You'll happily pour hours into a social post that sixteen people see. So why does the one channel where people have actually asked to hear from you get whatever's left of your Thursday night?

This episode, Ro takes the reins on email marketing and makes the case for the audience you own. Your email list is made up of people who chose to be there, gave you their details and said yes, I want to hear from you. You pick the moment you land in their inbox, you pick the subject line, and no algorithm gets a vote. And if Instagram or LinkedIn kicked you off tomorrow, your list would still be yours. Nic and Ro get into what a good open rate actually looks like, why a handful of unsubscribes is a good thing, and why a frequency you can keep beats an ambitious one you'll burn out on.

Ro shares the routes for building a list from scratch, then walks through her five-email welcome sequence: a personality-packed introduction, the fun facts and values that wouldn't come up in conversation, a dose of real value, your social proof, and finally how to work with you.

We also talk about what actually makes a good newsletter, and disect the concept of "opt-out" emails, where (as card carrying members of "The Dead Dads Club") we ask whether a flood of "would you like to opt out?" emails has become more painful than the marketing it was meant to spare us from.

Want more from us? Check out Don't Quote Us On This: The Conference! 14th September, 2027.

Don't Quote Us On This is the straight-talking podcast where marketing strategist Rowena Wilding and brand strategist Nic Mooney pull apart the biggest myths, trends and frustrations in branding and marketing.

Nic (who’s a real designer and mostly uses Adobe) explains how to stop falling down the template rabbit hole. She starts with why setting up your brand kit is the first thing you should do. If you don’t have a brand yet, she shows you how to find the clues by looking around your home, your wardrobe and your bookshelves. Then she tackles the dreaded blank screen, with simple, practical design tips: stick to your margins, ditch the logo, keep text above 30px, tighten your line spacing and let your graphics breathe.

They also answer a listener question: “I’ve had my brand done. Do I need to use it everywhere?” The answer is yes and no. Ro and Nic explain the difference between your brand and your visual identity, why only about 25% of your posts need to be polished, and what consistency really means.

And in this week’s Don’t Quote Us On This, they get spicy about the copycats, overpromising courses and quick-buck merchants taking over the online business world. They also explain why they’re doubling down on values-led business and real-life human connection.

Love the podcast?

📣 Don’t Quote Us On This Live is coming next year. It’s a whole day in the room with Nic, Ro and six incredible workshop hosts, and you’ll walk away with work actually done. No fluff, no BS, no AI-generated content. The Pay in 12 offer has now closed, but you can still grab your early bird ticket in nine payments of just £16 a month until December. Don’t sleep on it, because early bird is ending soon. Follow @wearedquot on Instagram for every announcement.

Don’t Quote Us On This is the straight-talking podcast where marketing strategist Rowena Wilding and brand strategist Nic Mooney pull apart the biggest myths, trends and frustrations in branding and marketing.

You can follow Ro on Instagram and LinkedIn

And Nic on Instagram and LinkedIn

There's some mythbusting about exactly where social media sits in your marketing funnel; they cover why you don't have to be on it every day (or at all), and they give their best advice on how to use it without burning the fucking out. They also tell you the tool you need to find where your audience actually is, and three simple types of content that build real relationships, plus handy hacks for talking-heads reels and carousels.

They also tackle a slightly tongue-in-cheek listener question from the Wild Collective community: "Can't AI do this for me?"

And in this week's Don't Quote Us On This, they take aim at the flood of AI posters clogging up the feeds.

Love the podcast?

📣 Don't Quote Us On This is becoming a real-life conference. A whole day in the room with Nic and Ro talking brand, marketing and the BS in between, with incredible workshop hosts still to be announced. Follow @wearedquot on Instagram for every announcement. Early bird tickets are live now at £144, or spread it over 12 payments of just £12 a month if you book in the next month.

