Crafting a Purposeful Podcast Strategy: Boost Your Business Growth

Let's talk podcasting, shall we? As a business owner who's been on this rollercoaster for four years now, I've had my fair share of "what on earth am I doing?" moments.

But with nearly 10,000 downloads under my belt, I've also learned a thing or two about turning a podcast from a time-sucking hobby into a proper business asset.

In this blog, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of my podcasting journey - from the "I have no clue what I'm doing but let's give it a go" beginnings to the current "Lionhearted CEO" incarnation.

We'll chat about the ups, the downs, and the "oh crud, I forgot to hit record" moments. Whether you're toying with the idea of starting a podcast or looking to breathe new life into your existing one, I've got some hard-earned wisdom to share.

The Evolution of a Podcast: From Naive Dreamer to Strategic Mastermind (Sort Of)

When I first dipped my toes into the podcasting pool four years ago, I was about as clueless as a chocolate bar in the fridge (spoiler: that's where chocolate should never be).

My grand plan? Have a chat, share some ideas, maybe make a few friends along the way. Noble intentions, sure, but about as strategic as a kitten chasing a laser pointer.

🦁 The Initial Approach: Making Friends and Influencing People (Maybe)

At first, my podcast was all about the guests. I was like a kid in a candy store, inviting every marketing expert I could find to come and chat. The pros?

1. I made some fantastic online pals (podcast guests = instant friends, right?)

2. My listeners got to hear from a smorgasbord of experts

3. I felt like a proper networking queen

But here's the kicker - while I was busy showcasing everyone else's brilliance, I forgot to shine a light on my own expertise.

🦁 The Pivot: Balancing Act (With a Side of Panic)

Realising I needed to up my game, I rebranded to "Lionhearted Marketing" and tried to juggle guest episodes with solo shows about ads. The idea was to:

1. Keep the networking mojo going

2. Finally prove I knew a thing or two about ads

3. Give my audience some meaty content to chew on

Sounds great in theory, right? But in practice, without a proper team or systems in place, it was a bit of a bumpy ride.

I found myself stressed, rushing to get episodes out, and not feeling as connected to the content as I'd hoped. It wasn't quite the smooth sailing I'd envisioned.

Refining the Podcast Strategy: The Lionhearted CEO's Guide to Not Losing the Plot

After a much-needed breather, I came back with a new name and a sort-of plan: "Lionhearted CEO". This wasn't just about marketing anymore - oh no, we were going full-on business growth, with ads as the secret sauce.

🦁 The Three Pillars of Podcast Purpose (Or: Why Am I Doing This Again?)

Through trial, error, and a bit of expert advice, I figured out there are three main reasons us business owners torture ourselves with podcasting:

1. Connections: Making friends in high places (and hopefully some listeners too)

2. Expertise: Showing off our big brains

3. Audience Growth: Convincing more people to listen to us ramble

Being the overachiever I am, I decided I wanted all three. Because why make life easy, right?

🦁 Implementing the New Strategy (With Only Minor Meltdowns)

To achieve this lofty trifecta, I got my act together:

1. Launch Strategy: Blitzed out five short episodes in a week (nothing like a bit of self-imposed stress to kick things off)

2. Content Mix: Committed to two episodes a week for three months

   • Tuesdays: Longer episodes for the hardcore fans

   • Thursdays: Quickies for the "I'm too busy for this" crowd

3. Focus on Expertise: Finally remembered to talk about what I actually know

And you know what? It worked!

I hit number four in the UK marketing podcast charts. Take that, imposter syndrome!

Lessons Learned: How to Podcast Without Completely Losing Your Marbles

Now, don't get me wrong - this new strategy was great for the podcast, but not so great for my sanity. Even with a team and systems, churning out two quality episodes a week was like trying to fill a leaky bucket. Here's what I learned:

🦁 Key Takeaways for Aspiring Podcast Moguls

If you're thinking of joining the podcasting circus, here's my hard-earned advice:

1. Define Your Purpose: Figure out why on earth you're doing this to yourself

2. Be Realistic: Don't bite off more than you can chew (trust me on this one)

3. Stay Flexible: Be ready to pivot faster than a politician in a scandal

4. Focus on Quality: Better to put out one good episode than two rubbish ones

5. Plan Ahead: Batch recording is your friend (future you will thank past you)

The Future of Lionhearted CEO: Evolving with Purpose

As I stumble into the next phase of my podcasting adventure, I'm switching things up again:

1. Reduced Frequency: One episode a week

2. Reintroducing Guests: Bringing back the chat factor

3. Audience Growth Focus: Trying to be less niche and more "ooh, that sounds interesting"

Because if there's one thing I've learned, it's that in podcasting - as in life - change is the only constant. Well, that and the need for caffeine.

Crafting Your Podcast Strategy: A Step-by-Step Guide to (Mostly) Keeping Your Sanity

If you've decided to take the plunge into podcasting (glutton for punishment, are we?), here's how to do it without completely losing the plot:

1. Define Your Objectives: Figure out what success looks like (besides not crying after every episode)

2. Identify Your Target Audience: Who are these gluttons for punishment who'll listen to you?

3. Choose Your Format: Solo rants or awkward interviews? You decide!

4. Plan Your Content: Create a content calendar (and try to stick to it)

5. Set Up Systems: Establish workflows (or embrace the chaos, your choice)

6. Promote Consistently: Tell everyone you know (and some you don't) about your podcast

7. Analyse and Adjust: Regularly check if anyone's actually listening

Remember, your podcast strategy should be as flexible as a yoga instructor.

What works for one business might be a disaster for another. The key is to keep your ears open, your mind flexible, and your sense of humour intact.

Conclusion: Your Podcast, Your Business, Your Circus

Starting a podcast can be a bit like adopting a hyperactive puppy - it's exciting, terrifying, and guaranteed to chew up more of your time than you ever imagined. But with the right strategy (and a healthy dose of caffeine), it can also be an incredible tool for growing your business and your brand.

Whether you use your podcast to show off your expertise, make new friends, or simply enjoy the sound of your own voice, the important thing is to stay true to yourself and your goals. And if all else fails, remember - at least your mum will listen!

By sharing my own podcasting saga, I hope I've given you some food for thought (and maybe a chuckle or two). Now go forth and podcast - may your downloads be plentiful and your tech issues few!

Now, if you're sitting there thinking, "This podcasting lark sounds great, but I'm not quite ready to hear my voice echoing through the digital airwaves," fear not! There's more than one way to grow a business (thank goodness, right?).

While we've been chatting about podcasts, let's not forget about the power of good old Facebook and Instagram ads. If you're looking for another way to reach your audience and grow your business without having to worry about whether your 'um's and 'ah's are podcast-worthy, this might be right up your alley.

If you're ready to take the leap into Facebook & Instagram ads, my Audience Builder Course is the perfect place to start. I'll walk you step by step through 3 key Facebook & Instagram ad campaigns to allow you to grow your email list AND Instagram followers - for as little as £3/day.

Click here for all the info & to sign up.

Whether you choose to podcast, advertise, or do a bit of both, remember: growing your business is all about finding what works for you. So go forth, experiment, and may your business grow as impressively as my tea collection!

What next?

If you’ve found this blog post useful, here are some ways you can be a part of my world:

1) Love an Instagram story? Good, me too! Come say hi & access plenty more of my free tips over on: @sophiegriffithsco

2) Listen to my podcast! It’s all about taking big, bold moves in your marketing with strategic, practical advice and loads of inspiration too! Click here to find out more and listen!

3) Interested in working with me? To check out the client services I offer here click here

Listen to the full podcast episode for additional insights and tips here.