How To Build Up Brand Authority as a B2B SaaS
S5E20 – How To Build Up Brand Authority as a B2B SaaS with Melissa Rosenthal

How To Build Up Brand Authority as a B2B SaaS

In today’s crowded SaaS market, standing out isn’t just about having a great product—it’s about positioning yourself as an authority. So how do you establish trust, credibility, and influence in your niche?

Why Building Brand Authority Matters for Your B2B SaaS

In this episode of Grow Your B2B SaaS Podcast , host Joran Hofman sits down with Melissa Rosenthal , co-founder of Outlever and former executive at BuzzFeed , Cheddar , and ClickUp . She shares her expert insights on building brand authority, leveraging thought leadership, and creating a memorable brand identity.

Listen right away here;

?? Key Takeaways from This Episode

? What brand authority really means and why it’s more than just thought leadership

? How to establish credibility in your industry and stand out from competitors

? The role of consistency in branding and why many SaaS founders fail at it

? How to use humor effectively in B2B marketing to connect with your audience

? The biggest mistakes companies make when trying to build authority—and how to avoid them

? Why owning the conversation in your niche can give you a competitive edge


?? What Is Brand Authority?

Brand authority is more than just recognition—it’s the trust and credibility a company builds over time. According to Melissa, brand authority is a combination of:

  • Market presence – Being known and respected in your industry
  • Product quality – Offering solutions that truly solve customer pain points
  • Customer service – Delivering exceptional experiences that build loyalty
  • Emotional consistency – Creating a brand identity that resonates with your audience

“It’s not just about a thought leadership program. Brand authority comes from everything—from customer experience to product consistency.” – Melissa Rosenthal

?? Listen advice; How to Position Your B2B SaaS for Explosive Growth with April Dunford


?? Thought Leadership: More Than Just Content

Thought leadership is a crucial pillar of brand authority, but it requires strategic and sustained effort. Many companies abandon their efforts too soon, missing out on long-term credibility.

Melissa shares:

? Why posting on LinkedIn alone won’t make you an authority

? How to use thought leadership across multiple channels

? Why persistence is key—and when you’ll start seeing results


?? Listen advice; How to leverage Social Media to become a $4B company with Chris Cunningham .


? When Should You Start Focusing on Brand Authority?

If you think brand authority is something to focus on later, think again. Melissa emphasizes that SaaS companies should invest in branding from day one.

At Outlever, they build brand authority by:

  • Prioritizing customer relationships over quick wins
  • Ensuring consistency across every touchpoint
  • Creating an exceptional experience that turns customers into advocates

?? Listen advice: How to build a Brand Strategy with Angeley Mullins


?? The Power of Humor in SaaS Branding

Can humor work in B2B? Absolutely. Melissa shares how ClickUp used humor to:

  • Stand out in a crowded market
  • Make complex ideas more digestible
  • Build an emotional connection with their audience

“Even in serious markets, humor works. It helps brands feel more human.” – Melissa Rosenthal

? Common Mistakes in Building Brand Authority

Many SaaS companies struggle to build authority because they:

? Lack consistency in messaging and branding

? Involve too many voices in branding decisions

? Give up too soon, expecting quick results

Melissa advises keeping branding focused with a dedicated team that includes:

  • A Head of Brand
  • A Communications Lead
  • Leadership support for clear direction


?? Why You Should Listen to This Episode

If you're building a B2B SaaS and want to:

? Gain credibility in your niche

? Create a recognizable and consistent brand

? Learn from someone who’s built brands at BuzzFeed, Cheddar, ClickUp, and now Outlever

… then this episode is a must-listen!

Key Timecodes

  • (1:39) – Discussion on Brand Authority: What is brand authority?
  • (7:23)Importance of Positioning and Brand Strategy.
  • (8:53) – Steps for B2B SaaS Companies to Become an Authority.
  • (15:08) – Identification Humor: Understanding customer pain points.
  • (15:42) – Challenges with a Wide Customer Profile.
  • (15:55) – Common Mistakes in Building Brand Authority.
  • (17:50) – Importance of Leadership in Brand Building.
  • (18:50) – Owning the Conversation in Your Industry.
  • (21:57) – Challenges in Building Brand Authority.
  • (24:02) – Key Roles in Brand Authority Discussions.
  • (25:06) – The Future of Brand Authority and AI Impact.
  • (28:02) – Advice for SaaS Founders Starting Out.
  • (29:33) – Growing to 10 Million ARR: Key Strategies.
  • (31:14)The Role of SEO and Brand in Growth.
  • (33:19) – General Advice for SaaS Founders.



?? Want to receive more B2B SaaS content? Subscribe to our page & podcast (available on all major platforms).


要查看或添加评论,请登录

Grow Your B2B SaaS Podcast的更多文章

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了