Don't Quote Us On This is the straight-talking podcast where marketing strategist Rowena Wilding and brand strategist Nic Mooney pull apart the biggest myths, trends and frustrations in branding and marketing.

You can follow Ro on Instagram and LinkedIn

And Nic on Instagram and LinkedIn

So, a quick insight into:

• Brand personality
• Visual Identity
• Creating lead magnets
• And how to use them

And make sure you stick around to the end to find out what we're going to be doing next!

Want to join us for Don't Quote Us On This: The Conference?

Grab your ticket here for just 12 x £12 a month

Whether you've paid for a logo, cobbled something together in Canva, or done precisely nothing at all, people are already forming an impression of you at every single touchpoint. The only question is whether that impression is the one you actually want.

In Episode 16, Nic takes Ro through the psychology of visual identity: why the same pink can say five different things, how fonts and imagery tell a story in seconds, and why you should never invest in brand photography until you understand your brand first.

Then they answer the question they both get asked most, when's the best time to invest in your brand and marketing, and bust the myth of the marketing silver bullet. And in this week's Don't Quote Us On This, Ro gushes (for once) over Marks & Spencer turning an employee into a genuine influencer, and why Waitrose copying it from their own brand channel completely misses the point.

📣 In Demand by Design is back, and this time it's virtual. Just two weeks away, with a few spaces left. A full virtual day where you'll nail your brand and your marketing, including exactly how to humanise it in all the ways Nic and Ro dig into in this episode. It's your last chance to get on this fab offer - they're not running it again! It's on Monday 15th September to nail your brand and marketing, £500. Grab your ticket now!

Don't Quote Us On This is the straight-talking podcast where marketing strategist Rowena Wilding and brand strategist Nic Mooney pull apart the biggest myths, trends and frustrations in branding and marketing.

You can follow Nic on Instagram and LinkedIn

And Ro on Instagram and LinkedIn

You're a warrior.

Off the back of their first-ever in-person mastermind day, which people described as the best investment they'd made in a decade, Ro and Nic wanted to give something back. Because times are tight and budgets are tighter, but that doesn't mean your brand and marketing have to stall.

So in this episode they run through six things you should absolutely be doing for your business that cost you nothing at all, from leaning properly into your personal brand and actually researching where your audience hangs out, to claiming your Google Business Profile, working your reviews harder, setting up a handful of Canva templates, and finally getting over yourself and posting the fucking video.

Along the way they answer a listener question about sharing your wins in your content without sounding like an utter twat, an issue that seems to plague women far more than men, and one Ro and Nic have plenty to say about.

And in this week's Don't Quote Us On This section, they get stuck into a spectacular rebrand U-turn, and unpick why so many businesses misread their own brand, burn hard-won recognition, and learn the expensive way that reputation takes years to build and seconds to break.

If money's tight but your ambition isn't, this one's a cracker.

📣 In Demand by Design is back, and this time it's virtual. So many of you couldn't make the in-person day, so Ro and Nic have refined it, revisited it and packed in even more value. It's one virtual day on Monday 15th September, it's £500 with split payments available (the deadline to split is 15th August).

The promise? The people who come will have a better Q4 than the whole rest of their year. Quote them on that. Grab your tickets here.

Don't Quote Us On This is the straight-talking podcast where marketing strategist Rowena Wilding and brand strategist Nic Mooney pull apart the biggest myths, trends and frustrations in branding and marketing, with plenty of laughs, strong opinions and the occasional rant along the way.

And Ro on Instagram and LinkedIn

You can follow Nic on Instagram and LinkedIn

Marina Gask is a journalist of more than 35 years having written for publications including Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, The Independent and The Telegraph.

She's passionate about helping women tell their stories and step into their badass boss era by finding great press coverage opportunities.

In this episode she gives us a run down of the four absolutely crucial things you need to do to get in the press, and she dishes the dirt on some of the practices she's seen in the industry that have left a bad taste in her mouth.

