Agency Rocket Show

Ep 45: Stop Skipping Strategy: The Secret to Building Brands That Stick

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.

Ep 44: Emotional Branding: Why Facts Don’t Sell, But Stories Do

In this episode of The Agency Rocket Show, hosts Liz and Chelsea unpack one of branding’s biggest power moves: storytelling. 

People don’t remember bullet points—they remember how you made them feel. From emotional connection to long-term brand loyalty, we break down why a good story beats a good slogan every time.We talk about how to stop treating your brand story like a family history and start treating it like the lifestyle it is. You’ll hear us dig into examples like Nike, Patagonia, and Dove (yes, we have opinions), and how the best brands make their customer the hero—not themselves. Plus, we discuss common storytelling missteps, the difference between campaigns and brand stories, and why your logo is just the beginning of your ecosystem.If you’ve ever wondered how to build a brand people connect with—or why your “About” page isn’t cutting it—this one’s for you.🎧 Like, share, follow, and send us your favorite brand storytelling examples—we want to hear them!

Ep 43: Rebrand Breakdown: How to Know When it's Time for a Glow-Up

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.

Ep 42: Social Media Survival Part 2: The Rise of Storytelling Over Selling with Keaton Haines

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.

Ep 41: Social Media Survival Part 1: What Every Small Business Needs to Know with Keaton Haines

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.

Ep 40: Feedback Pushback: How to Defend Your Creative Work

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!
 

Ep 39: Success Stories: What Great Branding Projects Have in Common

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!

Ep 38: Branding That Sticks: The Power of Consistency

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.

Ep 37: The Top 3 Must-Have Deliverables for Branding Clients

In this episode of The Agency Rocket Show, hosts Liz Hunt and Chelsea Poppens cover the top deliverables included in DayCloud Studios branding projects. We'll break down the essentials: logo files (in every format and variation imaginable), comprehensive brand guidelines (covering everything from logo usage to photography style), and font files (plus tips on how to source and use them). Along the way, we share practical advice, humorous anecdotes, and our philosophy on providing a premium client experience. Whether you're a designer or a curious listener, this episode offers insights into the art of delivering standout branding projects. Tune in to learn, laugh, and maybe even get inspired to share your craziest deliverable!

Ep 36: Boundaries, Budgets, and Branding: The Creative's Guide to Pricing Your Worth

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.