Episode #6: The "Swiftie" Effect for Podcasters: How to Build a Loyal Podcast Community with Veronica Romney
Identity Marketing, Brand Loyalty & Podcasting with Veronica Romney
Listen on Apple Podcast | Listen on Spotify | Watch on YouTube
Have you ever wondered why some brands build cult-like followings (think Swifties, Harley Davidson fans, or Funnel Hackers) while others struggle to gain traction?
If so, today’s episode is for you.
We’re diving into a game-changing approach to marketing and branding with Veronica Romney—marketing strategist, identity branding expert, and author of Identity Marketing. Veronica shares her four-step identity marketing framework, how entrepreneurs and podcasters can leverage branding psychology, and why marketing is shifting away from traditional tactics in 2025.
Here’s a glance at this episode:
00:00 Identity Marketing Overcomes Traditional Tactics
05:42 Ethical vs. Unethical Marketing
08:39 Entrepreneur Branding for Small Businesses
11:27 "Swifties' Impact on Sports & Music"
19:24 Naming and Identity Personification
22:14 Intentional Branding for Community Building
27:25 Evolving Identity in Podcasting
31:28 Podcasting as Relationship Marketing Tool
36:10 Authentic Interviewing Over AI
45:52 Questioning Scalable Digital Offers
What You’ll Learn in This Blog:
Why identity marketing is more powerful than traditional tactics
The ethical vs. unethical side of marketing
How small businesses and entrepreneurs can use branding psychology
What podcasters can learn from the Swifties’ influence on sports & music
How to create an identity-driven brand and loyal community
The role of podcasting in relationship marketing
Why AI is a tool, not a replacement for authentic marketing
The future of online marketing and scalable offers
Identity Marketing Overcomes Traditional Tactics
Traditional marketing often relies on outcome-based messaging—selling a product or service by highlighting what the customer will achieve. But identity marketing flips the script, focusing on who the customer is and who they want to become.
🚀 Key Takeaways from Veronica:
People buy products that affirm their identity. They don’t just want a course on launching a business—they want to become an entrepreneur.
Marketing shouldn’t feel like persuasion. It should feel like an invitation into an identity your audience already resonates with.
Strong brands don’t need to convince. Instead of pitch-slapping your audience, build a community around shared values and identity.
Real-World Example: James Clear’s Atomic Habits became a global bestseller because it speaks to identity—people don’t just want to exercise, they want to become fit people.
Ethical vs. Unethical Marketing
Have you ever sat through a webinar and suddenly felt pressured into believing you need something you never considered before?
That’s where ethical marketing draws the line.
💡 Ethical Marketing vs. Unethical Marketing:
✅ Ethical: Speaking to an identity people already desire (e.g., entrepreneurs, creatives, leaders).
❌ Unethical: Convincing people they need an identity they never wanted (e.g., pushing someone to be a speaker when they have no interest in public speaking).
“You shouldn’t have to convince someone of an identity they don’t already desire. You’re here to help them step into who they already want to be.” – Veronica Romney
Entrepreneur Branding for Small Businesses
Think identity marketing only works for big brands? Think again. Small businesses and podcasters can leverage this too.
How Entrepreneurs Can Apply Identity Marketing:
Your audience will name themselves. Let your listeners or customers create a name for their community (e.g., “Funnel Hackers,” “92 Percenters” from Travis & Jason Kelce’s podcast).
Use storytelling to reinforce identity. People connect with narratives. Share transformations, not just facts.
Create a sense of belonging. Build a space where people feel part of something bigger than themselves.
Example: Call Her Daddy became a massive podcast brand because it created the "Daddy Gang" identity, making listeners feel like insiders in an exclusive community.
Swifties' Impact on Sports & Music
One of the best identity marketing case studies? Taylor Swift and the Swifties.
When Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift started dating, two fandoms merged—football fans and Swifties. Suddenly, Swifties were watching football, and NFL dads were taking their daughters to concerts.
Why This Works for Podcasters:
If you blend audiences intentionally, you can grow beyond your niche.
Podcast listeners want to feel seen—use identity marketing to turn them into a loyal community.
“Strong identities bridge gaps between industries, audiences, and demographics. Just like Swifties and football fans—your podcast can do the same.” – Veronica Romney
Intentional Branding for Community Building
A brand isn’t just a logo or tagline—it’s the feeling and identity you create around it.
💡 How to Build a Strong Brand Community:
Give your audience a name. Let them adopt an identity that aligns with their values.
Use a compelling backstory. Why does this community exist? What does it stand for?
Create rituals and traditions. Swifties trade friendship bracelets. Harley riders greet each other on the road. What’s your brand’s tradition?
Your Next Steps
Ready to build a brand that attracts loyal, engaged listeners? Start implementing identity marketing in your podcast today!
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Let’s Connect!
Share your favorite trend from this episode or ask questions by DMing me on Instagram at @thepodcastmarketinghub.
Resources & Mentions
|dentity Marketing Book – Get Veronica’s book here
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