It's a must listen for anyone considering PR as part of their marketing strategy, and to be frank, it's a must listen for anyone who HASN'T considered PR as part of their marketing strategy, because... why the hell not?!

You can follow Marina on LinkedIn and Instagram
And learn more about her Press Breakthrough Bootcamp here

If you've found yourself wondering whether it's just you... this episode is for you.

Because if the first half of 2026 has felt heavier than it should, you're definitely not imagining it.

In Episode 13, Ro and Nic tackle the question that's cropping up in almost every conversation they're having with business owners right now: Why does everything feel so much harder than it used to?

They unpack what's really going on beneath the surface, from the trust recession that's making sales cycles longer than ever, to market saturation, economic uncertainty, AI disruption and a political landscape that's leaving many people emotionally exhausted before they've even opened their laptops.

But this isn't an episode about doom and gloom!!

It's about understanding why things feel different, why the old tactics aren't working quite like they used to, and what business owners can actually do instead. They explore why strategy matters more than ever, how to build trust when everyone's sceptical, and why trying to find the next silver bullet is probably the worst thing you can do.

Along the way, they also answer a listener question about speaking to your ideal client, dismantle the myth of the "perfect customer avatar", and end with a spicy rant about the booming personal branding industry... and why so much of what's being sold is simply basic brand strategy wrapped up in shiny new packaging.

If business has felt like wading through treacle lately, this one might just help you realise you're not the problem.

Don't Quote Us On This is the straight-talking podcast where marketing strategist Rowena Wilding and brand strategist Nic Mooney pull apart the biggest myths, trends and frustrations in branding and marketing, with plenty of laughs, strong opinions and the occasional rant along the way.

"Charge what you're worth."

"The funnel is dead."

If you've spent more than five minutes on LinkedIn recently, you've probably been hit with at least one of these gems. And while some of them sound convincing on the surface, Nic and Ro think a lot of today's marketing advice is, frankly… utter bull.

In Episode 12, they dive headfirst into some of the worst advice doing the rounds online and explain why so many business owners are burning out, chasing vanity metrics and investing in all the wrong things.

From the obsession with posting multiple times a day to the idea that a pretty brand is all you need, they unpack why good marketing is rarely about shortcuts and almost never about following someone else's formula.

They also answer a listener's question about follower counts, revealing why more followers won't magically make marketing easier, and why your messaging, nurture and strategy matter far more than the number at the top of your profile.

Finally, in this week's Don't Quote Us On This, they tackle a hard truth: if you want a profitable business, you have to learn how to build one. Being brilliant at what you do isn't enough. Strategy, systems and marketing aren't optional extras. They're the business.

As always, expect strong opinions, plenty of laughs, and absolutely no sugar-coating.

You can follow Nic on Instagram and LinkedIn

And Ro on Instagram and LinkedIn

In Episode 11, Ro and Nic are joined by the brilliant Olivia Marocco, founder of Brand New Connect, editor of Brand New Magazine, and creator of one of the best business events they've attended all year: The Odyssey.

Together, they dive into the realities of building a brand that people genuinely trust in a world where audiences are becoming increasingly sceptical, communities are everywhere, and everyone seems to be chasing bigger, faster and louder.

Olivia shares the story behind Brand New Connect, how a magazine evolved into a thriving community, and why she's never been interested in following trends or growing for growth's sake. Instead, the conversation explores integrity, trust, attention to detail, and the importance of building something that reflects your values rather than someone else's definition of success.

The trio also discuss personal branding, the pressures of constant visibility, knowing when to evolve your business, and Olivia's recent decision to move Brand New Magazine from print to digital.

And in a particularly spicy edition of Don't Quote Us On This, they tackle the rise of the "girl boss" mentality, why collaboration beats competition, and what happens when communities become more about ego than impact.

If you've ever wondered how to build a brand people trust, create a community people actually want to be part of, or grow a business without losing yourself in the process, this one's for you.

