Branded

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. In this episode, we had an engaging conversation about a topic that’s essential for modern businesses—leveraging online advertising to drive growth. We decided to dive into the intricacies of Google Ads, a platform that’s often misunderstood or underutilized by many. Joining us is John Horn, a digital advertising expert with a wealth of experience in Google Ads and YouTube ads, who is here to demystify these tools and help businesses harness their potential. We explored the evolving landscape of Google Ads and John shared his insights on making informed and strategic decisions regarding online advertising. From the nuances of campaign types to crafting compelling landing pages, John provided a wealth of knowledge that even we, with our backgrounds, found enlightening. Key takeaways: Setting Clear Goals for Your Campaigns: John emphasized the importance of starting with a clear goal when leveraging Google Ads. Understanding what you want to achieve—be it lead generation, sales, or brand awareness—is crucial to structuring your campaigns and measuring their success. Understanding Different Campaign Types: Google Ads isn’t just about search ads anymore. John explained different types of campaigns, like YouTube and display campaigns, and how they can suit different business needs, giving listeners a fundamental understanding of the Google Ads ecosystem. Importance of Data Analysis: One of the standout points was the importance of data. According to John, regularly reviewing the search terms report helps businesses understand where their spend is going and allows for adjustments to avoid wasting budgets. Crafting Effective Landing Pages: A pivotal aspect of successful ad campaigns is the landing page. John discussed essential elements such as load speed, clear calls-to-action, and visual cues that align with the ads’ messaging to ensure higher conversion rates. Choosing the Right Time and Budget to Start: For businesses just starting out, John recommended not jumping into Google Ads too soon. It’s vital for businesses to have a stable base and budget—ideally around $2,000 per month—to effectively run campaigns without unnecessary financial strain. We hope this episode provides a comprehensive guide to those looking to venture into Google Ads or refine their existing strategies. Remember, as John pointed out, patience and continual learning are keys to success in advertising. [embed]https://youtu.be/qkvQkOKeIjA[/embed] About John Horn John Horn is the CEO of StubGroup, a digital advertising agency and Premier Google Partner. Google ranks him in the top 1% of all Google Partners worldwide for performance and customer care. StubGroup has generated over half a billion dollars in revenue for its clients across many different verticals, including B2B, B2C, local retailers, professional services, product brands and more. Stubgroup has also helped over 2000 clients across 15k campaigns with paid ads and suspension issues. John has taught digital advertising to over 100,000 students via online courses and the videos he produces through StubGroup's YouTube channel have received millions of views.

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. In this episode, we dive into the power of LinkedIn and uncover how it's not just a platform for job seekers but a dynamic social media network ideal for branding. We're joined by Melissa Cohen, a LinkedIn expert who transitioned from a flourishing fashion industry career to become a personal branding advocate and co-author of the book “Your Career Resilience Blueprint.” We explore how LinkedIn transformed from a dusty resume repository to a thriving hub for professional networking and personal growth. Melissa discusses her own journey, shedding light on how LinkedIn changed her life by opening up new career opportunities and connections. The conversation delves into how the pandemic blurred the lines between personal and professional spheres, making LinkedIn a more personable platform. We also discuss strategies for utilizing LinkedIn effectively, from the importance of commenting on posts to the best practices for engaging with other users. Key takeaways: LinkedIn: More Than a Job Board: Melissa Cohen emphasizes that LinkedIn is no longer just a place for resumes; it’s a vibrant social media platform where professionals can build relationships, leverage business opportunities, and even co-author books. The Pandemic’s Impact on Professional Boundaries: Discussion around how remote work during the pandemic has blurred the lines between personal and professional life on LinkedIn, making personal branding more important than ever. The Role of Engagement: Melissa shares that the magic of LinkedIn lies in its comment sections. Engaging with comments on your posts and those of others builds relationships, increases visibility, and creates valuable business connections. Personal vs. Company Pages: Sara and Melissa discuss the importance of posting content on personal pages rather than company pages for greater engagement and visibility since people prefer connecting with individuals over brands. Avoiding the Dreaded Pitch-Slap: Melissa advises against cold, transactional connections and highlights the importance of building genuine relationships on LinkedIn to avoid the infamous “pitch slap”—a term coined for unsolicited sales pitches right after connecting. Whether you're a LinkedIn novice or looking to enhance your personal brand, this episode provides actionable insights to help you navigate LinkedIn with confidence and authenticity. If you enjoyed learning from Melissa’s expertise, be sure to check out her book on Amazon and follow her journey on LinkedIn. Tune in next week as we explore more transformative branding insights. [embed]https://youtu.be/XpA7BjZwA7s[/embed] About Melissa Cohen Melissa Cohen is a former Vice President with Ralph Lauren. When she lost her job in the 2020 pandemic, she was shocked to realize how much of her sense of self was lost with it. Even more surprising was how she found her voice— on Linkedin. Melissa believes in the power of community and lifting up others, and she loves working with clients to develop their voice and build their community on the platform.

