Brand Unmuted Podcast

Joanna Moss & Dianna Robicheau

The Brand Unmuted Podcast, hosted by web designer Joanna Moss and copywriter Dianna Robicheau, empowers you to build a business that works FOR you–not the other way around–through honest conversations about being in the real middle of entrepreneurship. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    21: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Showit's DXP Retreat

    If you've heard of Showit’s DXP retreat and ever wondered what it’s all about, or if it's worth attending, this episode is for you. Joanna just got back from her fourth DXP retreat, and she's sharing everything: what the experience is really like, what happens during those four days at the ranch in Show Low, Arizona, what makes it different from other industry events, and why she keeps going back year after year. DXP (Designer Experience) is Showit's invite-only retreat for design partners. It's part working session, part creative retreat, and part summer camp for adults, and it's one of the most valuable experiences Joanna makes time for in her business every single year. In this episode, we're covering everything you need to know about DXP, and why Joanna thinks every Showit designer should attend at least once! Topics We Cover What Showit DXP actually isWhy Joanna attends every yearWhat kind of event is DXP? (Retreat, meeting, conference?)Who's invited to attendWalking through the full DXP experienceDay one at the Showit officeAccommodations and amenities at the ranchWhat goes on during those few days at the retreatThe terrain and weather in Show LowWhat the vibe is likeWhat stands out most when you first arriveJoanna's biggest takeaway (mindset shifts, not tech)Having real, honest conversations with other designersRunning new business ideas by friends at DXPWhy events like DXP are valuable for business ownersMaking connections that last all yearShowit platform updates coming soonIs DXP worth the investment?What to know before you go (bring layers, chapstick, comfy clothes)What Joanna wishes she'd done differentlyWhy you should just go (even if you don't know anyone yet) Time Stamps 02:25 – Joanna just got back from DXP 02:49 – What is Showit DXP? 03:23 – Why Joanna attends every year 03:49 – Is it work or fun? 04:44 – What kind of event is it? 05:37 – Who's invited? 06:17 – Walking through the experience 07:40 – Day one at Showit office 08:27 – What's it like in Show Low? 10:16 – Weather and terrain 12:23 – What's the vibe like? 14:31 – What was different this year? 15:16 – Joanna's biggest takeaway 19:26 – Did anything change about your business thinking? 24:37 – New Showit updates coming 28:24 – Is DXP worth the investment? 30:51 – What to know before you go 31:48 – What Joanna wishes she'd done differently 32:48 – Advice for introverts 35:48 – Final thoughts on DXP Links & Resources Mentioned Joanna's web design studio: Joanna Moss Creative — custom Showit websites & Website in Two Weeks: joannamoss.com Dianna's copywriting studio: Rise Copy Co. — website & launch copy for creative women in business: risecopyco.com Events & Programs Mentioned: Showit DXP (Designer Experience retreat): dxp.showit.com/Showit Spark (larger conference-style event): spark.showit.com/ Tools Mentioned: Workflow (design revision feedback and project management tool): www.workflow.design/

    40 min
  2. 28 APR

    20: Does Imposter Syndrome Ever Go Away?

    If you've ever sent off work to a client and immediately thought "they're probably going to hate it” (even though they never do!), this episode is for you. We're talking all about imposter syndrome: what it is, why it shows up at every stage of business (not just when you're starting out), and how to deal with it when those self-doubts creep in. In this episode, we're sharing our personal experiences with imposter syndrome, from sending client work for review to raising prices to becoming more visible online. We're talking about why comparison on social media makes it worse, and what actually helps when those doubts show up. We're also covering specific situations where imposter syndrome tends to hit hardest: when you're creating new offers, pivoting your business, raising your prices, or growing your audience. And we're sharing lots of practical tips for pushing through it. Topics We Cover Why you can know your stuff and still feel anxiousDoes imposter syndrome ever actually go away?Why it shows up at every stage of businessHow comparison on social media feeds imposter syndromeFeeling intimidated by successful people in your industryWhat helps push past early doubtsFinding community with other entrepreneursWhy success doesn't eliminate self-doubtHow slow seasons bring imposter syndrome backWorrying about what your audience will think when you pivotThe fear of being watched while you failWhy other people don't care as much as you think they doImposter syndrome when raising your pricesImposter syndrome when you become more visible onlinePractical tips for moving through imposter syndromeWhy planning reduces self-doubt Time Stamps 01:26 – Why you can still feel anxious even when you know your stuff 04:48 – Practicing vs. actually performing 05:17 – Have you ever felt like "who am I to be doing this"? 06:13 – Sending client work and thinking they'll hate it 07:24 – Does imposter syndrome ever go away? 08:02 – It shows up at every stage 09:35 – Comparison on social media 11:16 – Feeling intimidated early in business 12:38 – What helped push past early doubts 15:08 – Does it disappear once you've been in business a while? 16:36 – Slow seasons bring it back 17:43 – Why success doesn't eliminate self-doubt 18:01 – What helps as an experienced business owner 21:09 – Imposter syndrome when offering something new 23:18 – Worrying what your audience will think 24:50 – Why other people don't care as much as you think 25:45 – Imposter syndrome when raising prices 30:27 – Becoming more visible online 35:29 – Tips for moving through imposter syndrome Links & Resources Mentioned Dianna's copywriting studio: Rise Copy Co. — website & launch copy for creative women in business: risecopyco.com Joanna's web design studio: Joanna Moss Creative — custom Showit websites & Website in Two Weeks: joannamoss.com Episodes Referenced: Episode 12: Business Pivots: When (and How) to Change Direction