Follow Olivia on Instagram and LinkedIn

Follow Rowena on Instagram and LinkedIn

Follow Nic on Instagram and LinkedIn

Is it the speakers? The venue? The people in the room? The free coffee? (Spoiler: that one matters more than you'd think.)

In Episode 10, Ro and Nic compare notes after an absolutely ridiculous few weeks of networking. Between them, they've attended eight events in less than a month, ranging from intimate lunch gatherings and industry conferences to awards ceremonies, exhibitions and sold-out women's business events.

So they decided to do what any self-respecting marketers would do: analyse the lot.

They chat about the events that genuinely blew them away, the little details that made a huge impact, and the common mistakes that can turn a promising event into a disappointing one.

Along the way, they discuss everything from curated guest lists and facilitated networking to terrible coffee, bad speaker prep and why the room itself matters far more than most organisers realise.

There are also some brilliant recommendations if you're looking to get more from networking, whether you're attending events, speaking at them, or thinking about running your own.

If you've ever left an event buzzing with ideas, meaningful connections and a notebook full of inspiration... or left wondering why you bothered putting trousers on in the first place... this episode is for you.

Plus, they reveal the first-ever guest coming onto Don't Quote Us On This, and trust us, it's a good one.

Follow Ro on LinkedIn or Instagram

Follow Nic on LinkedIn or Instagram

In this episode, Ro and Nic unpack why that’s complete nonsense.

They get into the real reasons people hold themselves back in business.

• Perfectionism masquerading as professionalism.
• The comparison spirals that make you question your entire career after one LinkedIn scroll.
• The old comments from teachers, bosses, and random blokes in offices that still somehow shape the way we show up online years later.

This is the episode that'll tell you why “just be more confident” is genuinely useless advice.

They also veer into marketing territory (obviously), talking about analytics without the corporate jargon, the difference between useful data and vanity metrics, and why so many online group programmes are starting to lose their appeal.

It’s thoughtful, funny, slightly existential in places… and probably a conversation a lot more business owners need to hear.

And finally... the big reveal is here. What have Nic and Ro been planning? Find out at the end of the episode!

Follow Nic on LinkedIn or Instagram

Follow Ro on LinkedIn or Instagram

In Episode 8, Ro takes the mic (with strong opinions, obviously) to tear apart one of the most overused phrases in marketing: “just show up.” Because if that advice worked, we’d all be fully booked by now.

Spoiler: good social media isn’t about visibility. It’s about strategy.

They get into why most content doesn’t convert (even when it looks great), how social media is being completely misunderstood as a sales tool, and why your posts shouldn’t exist in isolation. Instead, it should all sit inside something much bigger… a journey that actually moves people from “who are you?” to “I need this.”

There’s also a brutally honest conversation about burnout, the pressure to constantly create, and why doing less (but doing it properly) will get you further. Plus, they dig into authenticity, oversharing, and the fine line between building connection and chasing attention.

If social media has started to feel heavy, noisy, or just a bit pointless… this episode will rewire how you think about it.

Follow Ro on LinkedIn or Instagram

Follow Nic on LinkedIn or Instagram

In Episode 7, Ro hands the mic to Nic (finally) to unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of branding: personality. Not the boring, bullshit, “pick three adjectives” kind… the real, rooted-in-who-you-are kind.

Spoiler: a great brand personality isn’t something you invent. It’s something you uncover.

They dig into why copying trends creates forgettable brands, how your values and opinions are the real differentiators, and why the “you” in your USP is doing far more heavy lifting than you think. There’s also a very real conversation about self-worth, visibility, and why building a business that actually reflects you requires a level of internal validation most people aren’t prepared for.

So here we go - we're going to unpack one of the most misunderstood concepts in branding and marketing: positioning.

Because it’s one of those terms that gets thrown around a lot - but very few people actually explain what it means in practice.

Spoiler alert: positioning isn’t just choosing a niche.

