The No-Nonsense Guide to Finding The Best Podcast Marketer

IN A GIST

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Creating a podcast can seem as complex as solving a Rubik's cube blindfolded. There's an intricate set of steps to take before you're ready to hit the airwaves. Prepping episodes and crafting the perfect trailers are just the tip of the iceberg. The real challenge is this: How do you master the art of promoting and marketing your podcast effectively?

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As an aspiring podcaster, you may be considering seeking expert help to make your mark in the crowded podcast landscape. But just how do you ensure that you bring onboard the right professional?

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In this blog post, we will guide you through this process, providing you with the insights you need to get your podcast off to a soaring start. Remember, it's not about embarking on a mystical voyage; it's about making strategic choices. 

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Here’s what to expect:

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• A step-by-step guide to hiring a podcast marketer
• Bonus tips for finding the right candidate

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MAIN ARTICLE

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Demystifying Your Needs: The Critical First Step

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Ever tried tackling a jigsaw puzzle without knowing the final picture? That's what you're doing if you leap into hiring help for your podcast without understanding your needs first. This is not about spontaneous creativity; it's about methodical planning.

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So, how do you figure out your needs?

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Step 1: Divide the process

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Break down your podcast launch into different phases. Is it content creation that’s got you in knots? Or perhaps it's the publishing strategy that's giving you sleepless nights? The more granular you get, the better.

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Step 2: Conduct a self-assessment

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Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Are you great with content but stink at tech?

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Recognizing your own skills can help you understand where you need external help.

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Step 3: List your pain points

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Write down your specific struggles. This could be anything from distribution confusion to content creation.

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Step 4: Prioritize

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Now, not all pain points are created equal. Some are mere inconveniences, while others are showstoppers. Prioritize your list based on what’s holding you back the most.

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By the end of this process, you'll have a clear-cut list of your needs. In fact, this more than just a list; see it as your personal compass in the bustling freelancer market. With this in hand, you're well-equipped to find the exact help your podcast requires, ensuring a smoother launch and a less frazzled you.

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Understanding your needs isn't a mere preliminary step; it's the cornerstone of your hiring process. Without this, you're shooting in the dark. So, get this done right, and you're well on your way to a successful podcast launch.

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Recruitment SOS: Broadcasting Your Needs

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Alright, you've identified your needs. You know what you're missing, and it's time to find the right person to fill those gaps. But don't just stand there with a bullhorn shouting into the void, you need to be strategic about where you send your SOS.

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Enter: the digital marketplaces of LinkedIn and Upwork. These are not just websites; they're platforms populated with the freelancers you need. But how do you find the right one amongst this crowd? Follow these steps.

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Step 1: Craft the perfect job listing

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This isn't just a 'Help Wanted' sign, it's your wish list for the ideal candidate. Make sure to include the specific tasks you need assistance with (e.g. podcast editing, social media promotion, scheduling guests). Highlight the skills they should possess (e.g. sound editing expertise, social media savviness, excellent communication skills). Finally, give them a glimpse of your podcast's style and ethos, so they can assess if their creative vision aligns with yours.

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Here's how you can structure your job listing. You can even use it as a template, if you’d like!

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Title:

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Seeking Podcast Launch Specialist for a Web3 and AI Podcast

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Job Description:

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Hello! We're a brand-new podcast focused on Web3 and AI, with eight episodes recorded and ready to launch. We're looking for a skilled podcast specialist to help us kick off with a bang.

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Responsibilities:

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1. Podcast Publishing: You'll handle the publishing aspect of our episodes. We need you to ensure each episode is formatted correctly and uploaded to all major podcast platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.
2. Social Media Promotion: We want our podcast to reach as many listeners as possible. You'll be in charge of promoting our podcast on social media platforms (LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram), so experience in social media marketing is a must.
3. Scheduling and Communication: You'll liaise with future guests for our episodes, ensuring they are properly scheduled and informed about the podcast's format and expectations.

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Requirements:

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1. Previous experience with podcast publishing, preferably with a show related to technology.
2. Proven social media marketing skills.
3. Excellent communication and organizational abilities.

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Our Podcast's Ethos:

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Our podcast aims to make Web3 and AI accessible and engaging for everyone. We believe in breaking down complex concepts into bite-sized, digestible content. If you're passionate about technology and love making it understandable for a broad audience, you might be our perfect match.

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Application Instructions:

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Interested? Please send your CV, a brief cover letter explaining why you're the right fit for our podcast, and any examples of past work or projects you've handled related to podcasting.

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A detailed job listing like this should give prospective candidates a clear understanding of what's expected and allow them to assess whether they're a good fit for your podcast.

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Step 2: Post in the right places

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You've got your detailed job listing, now it's time to fish where the fishes are. LinkedIn and Upwork are teeming with freelance talent. Post your job listing in relevant groups or job boards on these platforms. For instance, on LinkedIn, you could post in groups like "Podcast Movement" or look for a podcast community. On Upwork, specify that you're seeking podcasting specialists.

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Step 3: Evaluate responses

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Brace yourself for the wave of responses. Don't rush - take the time to thoroughly review each application. Check if they've met your listed requirements, their experience level, and if their cover letter resonates with your podcast's style. 

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Protip: Keep an eye out for personalized responses, these candidates are likely more invested in your project.

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Step 4: Shortlist your candidates

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This is the culling stage. Weed out the ones who don't meet your requirements and shortlist the ones who do. Look for candidates who not only have the necessary skills but also show a clear understanding of your podcast's vibe. Remember, you're not just hiring for skills, you're also hiring for fit.

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See? Sending out a recruitment SOS doesn't have to be daunting. With this guide, you're well on your way to finding the perfect podcasting wingman.

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The Art of Portfolio Perusing

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Now, onto the next critical piece of this podcast-launching jigsaw puzzle: portfolio perusing. You wouldn't buy a car without a test drive, right? The same principle applies when hiring your podcast's wingman.

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Here's how you can make the most out of this process.

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Step 1: Look for shared interests

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The first step is to skim through their portfolio. Do you see anything related to what your podcast is about? If yes, that's a good start.

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If not, don't dismiss them yet. Look for skills that can be transferred or adapted to your needs.

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Step 2: See if their experience aligns with your needs

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Now, it's time to deep dive into their work. Look for specific examples of tasks similar to what you need help with. Maybe they've launched a podcast before or helped with marketing another. These experiences can be invaluable to your podcast.

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Step 3: Check culture fit

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This one's crucial. Does their style align with your podcast's vibe? You want your hire to 'get' your podcast - its tone, its ethos, everything. So, if you're all about cutting-edge AI discussions, a candidate with experience in edgy, tech-forward projects could be your ideal fit.

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When in doubt, schedule a quick interview. It doesn’t even have to be through a call if you’re busy - you can do so via chat or email instead.

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Step 4: Query and confirm

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Don't shy away from asking them about the projects you liked in their portfolio. Find out what their role was, what the outcomes were, and how they contributed. This conversation can offer you insights that aren't apparent just by looking at their work.

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And... Action!

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With the perfect wingman now by your side, it's time to take the leap. Discuss your launch strategy together, letting them know your expectations, timelines, and targets. This step is like syncing your watches before a mission - it ensures you're both on the same page and ready to roll.

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Launching a podcast is no cakewalk, but with this no-nonsense guide, you're equipped with a strategic hiring plan that's practical and easy to follow. So, go forth and conquer the podcasting world with your new sidekick!