    43 min
  3. 21 APR

    19: How to Make Money With Affiliate Marketing

    If you've ever wondered whether affiliate marketing is worth it, or if it's actually as passive as everyone claims, this episode is for you. We're breaking down everything you need to know about affiliate marketing: what it is, how it works, why companies create affiliate programs in the first place, and how to choose which products and services to promote. We're also sharing which affiliate programs we use in our own businesses, how we promote them, and what realistic income expectations look like. Spoiler alert: Affiliate marketing isn't actually passive. It requires effort and intention. But it's still one of the easiest second income streams you can add to your business without majorly increasing your workload. We're also tackling common misconceptions, sharing mistakes people make, and giving you practical tips for getting started today. Topics We Cover What we first imagined when we heard "passive income"What affiliate marketing actually isHow we use affiliate marketing in our businessesWhy companies create affiliate programsWhy affiliate marketing works better when it feels naturalIs affiliate marketing actually passive income?The Amazon Influencer program (and how it works)Different ways to promote affiliate links (blog posts, podcasts, YouTube, email newsletters, resources pages)How to choose which companies to work with for affiliate incomeWhy you should only promote products you've actually usedSaying no to affiliate opportunities that aren't a good fitTools and companies we promote (Showit, Tonic, 17 Hats, Honeybook, Flodesk, Contract Club, and more)How to stay consistent with promoting your affiliatesKeeping your affiliate links organizedRealistic expectations for affiliate incomeHow long it takes to see meaningful incomeCommon misconceptions about affiliate marketingBiggest mistakes people make with affiliate marketingWhy every business should have multiple revenue streamsWhere to look for affiliate programs in your business Time Stamps 03:31 – What did you first imagine when you heard "passive income"? 04:47 – First thoughts about affiliate marketing 06:18 – What is affiliate marketing? 06:52 – How we use affiliate marketing in our businesses 08:34 – Why companies create affiliate programs 10:32 – Why it works better when it feels natural 13:05 – Is affiliate marketing actually passive income? 15:45 – Different ways to promote affiliate links 15:45 – How to choose companies to work with 16:40 – Saying no to opportunities that aren't a good fit 18:25 – Tools and companies we promote 20:37 – Staying consistent with promotions 22:25 – Keeping affiliate links organized 25:36 – Realistic expectations for affiliate income 28:08 – Misconceptions about affiliate marketing 31:12 – Biggest mistakes with affiliate marketing 31:35 – Should every business have multiple revenue streams? 33:39 – Where to look for affiliate programs Links & Resources Mentioned Dianna's copywriting studio: Rise Copy Co. — website & launch copy for creative women in business: risecopyco.com Joanna's web design studio: Joanna Moss Creative — custom Showit websites & Website in Two Weeks: joannamoss.com Affiliate Programs & Tools Mentioned: Showit (website platform): Get 1 month free!Tonic (design templates for Showit and Canva)17 Hats (CRM)Honeybook (CRM)Flodesk (email marketing): Get 50% off your first year!Interact (quiz creator)Tailwind (Pinterest scheduling)Rank for Revenue (SEO course by Sarah Does SEO)Acuity (scheduling tool)ManyChat (Instagram automation)The Contract Club (website policies and contracts)The Legal Paige (website policies and contracts)BDOW (pop-up opt-in forms)Hautet Stock and Elevate Visuals (stock photos)Booked Out Designer (Showit Designer Course by Elizabeth McCravy)Podcast Success Blueprint (Podcasting Course by Elizabeth McCravy)Amazon Influencer Program