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. On this episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of web design and SEO. We are thrilled to be joined by Roger Jorns, the founder of Reanimation Design, a web design and marketing company specializing in SEO and better website design. Roger brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in helping businesses get found on Google and structuring websites to effectively tell their story. We met Roger at the Badass Business Summit (BABS), and his insights tie directly into our goals for 2025, emphasizing the critical role a well-designed website plays in establishing a personal and professional brand. In our conversation with Roger, we explore everything from how he got started in web design to the importance of having a clear call to action on your site. We also discuss the evolving nature of SEO with the rise of AI and how to navigate the modern landscape of paid versus organic search. Key takeaways: Importance of Structure in Web Design: Roger emphasizes the need for a clear and actionable call to action (CTA) on your website’s hero image. He discusses the common mistakes of being too vague or too wordy and highlights the necessity of guiding visitors on what to do next when they land on your page. Defining and Using Hero Images: The hero image is the first thing people see when they visit your site. Roger explains how using images strategically can guide user behavior, incorporating psychological tactics like eye tracking to direct attention to the CTA. Common Web Design Pitfalls: From broken images to non-responsive mobile design, Roger outlines the most common issues he encounters when revamping websites. He shares horror stories but also practical advice on how to avoid these mistakes. The Evolving Nature of SEO: Roger tackles the hot topic of whether SEO is dead or evolving. He clarifies that while some old tactics are obsolete, SEO is very much alive, though it's continuously changing. He introduces the concept of "search everywhere optimization" to adapt to how consumers search across different platforms. Role of Paid Ads in Modern Marketing: Larry and Roger discuss the effectiveness of paid ads versus organic growth. They conclude that while paid ads can drive significant traffic, a strong website foundation is crucial for retaining visitors and converting them into customers. We hope you find Roger’s insights as valuable as we did. He breaks down complex web design and SEO strategies into simple, actionable steps that anyone can apply to enhance their online presence. If you want to connect with Roger or learn more about his work, you can visit his website at reanimationdesign.com or find him on LinkedIn. Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button so we can continue to bring you these amazing episodes each and every week right here on Branded. Until next time, I'm Larry Roberts. And I'm Sara Lohse, and we'll talk to you next week. [embed]https://youtu.be/Ac6NHItKLVI[/embed] About Roger Jorns Roger was born at a young age...O wait no. Roger has an interesting journey to starting a Web Design and Marketing Company, he has 2 degrees in Theology and has worked at a lot of different places including Starbucks, selling Cutco, Best Buy, and even working as a Web Developer. But perhaps his greatest joy is his Beautiful wife and awesome sons. They are the reason he does it at all. Roger loves helping businesses figure out how their website gots into their overall marketing plan. He loves taking a design and making it come to life on screen so that a story can be told through it. www.reanimationdesign.com www.linkedin.com/roger-jorns https://youtube.com/@reanimationdesign

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. In this episode, we are not declaring our New Year's Resolutions. We are, however, setting goals for the coming months and wanted to share some of them with you. So, we're talking about the importance of finding the right organizational systems to boost efficiency and support business growth. We also explore various tools and techniques for building affordable, professional websites and discuss effective networking strategies to enhance media exposure. We'll share our personal experiences and struggles with organizational tools and task management systems. Sara discusses her past aversion to platforms like Salesforce, leading us to discover the necessity of a good system like Monday (not sponsored) to streamline our workflow. Larry emphasizes the significance of gaining earned media exposure and maintaining a professional website to leave lasting impressions on potential clients. Throughout our conversation, we highlight the importance of setting realistic, tangible goals over lofty New Year's resolutions. Plus, we dive into the innovative use of Elementor for website building and how even novice users can create stunning sites without advanced coding skills. We also touch on networking tips, stressing the importance of impactful engagements and the need for regular follow-ups to maintain meaningful connections. Let’s dive in! Key takeaways: Finding the Right Organizational System: Organizational platforms need regular maintenance, and finding the right system tailored to individual or team needs is crucial. Using a platform like Monday can significantly reduce the need for constant check-ins and miscommunication, thereby streamlining project management. Affordable and Professional Website Creation: Building a good-looking, functional website doesn't have to break the bank. With tools like Elementor, users can create professional websites for a fraction of the cost typically quoted by agencies. Ensuring a polished online presence is vital for leaving positive impressions