As a business owner or marketer, you may have heard the buzz about podcasts and how they can be a powerful tool for connecting with your audience and driving growth. But where do you start? That's where a podcast consultant comes in.
But you'd be fogiven for not knowing what on earth a podcast consultant is or does. Much less how to find one or understand the value one could bring to your business if you were even able to find one in the first place.
So, in this article, I'm going to explain everything you need to know. Including; what a podcast consultant is, their role in your business growth plans, the benefits of working with one, and how to find the right consultant for your business.
I'll also go a little deeper than others you'll find writing about this particular kind of marketing specialist, highlighting what to consider before hiring one, what to expect from working with one, examples of successful business growth through podcast consulting, common mistakes to avoid, and whether investing in a podcast consultant is worth your time and money.
What is a Podcast Consultant?
Great question. And more fool professionals like me who make the mistake of assumming everyone knows what this realtively new type of marking expert is!
A podcast consultant is a professional who provides guidance and expertise on all aspects of podcasting. This can include everything from developing a podcast concept and format, through recording and editing, to marketing and distribution. Essentially, a podcast consultant is like a coach or advisor for your podcasting efforts.
But be really careful choosing the right one. There are a lot of people classifying themselves as 'podcast consultants' who are actually nothing more than opportunists and scammers. These people make bold claims about their abilities to help you grow your podcast while what they're actually doing once they've got your money is producing substandard content for you and paying for bot downloads from clickfarms to make it appear like they're helping you grow an audience!
The Role of a Podcast Consultant in Your Business Growth Plans
Look, I know this is always going to come off as biased. I am! I love everything about podcasting as a medium for marketing and brand awarenesss. But it's true! Podcasting can be an incredibly effective way to grow your business. But you need to know what you're doing to get the best out of it. And sadly, a lot of people who are positioning themselves as 'podcast consultants' actually don't have the first clue about what it is or how it works. So it's always worth doing your due diligence before hiring one - which is kinda what this article is about!
Also, it can also be overwhelming and time-consuming to get started with a branded podcast. A podcast consultant can help streamline the process and ensure that your efforts are focused on what will drive the most growth for your business. They can also provide valuable insights and strategies that you may not have considered on your own.A podcast consultant can help you:
- Develop a clear and compelling podcast concept that resonates with your audience and supports your business goals
- Create a production plan that fits your schedule and resources
- Record and edit your podcast to ensure it sounds professional and engaging
- Develop a marketing plan that attracts new listeners and promotes your brand
- Measure and analyze your podcast's performance to identify areas for improvement and future growth opportunities
Benefits of Working with a Podcast Consultant
Working with a (good) podcast consultant can offer a variety of benefits for your business, including:
Saving Time and Resources
Creating a podcast can be a time-consuming process, especially if you're new to the medium. A podcast consultant can help you avoid common pitfalls and streamline the production process, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your business.
Expert Guidance and Insights
Podcast consultants have a wealth of experience and knowledge when it comes to podcasting. They can provide valuable insights and strategies that may not be immediately apparent to someone new to the medium. This can help you create a podcast that is both engaging and effective at driving growth for your business.
Improved Quality and Consistency
A podcast consultant can help ensure that your podcast is of the highest quality and is consistent with your brand and messaging. This can help build credibility and trust with your audience, leading to increased engagement and growth for your business.
How to Find the Right Podcast Consultant for Your Particular Business
When it comes to finding the right podcast consultant for your business, there are a few things to consider:
Experience and Expertise
Look for a consultant with a proven track record of success in podcasting, as well as experience working with businesses similar to yours.
A consultant with a broad range of experience can offer valuable insights and strategies that are tailored to your particular needs. Also, watch out for any podcast consultant who mentions the Apple Podcasts 'charts'.This is an indication that they have absolutely no idea what they're doing and should be avoided at all costs!