    39 min
  4. 14 APR

    18: Why Branding Is More Than Just Making Things Look Pretty

    When most people think about branding, they immediately think: logo, colors, fonts. But that's only scratching the surface. This is the first episode in our branding miniseries, and we're starting with the foundation: what branding actually is (and what it isn't). We're breaking down the difference between brand identity (the visual stuff) and brand messaging (how you communicate), why most people jump straight to visuals, and what happens when your beautiful design doesn't match your messaging. We're also sharing examples of brands that get it right–like Oatly, Ritz Carlton, and Southwest Airlines–and walking you through practical exercises you can do today to start building or refining your brand strategy. Whether you're starting from scratch or wondering if your current branding is working, this episode will help you understand what a cohesive brand really looks like. Topics We Cover The Jaguar rebrand controversy and why it missed the markWhat people think branding is vs. what it actually isThe difference between brand strategy, brand identity, and brand messagingWhy every business has a brand (whether they realize it or not)Common misconceptions about brandingWhy branding isn't just for big companiesWhy a logo alone doesn't make a strong brandWhy people jump straight to visuals (and why messaging should come first)Why consistency is what makes brands memorableWhere to start if you want to improve your brand todayThe Pinterest "brand room" exercise (Joanna's favorite branding activity)Why you should start with strategy before visuals Time Stamps 00:43 – The Jaguar rebrand controversy 01:47 – What people think branding is 02:49 – What is branding really? 04:24 – Explaining branding in simple terms 06:28 – Do all businesses have a brand? 06:58 – Misconception: Branding is just for big companies 07:31 – Misconception: Branding is just a logo 08:23 – Misconception: Good visuals = strong brand 09:22 – Why people jump straight to visuals 10:11 – Businesses with good design but confusing messaging 11:13 – Branding terminology: Brand voice 11:50 – Branding terminology: Brand identity 12:34 – Should messaging or visuals come first? 13:41 – Can two brands have similar visuals but different audiences? 15:07 – Brands with really strong messaging 16:48 – Instantly recognizable brands 20:20 – Why consistency matters 21:09 – Visual consistency vs. experience: Which creates loyalty? 22:00 – Where to start improving your brand today 27:10 – Start with strategy Links & Resources Mentioned Joanna's web design studio: Joanna Moss Creative — custom Showit websites & Website in Two Weeks: joannamoss.com Dianna's copywriting studio: Rise Copy Co. — website & launch copy for creative women in business: risecopyco.com Kate Putnam Brand Identity Quiz — Find your brand archetype and get direction for your visual identity: kayeputnam.com/brandality-quiz/

    30 min
  5. 7 APR

    17: Work Smarter, Not Harder: Automations Every Business Owner Needs

    If you've ever felt like you're spending way too much time on repetitive tasks that don't directly generate revenue, then this episode is for you. We're talking all about automations and how they can save you hours every week in your business. From streamlining admin tasks to managing your client workflow, automations are one of the best investments you can make as a small business owner. In this episode, we're sharing our personal experiences with implementing automations, what tasks you should automate first, and exactly which tools we use to run our businesses more efficiently. We're also addressing the biggest concerns people have about automations, like whether they make your business feel impersonal or whether they're too complicated to set up. If you're still doing everything manually (or if you're curious about what you could be automating), this episode will give you practical ideas for where to start. Topics We Cover When we realized we needed systems and automations in our businessesThe tasks that were taking way longer than they should (and how we fixed them)Why most business owners wait too long to start automatingWhat automation actually means in a small businessWhy automation feels intimidating (and why it doesn't have to be)The difference between different CRMs (17 Hats, Honeybook, Dubsado)Which tasks you should automate firstWhat a CRM actually does and why it saves the most timeHow to add personal touches even with automated workflowsProject management tools: Basecamp, Asana, ClickUp, TrelloEmail marketing platforms: Flodesk, Mailerlite, MailchimpScheduling systems: Calendly, AcuitySocial media scheduling: Planoly, TailwindWhy automation creates freedomWhere to start first Time Stamps 05:21 – When did you realize you needed systems and automations? 06:50 – Tasks that were taking way too long 08:00 – What it was like running your business before automating 09:01 – Things you did manually that now seem ridiculous 11:18 – Why business owners wait too long to automate 13:15 – What does automation actually mean? 13:56 – Why automation feels intimidating 15:28 – Why it can be complicated (but doesn't have to be) 16:00 – Choosing the right programs for your business 17:19 – What tasks should you automate first? 19:26 – What is a CRM and what can it do? 23:04 – Adding personal touches to automated workflows 24:55 – Different CRMs for different business needs 25:10 – What is a project management tool? 28:16 – Using project management purely for your own organization 29:53 – How automations save time in project management 32:54 – Email marketing platforms and automation 36:09 – Scheduling systems like Calendly 37:07 – Social media scheduling platforms 40:42 – Automation doesn't have to be complicated 41:26 – Automation creates freedom 42:47 – Where to start with automations Links & Resources Mentioned Joanna's web design studio: Joanna Moss Creative — custom Showit websites & Website in Two Weeks: joannamoss.com Dianna's copywriting studio: Rise Copy Co. — website & launch copy for creative women in business: risecopyco.com Tools Mentioned: CRMs: 17 Hats, Honeybook, Dubsado, MoxieProject Management: Basecamp, Asana, ClickUp, TrelloEmail Marketing: Flodesk (get 50% off your first year), Mailerlite, MailchimpScheduling: Calendly, AcuitySocial Media: Planoly, Tailwind