on clients, particularly after initial social media interactions. The Power of Earned Media and Networking: Networking isn't just about making connections; it's about building relationships that convert to media opportunities and paid gigs. We stress the importance of having 12 to 15 touch points with potential clients using varied methods such as texts, emails, and DMs to express genuine interest and establish trust. Overcoming Follow-Up Fears: Consistent follow-up is essential for closing deals and maintaining business relationships, though it's often hindered by the fear of being annoying. We advocate for overcoming this negative self-talk and remind listeners that many messages might be missed, hence multiple touch points are necessary. SEO and Branding Photography: Enhancing your website's SEO is crucial for better visibility and credibility. Additionally, using creative, affordable branding photos from venues like selfie museums can greatly enrich your brand's visual content without the heavy costs associated with high-end photography services. We hope this episode inspires you to set practical goals for your business and implement the changes necessary for growth. As always, don’t forget to like and subscribe to our podcast for more insights and tips on creative branding. This episode is not sponsored, but we do have affiliate links for some of the products mentioned: Elementor Monday [embed]https://youtu.be/Nigi2Ni6kzI[/embed]

Welcome back to Branded, your comprehensive guide to creative branding. In today’s episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Dan Grech, founder and CEO of BizHack Academy and Pulitzer Prize winner. Dan has a rich background as a journalist, entrepreneur, and educator, and he brings a wealth of knowledge about the intersection of storytelling, AI, and business growth. He's joining us to explore the evolving landscape of AI and its implications for human creativity and business storytelling. We discuss the unique values that human experiences and deep professional insights bring to storytelling — aspects that AI simply cannot replicate. We also examine how personal stories build deeper connections and trust between businesses and their customers. Dan shares examples from his extensive career, illustrating how integrating personal and origin stories into business narratives can foster genuine human connections. Larry even shares his own story about why he always wears a red hat, demonstrating the irreplaceable value of personal experiences in crafting unique and engaging narratives. This episode aims to highlight the irreplaceable human elements in storytelling and how they can differentiate your brand in an AI-driven world. Key Takeaways: The Irreplaceable Value of Personal Experience: Dan argues that while AI can mimic data and routine tasks, it cannot replicate the richness of personal anecdotes and lived experiences. These human elements are critical in crafting compelling and relatable stories. Shift from Data-Driven to Story-Driven: Sara highlights the need for industries deeply rooted in data to incorporate storytelling into their communication strategies. Personal stories engender unique value and engagement that cannot be achieved by data alone. Human Connection Through Storytelling: We explore how storytelling is a timeless tool for building connections. Personal stories, like Larry's red hat anecdote, create a sense of shared experience and authenticity that resonates with audiences. Branding and Trust through Founding Stories: Dan emphasizes the power of founding stories and core values in establishing brand trust. These narratives not only distinguish a business from competitors but also foster loyalty and emotional connections with customers. AI’s Role in Enhancing Storytelling: Dan shares insights on using AI for research and routine tasks while leaving the storytelling and deep analytical work to humans. He introduces the concept of a virtual biographer service, which Biz Hack plans to launch to assist businesses in crafting personalized stories. This episode is packed with insights on leveraging the unique strengths of human creativity in the age of AI. We hope our conversation with Dan Grech inspires you to harness the power of your own stories in building a compelling brand. Thank you for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes of Branded! [embed]https://youtu.be/kH804QqsEaI[/embed] About Dan Grech Dan Grech is the founder and CEO of BizHack Academy, which is on a mission to train 1 million underserved businesses to grow 10x faster using AI-powered marketing and storytelling. A Pulitzer Prize-winning former NPR and PBS journalist, Dan transitioned into entrepreneurship and education, drawing from a family legacy of teaching and coaching. He’s testified before Congress, advocating for small business growth in the digital age, and has led marketing efforts for major companies, helping startups achieve rapid growth, including OfferCraft, which grew from pre-revenue to $2.5M in two years. Dan has taught at top universities like Princeton and Columbia, and is an active mentor in South Florida’s startup ecosystem. He also established a scholarship program at BizHack that has awarded over $250,000 to minority- and women-owned businesses. Dan lives in Miami with his family and is a passionate member of the local improv comedy scene. Elevate your digital marketing skills with our comprehensive courses. Transform your small business with strategies that drive real, sustainable growth. Schedule a call with Dan and help your business grow faster! Listeners can use the code PODCAST20 to get 20% off BizHack courses by visiting https://bizhack.learnworlds.com/select-course and joining our mission to empower small businesses.