Communication and Collaboration
Communication is key when it comes to working with a podcast consultant. Look for someone who is responsive, clear, and willing to collaborate with you throughout the process. This can help ensure that your podcast is aligned with your goals and messaging.
Cost and Value
Podcast consulting fees can vary widely depending on the consultant's experience and services offered. Consider your budget and the potential value that a consultant can bring to your business when evaluating costs. For the record, you won't find my podcast consultant services listed on Fiverr. Just sayin'!
What to Consider Before Hiring a Podcast Consultant
Before hiring a podcast consultant, you'll need to enter into negotiations armed with a bit of knowledge. Some less scrupulous podcast consultants - particularly the ones you'll find advertising launch courses on Facebook and Instagram) will possibly try to exploit your naivete around the medium and how it works. So I want to share with you a few things you might want to consider before even starting to chat with one:
Your Business Goals
What are your business goals, and how can podcasting help you achieve them? Be clear about what you hope to achieve through podcasting, and communicate this to your consultant.
Your Resources
Consider your available resources, including time, budget, and team members. Be realistic about what you can commit to the podcasting process, and communicate this to your consultant.
Your Timeline
Be clear about your timeline for launching and producing your podcast. A consultant can help you develop a realistic production plan that fits your timeline and resources.
Examples of Successful Business Growth Through Podcast Consulting
There are many examples of businesses that have seen significant growth through podcasting, with the help of a consultant. For example:
HubSpot
Marketing software company HubSpot launched their podcast, The Growth Show The Growth Show, in 2015. The show has since become a key part of their content marketing strategy, with over 2 million downloads and numerous awards.
Pat Flynn
Entrepreneur Pat Flynn launched his podcast, Smart Passive Income, in 2010. The show has become a cornerstone of his brand, generating over $3 million in revenue and attracting a loyal following of listeners.
Amy Porterfield
Online business coach Amy Porterfield launched her podcast, Online Marketing Made Easy, in 2013. The show has become a major part of her business, with over 17 million downloads and a dedicated community of listeners.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Working with a Podcast Consultant
When working with a podcast consultant, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
Lacking Clarity and Vision
Be clear about your business goals and vision for your podcast. This will help your consultant develop a concept and format that aligns with your goals and messaging.
Lacking Commitment
Creating a successful podcast requires commitment and consistency. Be realistic about your available resources and commit to a production schedule that you can realistically maintain.
Failure to Promote
Even the best podcast won't grow without effective promotion. Work with your consultant to develop a marketing and promotion plan that attracts new listeners and promotes your brand.
Investing in a Podcast Consultant: Is it Worth it?
TL;dr - it depends on your individual circumstances!
Investing in a podcast consultant can be a significant expense for your business, but it can also be a worthwhile investment if done right.
Consider the potential value that a consultant can bring to your business, including improved quality and consistency, expert guidance and insights, and time and resource savings. That said, if you're struggling month to month with your current expenses then the additional financial burden of a podcast consultant might not be the best idea for you right now.
Perhaps revisit the idea when you have the budget for a decent podcast consultant who will be able to deliver you a better return on your investment. Better to wait to work with the right person than go all in with completely the wrong person for the job!
Conclusion: The Impact of Working with a Podcast Consultant on Your Business Growth
In conclusion, a podcast consultant can be a powerful partner in your business growth efforts. By providing guidance and expertise on all aspects of podcasting, they can help you create a podcast that resonates with your audience and supports your business goals.
When considering hiring a podcast consultant, be clear about your business goals and resources, and look for someone with experience and expertise in podcasting. With the right consultant by your side, your podcast can become a valuable tool for driving growth and engagement for your business.
Be sure to plan the best questions you can ask to determine their legitimacy.
So, wanna work with Me as a podcast consultant on your podcast?
If you want my help with growing your podcast, you can hire me as your podcast consultant for as little as £150 for an initial session.
Click here to see my various packages and choose your level of investment.
Alternatively, book in to my calendar to schedule a further conversation about how I can help you grow your business using a podcast.