    45 min
  6. 31 MAR

    16: Is Work-Life Balance Actually Achievable as an Entrepreneur?

    If you've ever felt guilty for working late, missing a family event for a client deadline, or taking a mental health day when your to-do list is overflowing, then this episode is for you. We're tackling the work-life balance myth head-on. Spoiler alert: we don't think it's achievable. And we don't think that's a bad thing. In this episode, we're talking about where the concept of work-life balance came from, why it creates more guilt than peace, and what we should be chasing instead. We're sharing our own experiences with trying (and failing) to achieve perfect balance, how parenthood and entrepreneurship changed our perspectives, and why flexibility might be the real goal all along. If you've been beating yourself up for not having it all figured out, this conversation will give you permission to let go of the balance myth and embrace something better. Topics We Cover Whether we think work-life balance is actually achievable as entrepreneursWhere the concept of work-life balance came from (and why it's always been unrealistic)How being a parent vs. an employee vs. an entrepreneur changes your view on balanceDianna's naive expectations of entrepreneurship and work-life balanceJoanna's realization that balance is impossible as a parentThe moments that made us realize balance isn't realisticHow there's always something to do (and why you can never turn it off)The seasons when work 100% takes over (launches, projects, holidays, vacation prep)Why we'd never trade flexibility for technically free weekendsThe guilt that comes from trying to force balanceWhy we're actually chasing flexibility, not balanceHow flexibility is different from balance (and why there's less guilt)Shifting priorities in different seasons of life and businessWhy reminding yourself that seasons don't last forever prevents burnout Time Stamps 03:52 – Do you think work-life balance can exist as a business owner? 05:08 – Where the work-life balance concept came from 07:01 – Balance as a parent vs. employee vs. entrepreneur 08:06 – Did you expect entrepreneurship to give you more or less balance? 10:00 – Reality check: Business takes all your free time 11:16 – There's always something to do 12:40 – When work 100% takes over 13:21 – We'd never trade this flexibility 14:18 – The moment you realized balance isn't realistic 16:27 – Living with the fact that the to-do list is never done 17:14 – What happens when you try to force balance 18:16 – What does balance actually mean? 19:43 – What if we're chasing flexibility, not balance? 20:37 – How flexibility is different from balance 24:13 – Flexibility in different seasons 24:42 – What would you say to someone chasing balance? 25:26 – The mindset shift that helps most 27:24 – Seasons won't last forever Links & Resources Mentioned Dianna's copywriting studio: Rise Copy Co. — website & launch copy for creative women in business: risecopyco.com Joanna's web design studio: Joanna Moss Creative — custom Showit websites & Website in Two Weeks: joannamoss.com Episode 8: Setting Boundaries in Your Business Episode 10: Why Your Why Matters Episode 5: Annual Goal Setting for Entrepreneurs