It’s about where you sit in the market, how people perceive you, and why the right people choose you instead of someone else.

And in this week’s Don’t Quote Us On This, we’re talking about brand collaborations - the brilliant ones, the baffling ones, and the ones that should never have happened.

You can follow Ro on Instagram and LinkedIn
And Nic on Instagram and LinkedIn

And remember… don’t quote us on this.

In Episode 5, Ro and Nic get into what good networking really looks like - and why so many people are doing it on autopilot with zero results.

Spoiler: turning up is not a strategy.

Yes, networking can be powerful.
Yes, it can build incredible relationships.
Yes, it can generate serious business.

But without intention behind it, it’s just a very expensive coffee break.

In this episode we get into:

• What actually makes a networking room worth your time
• The difference between expanding your network vs being stuck in one
• Why forced referrals and rigid structures feel… off
• The before, during and after strategy most people skip
• And why the follow-up is where the money really is

We also answer the question: why is lead generation so hard? - and unpack the two biggest reasons most businesses are struggling to convert.

And in this week’s Don’t Quote Us On This, we’re getting into the best and worst brand slogans - from iconic one-liners to campaigns that should never have made it out of the boardroom.

If you’ve been “doing the networking” but not seeing results… this one might hit a nerve.

You can follow Nic on Instagram and LinkedIn
And Ro on Instagram and LinkedIn

And remember… don’t quote us on this.

“I invested in my branding… so why isn’t my business exploding?”

In Episode 4, Ro and Nic unpack one of the most common frustrations in small business: expecting a rebrand to magically fix your sales.

Spoiler alert: your brand is not your marketing strategy.

Yes, great branding can spike attention.
Yes, it can elevate perception.
Yes, it can make you more memorable.

But without a plan behind it, it’s just a very pretty asset sitting there waiting to be used.

In this episode we get into:

• Why branding can’t do the heavy lifting alone
• The “I’ve built it, where are you?” trap
• Why visibility is only step one of the journey
• The real reason your brand might feel like it’s “not working”
• And why looking like everyone else is the fastest way to be forgotten
  

We also talk about the Canva effect, diluted branding, and what happens when you drift away from the rules that were designed to protect your potency.

And in what might be our spiciest moment to date, we call out the epidemic of borrowed identities.
The beige boho clones. The editorial Instagram twins.
The “inspired by” brands that look and sound… identical.

If your brand could be handed to someone else who does what you do… it’s not yours.

You can follow Ro on Instagram and LinkedIn
And Nic on Instagram and LinkedIn

And remember… don’t quote us on this.

In Episode 3, Ro and Nic dive headfirst into a growing problem in the industry: the explosion of marketing (and branding) courses being sold by people who… aren’t actually marketers.

If you’ve ever invested in a programme that promised transformation but delivered vibes, hype and a whole lot of tweaking your messaging, this conversation will hit home.

This episode is about experience vs hype. Strategy vs noise. Integrity vs manipulation.

And yes… we name some uncomfortable truths.

We'll also get into why you really DO need reciepts, what makes a great logo, and the problem with using urgency, scarcity & manipulation in your marketing.

You can follow Nic on Instagram and LinkedIn

And Ro on Instagram and LinkedIn

In Episode 2, Ro and Nic pull apart one of the most common (and costly) misunderstandings in business: assuming branding is marketing, or that marketing magically works without strategy.

As always, this is a bs-free conversation about what branding really does, what marketing is actually for, and why “just posting on social media” is not a strategy. Expect strong opinions, a few spicy takes, and a lot of clarity.

Spoiler: branding isn’t “a logo and a vibe”, it’s the foundation underneath everything, the strategy and identity work you do before you touch photography, Canva, fonts, or a colour palette.

They get into why “buying the parts” (brand shoot, copywriter, email sequence, new visuals) without the core strategy creates a disconnect that quietly turns people off, and why the brands that win are the ones that feel rooted, human, and coherent.