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to authentic and ethical branding. In today's episode, we tackle some critical conversations about the ethics of social proof and testimonials in marketing. We dive deep into the importance of honest communication, consumer awareness, and the impact of emotional marketing. We're joined by Stacy Eleczko, a talented website copywriter and brand messaging strategist, who shares her insights and experiences on the subject. We also explore the often blurry line between influencers and thought leaders, discussing how each utilizes their platform and the different impacts they have on their audiences. This episode is packed with valuable advice on creating genuine connections with your target audience and ensuring your marketing strategies are both effective and ethical. As usual, we're committed to helping you build a brand that's not only successful but also trustworthy and respected. Let's dive in! Key takeaways: Distinction Between Influencers and Thought Leaders: We discuss the marked difference between influencers, who often rely on flashy and surface-level content, and thought leaders, who aim for deeper, more impactful communication. Thought leaders inspire meaningful change and longevity in their influence, rather than just short-term attention. Ethical Use of Social Proof and Testimonials: Both of us emphasize the importance of using legitimate testimonials and social proof in your marketing strategies. We underscore the need to obtain explicit permission from clients before using their feedback and to pair testimonials with photos or videos for added authenticity. Impact of Emotional Marketing: Stacy critiques the long-term inefficacy of emotional manipulation in marketing, stressing that people eventually gravitate towards brands that make them feel inherently good. It's crucial to focus on creating positive and genuine emotional connections with your audience. Modern Marketing Trends: We talk about the shift from traditional sales messages to storytelling and creating positive emotional connections. This evolution reflects a broader trend towards more human and relatable marketing strategies, which resonate more deeply with consumers. Strategic and Ethical Marketing Practices: We highlight the effectiveness of understanding and addressing the true motivations and desires of your target audience. Stacy outlines the significance of discussing benefits, such as reducing stress or increasing family time, over just listing features. Additionally, Sara recommends the simple exercise of consistently asking "so what" when evaluating sales pages to reach the core message. Join us as we navigate the intricate world of branding and marketing, emphasizing integrity and authenticity every step of the way. Be sure to subscribe to Branded for more insightful episodes and stay connected with Stacy Eleczko on LinkedIn, her website, and her email list for further guidance and inspiration. [embed]https://youtu.be/v2MgMQshByk[/embed] About Stacy Eleczko A teacher turned website copywriter, Stacy quickly realized the struggle business owners faced when it came to differentiating themselves in the market. She shifted to include strategic brand messaging so she could ensure well crafted copy that would convert. And convert without any shady BS marketing practices. She has a passion for working with businesses that are purpose or impact driven. www.linkedin.com/in/copybystacy www.stacyeleczko.com https://stacy-eleczko.ck.page/cf486615d9

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. In today's episode, we're joined by Ashley Beck Cuellar, a sales coach who has found her niche on LinkedIn, and by Larry for half the episode because his power went out while recording. We cover a lot in this episode (we're sorry, it's an unfocused one), including why and how companies should encourage their employees to build personal brands online instead of recycling the marketing content that's provided for them. Plus, we'll introduce you to different tools you can use in your sales process to foster relationships with your prospects and personalize the followup and gifting processes. We somehow stumble into a case study on transitioning leadership when a brand has been built around an individual, and generational challenges in the workplace. Key takeaways: Leveraging AI in Business: Ashley Beck Cuellar discusses how she uses ChatGPT to create contracts for her yoga and sales coaching businesses. She highlights the personalized assistance AI provides and suggests it's a valuable tool for sales teams to reframe marketing content into more engaging personal posts. Empowering Employee Personal Brands: We observe that while large companies often resist allowing employees to cultivate personal brands, doing so can convert employees into lead generators and advocates for the company. Empowering employees to build their personal brands not only enriches their professional growth but also benefits the company's visibility and credibility. Maintaining Brand Consistency During Transitions: Cuellar and Larry Roberts share insights on navigating leadership changes, stressing the importance of upholding a brand's core values and philosophies. They emphasize that the new leaders must embody the brand while integrating their personal touch to ensure continuous trust and consistency. Engaging Across Generations: We discuss the generational divide in professional settings, noting the biases held by both older and younger team members. Ashley highlights the need for training and workshops that engage all age groups, ensuring everyone feels valued and is willing to learn new tools and platforms like LinkedIn. Innovative Sales and Marketing Tools: Ashley introduces several innovative tools such as Crystal Nose for personality insights and Senspark for personalized video messaging. These tools can help tailor communication styles and create more engaging, effective interactions, particularly in sales. Make sure to follow Ashley on LinkedIn for more daily insights and updates. Keep an eye out for her upcoming website, salesparkcoaching.com, for additional resources and coaching services. