting.  I know it might surprise some of my clients, given how quickly I now whip up blog posts, emails, and other content, but copywriting was something I struggled with in the beginning. I'm sharing this because if you're a business owner who's feeling overwhelmed by writing your own copy, you're not alone. This is exactly why I wanted to bring on Elise Hodge, a funnel strategist and conversion copywriter who has helped countless coaches and course creators make daily sales on autopilot.  Elise and I connected through a shared passion for simplifying business processes, and I knew she'd be the perfect guest to help you build confidence with your copywriting. Inside today's episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we'll dive into: Tips to build confidence in your writing, and create copy that connects with your audience and drives conversions. How to craft email and sales funnels that automate sales and engage your ideal clients. Practical advice on identifying your unique voice and using it to create authentic, compelling copy that resonates with your audience.  

Ever wondered if affiliate marketing could work for you—even if you have a small (or even nonexistent) audience?  Or maybe you're exploring new ways to diversify your income in the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship? In today's episode of the Authentic Brand Builders Podcast, I'm chatting with Whitney Bonds, who built a multi-six-figure business and grew a thriving YouTube channel with over 140,000 subscribers all from scratch using affiliate marketing. Inside today's episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we'll dive into: How the birth of her second child pushed Whitney to find ways to work from home, leading her to start a blog and jump into affiliate marketing. Why affiliate marketing is a powerful income stream, especially for those who aren't ready to create their own products just yet. A simple content hack using already-performing content that can take your YouTube strategy to the next level.

In 2019, I read Atomic Habits by James Clear, which completely changed my life.  It forced me to have a hard look at my life and business goals and evaluate just how I was getting there with my daily actions. The next year in business I doubled my growth, the following year we grew another 20%, and the harmony that I experienced between my personal and professional life changed completely. I credit so much of this with prioritizing what I was doing behind the scenes, the unexpected daily habits that gave me the space and advantage to make me a better business owner. Today on the Authentic Brand Builders podcast (and blog) we're diving into those unexpected habits that have made me a better business owner. I'm a firm believer that how we spend our time directly affects how we run our businesses, and we'll uncover that today. Inside today's episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we'll dive into: The habit that transformed my productivity, and has allowed me to get more done in less time - it's been one of my secrets to working smarter, not harder. What I implemented into my habit stack when I got burned out on personal development and how my business changed as a result. My "Not-To-Do-List" and how I use it as a business owner.

As we wrap up another year and get ready to step into the new year, I've been reflecting on what I would do if I were to start my business from scratch today.  Having been an entrepreneur for nine years, I've seen the ups, downs, and dramatic changes in the industry. There are things that have completely shifted and things that honestly have remained the same. Here are five approaches that I believe would accelerate your business growth and set you up for long-term success. Inside today's episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we'll dive into: Why PR should be your top priority and how building a network of collaborators can accelerate your brand growth. The secret to focusing on sales from day one and how long-form content like podcasts and YouTube can drive sustainable success. The essential mindset changes you need to take confident action and make your business thrive.  

Every year, I share my marketing predictions for the year ahead. I've been doing this since 2018, and this year I'm thrilled to share a bit of a twist. I sat down with my friend Jodie Brown, to kick off a new series where you can essentially be a "fly on the wall," listening in as Jodie and I take a deep dive into the world of marketing today. And, today's episode is centered around predictions we're making for 2025. Join us in this new series, on the Authentic Brand Builders Podcast, called Marketing Mayhem. In today's episode, we'll talk about: The 5 marketing predictions we see being a top priority in 2025. The singular trend we see picking up even more momentum in 2025 - if you're not already doing this NOW is the time. The truth about niching down in the online space today. For the full content, and all the insider tips, listen to Episode 130 now.

As we gear up for a new year, it's time to start thinking about 2025. While I don't feel completely ready for a new year, I can't help but recognize that my brain is already thinking ahead. So, I asked myself, "If we were to sit down for coffee, and you were ready to scale your business in the new year to the 6-figure mark, what would I want you to know? If you are ready to scale your businesses to the six-figure mark, there is an overwhelming amount of information available online, but not all of it is super strategic.  Today, I want to share five strategic actions that are essential for your growth without making you feel like you're drowning in planning details.  Inside today's episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we'll dive into: A quick improvement you can make to your website that will result in qualified leads finding you on Google. Why video marketing is a must and how to embrace it as your most authentic self. How consumer minds have changed over the years and how you can make a single adjustment to ensure you're not overlooked by your ideal customers.

In this episode of The Authentic Brand Builders Podcast, I sit down with Kwadwo, a skilled Meta ads expert, to explore what it truly takes to create successful, authentic Facebook and Instagram ad campaigns.  Together, we take a deep dive into strategies to approach Facebook and Instagram ads with patience and authenticity, even in today's landscape where people are more skeptical than ever about advertising.  We talk about everything from optimizing ad funnels and the timing of your first ad to creating scalable campaigns that build real trust with your audience. Inside today's episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we'll dive into: How ads amplify your brand and when to get started with ad campaigns after your organic strategy has been proven. The importance of testing your ads, from ad copy to visuals, testing each element can help keep costs down while improving performance and targeting. How to focus on genuine, trust-building ads that don't just sell but also engage and educate your audience during a time when audiences are more cautious.  

In the online business and branding world, visibility is crucial.  It's not just about putting yourself out there online; it's about truly showing up as your authentic self, something I've found over the years can be incredibly difficult.  As someone who has been creating and publicly sharing content over the past eight years, I still struggle with a fear of visibility, and today, I want to talk about a personal journey I've taken recently concerning visibility and how I navigate my relationship with social media as an entrepreneur and brand strategist. I'm also giving you the three journal prompts that helped me uncover this fear and start taking action to move forward. Inside today's episode of the Authentic Brand Builders podcast, we'll dive into: My recent discovery around visibility and specifically what was holding me back from social media. The importance of asking yourself the hard questions to create an authentic and aligned brand online. Three journal prompts to get you started in discovering what is holding you back from getting your brand seen.   Get your free Brand Roadmap at brandmerry.com/brandroadmap