    33 min
  7. 24 MAR

    15: How to Get Client Testimonials That Actually Sell

    Getting client testimonials seems like it should be simple, but it's actually something most business owners struggle with. Last week, we talked about the trust recession and how social proof is more important now than ever before. So this week, we're diving deep into everything you need to know about client testimonials: how to ask for them, what questions to ask to get compelling answers, when to follow up, and how to use them strategically on your website. We're also breaking down a real testimonial example to show you how to pull out the most impactful pieces, what you can (and can't) edit ethically, and where to place them on your site for maximum impact. Whether you're brand new and only have one testimonial or you have dozens and don't know which to use, this episode will help you make the most of your social proof. Topics We Cover Why getting testimonials is harder than it seemsDianna's process for gathering testimonials (with a freebie!)Joanna's process using questionnaires in 17HatsHow to ask specific questions that get better answersThe difference between vague and specific testimonial questionsLive examples: Asking the wrong vs. right questionsWhen to send testimonial requestsHow many times to follow up without being annoyingWhere testimonials have the biggest impact on your websiteWhy you shouldn't have a dedicated testimonials pageUsing testimonials at decision-making points on your siteWhat you can and can't do ethically with testimonialsPulling testimonials from emails, DMs, and social media commentsBreaking down a real testimonial exampleHow to make the most of one testimonial when you're just starting outWhat to do when you have too many testimonials to choose from Time Stamps 03:43 – Why getting testimonials is harder than it seems 04:50 – How Joanna learned to get better testimonials 06:06 – Dianna's process for gathering testimonials 09:29 – When and how to follow up 13:14 – Client Voice Hacking Guide (free download below!) 13:48 – Examples of vague vs. specific questions 18:40 – Following up without being annoying 22:37 – What you can and can't do with testimonials 25:23 – Where to use testimonials on your website 27:27 – Using testimonials at decision-making points 30:15 – Pulling testimonials from DMs and emails 33:37 – Breaking down a real testimonial example 36:16 – What to do when you're brand new and don't have many testimonials Links & Resources Mentioned Dianna's copywriting studio: Rise Copy Co. — website & launch copy for creative women in business: risecopyco.com Joanna's web design studio: Joanna Moss Creative — custom Showit websites & Website in Two Weeks: joannamoss.com Free download: Client Voice Hacking Guide — Dianna's exact process and questions for getting compelling testimonials (https://risecopyco.myflodesk.com/clientvoicehackingguide) Episode 14: Navigating the Trust Recession (referenced in this episode) Listen on Apple // Listen on Spotify

    44 min
  8. 17 MAR

    14: Navigating The Trust Recession: How to Market Your Business When Buyers Are More Skeptical Than Ever

    Business feels different right now than it did even a year or two ago — and you're not imagining it. We're in what marketing experts are calling a "trust recession," and it's changing the way people buy online. Consumers are more skeptical, they're taking longer to make decisions, and they're looking for authenticity over perfectly polished content. In this episode, we're breaking down what the trust recession is, why it's happening, and most importantly, what you can do about it. Instead of leaving you with doom and gloom, we're spending most of this episode on actionable strategies you can use right now to build trust with your audience — from showing up authentically on camera to using social proof the right way, building genuine relationships, and showing people you're a real human behind your business. Topics We Cover What the trust recession is and how it's affecting online businessWhy people aren't buying as easily as they were a few years agoThe boom during the pandemic and the oversaturation of online businessesHow Gen Z's buying behavior differs from previous generationsWhy AI is making the trust problem worseShowing up authentically on camera (and alternatives if that feels uncomfortable)The importance of brand photographyHow to share client testimonials and social proof the right waySharing the process vs. overnight success storiesWhy your website and branding need to stand outUsing templates while still being authenticThe role of discovery calls in building trustBuilding genuine relationships on social media instead of just chasing salesThe importance of doing what you say you're going to do Time Stamps 04:05 – What is the trust recession? 05:04 – How our personal shopping habits have changed 07:19 – What the trust recession means for online business 09:29 – Why people have become so skeptical 12:27 – Gen Z's different approach to buying online 15:35 – How AI is making the trust problem worse 16:50 – Joanna's story of getting scammed buying lawn furniture 20:51 – How Gen Z views authority differently 23:18 – What we can do to combat the trust recession 23:27 – Showing up authentically on camera 25:48 – The importance of brand photography 26:53 – Retiring filters and showing up as yourself 28:08 – How to share client testimonials the right way 29:41 – Sharing the process vs. overnight success 32:32 – Sharing failures and things that didn't work 33:05 – Authentic branding and messaging 35:08 – Making your messaging transparent without overwhelming 37:27 – Email marketing and newsletters as trust-building tools 37:46 – Building genuine relationships on social media 40:26 – The role of discovery calls in the sales process 44:14 – The importance of doing what you say you're going to do Links & Resources Mentioned Dianna's copywriting studio: Rise Copy Co. — website & launch copy for creative women in business: risecopyco.com Joanna's web design studio: Joanna Moss Creative — custom Showit websites & Website in Two Weeks: joannamoss.com

    49 min

About

The Brand Unmuted Podcast, hosted by web designer Joanna Moss and copywriter Dianna Robicheau, empowers you to build a business that works FOR you–not the other way around–through honest conversations about being in the real middle of entrepreneurship. New episodes drop every Tuesday.