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll continue to uncover the secrets of successful branding strategies. Until then, stay inspired and keep branding! Tools mentioned: SugarWish Sendoso Grove Cookie Company Crystal Knows Sendspark [embed]https://youtu.be/mW6XScDubKw[/embed] About Ashley Beck Cuellar I am a mom to a 9 yr old and “Ash” to a 17 yr old. I am wife to a sneakerhead. I am a dog person with a cat. I am a hot yoga instructor, a swim coach, and i have 7 tattoos including a “tramp stamp” my daughter calls my Maleficent horns. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-beck-cuellar https://salessparkcoaching.com/

Welcome back to Branded: your comprehensive guide to creative branding. Today's episode is all about mastering the art of building a brand without breaking the bank. For many small businesses and entrepreneurs, extensive marketing budgets are out of reach, so we're diving deep into strategies that prioritize both your financial and time investments. This episode is jam-packed with practical insights and tips on how to maximize your branding efforts on a shoestring budget. Here's what we covered in today's episode: 1. DIY Marketing and Tools: We start by discussing the DIY approach to branding. From creating your own marketing materials using tools like AI, Canva, and ChatGPT, we highlight how these resources can empower you to handle many marketing tasks yourself without needing to hire expensive professionals. Sara shares her experience of creating a unique logo on Etsy for under $20, showing just how accessible these options can be. 2. Budget-Friendly Logo Design Options: We delve into the journey of crafting memorable logos on a budget, contrasting Sara's Etsy experience with my use of 99designs. While Sara spent under $20, I spent $750, enjoying the diverse designs that crowdsourcing can bring. I also recount almost spending $7,000 on a comprehensive branding package, emphasizing that even with limited funds, you can still create effective branding tools. 3. Networking and Community Engagement: Face-to-face networking remains invaluable. I share personal success stories from in-person networking groups in Dallas, explaining how these interactions have propelled my brand forward. Sara and I stress the significance of representing your brand through branded merchandise and consistent messaging at networking events to stand out and leave a lasting impression. 4. Leveraging the Barter System: Sara introduces the barter system as a creative solution for budget constraints. She shares her experience of trading podcast services for design and sales coaching, which allowed both parties to benefit without any direct financial cost. This symbiotic relationship can be a game-changer for small businesses looking to maximize their resources. 5. Creative Content Marketing Strategies: We close the discussion by emphasizing the importance of content marketing and content repurposing. We explore how budget-friendly strategies like guest appearances and user-generated content can significantly enhance your brand’s visibility. Utilizing platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn can help you tap into different audience bases effectively. Key Takeaways: DIY Branding: Embrace the power of DIY marketing using accessible digital tools. You don't need to spend a fortune to create high-quality marketing materials and logos. Budget-Friendly Logo Design: Effective branding doesn’t require breaking the bank. Explore budget-friendly platforms like Etsy and 99designs to find the right logo for your brand’s identity. Networking: Invest time in face-to-face networking to grow your brand. Wearing branded merchandise and delivering consistent messaging can leave a lasting impression and foster connections. Barter System: Be open to bartering services with other professionals to get the tools and support you need without financial outlay. This can help you gain valuable resources and expertise. Content Strategy: Repurpose your content across multiple platforms to stretch your reach. Engage in collaborations, join new platforms, and utilize user-generated content to build your brand presence without a significant financial investment. So, whether you're an entrepreneur concocting your brand identity in a coffee shop or a small business owner looking to stretch limited funds, we hope these strategies enable you to create a memorable and impactful brand. Join us next time, and remember to subscribe, engage with us on social media, and maybe even share a dance to our theme music! Thanks for tuning in to Branded, where small budgets lead to big ideas. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqWpGBvW3Go[/embed]