Mark Steadman, a podcast consultant specializing in empowering voices for change, joins the discussion on the strategy behind raising prices. He emphasizes the need to understand the true value you provide to clients, aligning pricing with this perceived value. The conversation dives into the importance of building relationships and accountability in business, as well as the motivations behind starting a podcast. They also explore the delicate balance of editing content to sound natural while enhancing communication skills, setting realistic expectations, and fostering deeper client connections.
Understanding and communicating genuine value is essential for justifying price increases and attracting quality clients in podcast consulting.
Building strong relationships and resetting client expectations are crucial in the podcasting journey, enhancing the overall perceived value of services offered.
Deep dives
The Importance of Pricing Strategy
Proper pricing is essential for signaling the value of services to potential clients and determining the target audience. Mark Steadman discusses his journey of raising his prices nearly double for his podcast consulting services after recognizing that he was previously undervaluing his work. This strategic pricing improvement serves to attract clients who are willing to invest more in quality services, thus promoting a healthier business relationship. By increasing prices, he aims to enhance not only his own business sustainability but also the importance of a value-driven approach in the podcasting industry.
Identifying Gaps and Providing Value
Mark emphasizes the necessity of understanding clients' needs and experiences within the podcasting landscape to effectively provide value. Many beginners encounter stages of confusion in the podcasting process, and Mark aims to bridge these gaps through auditing and consultation. He believes that creating a tailored approach is crucial for optimizing client outcomes, ensuring that clients not only receive services but also grasp the learning journey involved in podcasting. This enhances the overall value of his offerings, helping clients to experience personal and professional growth.
The Relationship Dynamics in Podcasting
The podcasting medium encourages a strong relational dynamic between creators and their audiences, an aspect that Mark highlights as vital in the work he does. Podcasters often enter the field with various motivations, from generating business leads to building community and educating listeners. Mark underlines the need for podcasters to prioritize listener benefits and cater to their educational goals, fostering community engagement. He points out that having a focus on genuine connection can differentiate a podcast in a saturated market.
Understanding Client Expectations
Mark discusses the significance of resetting client expectations about the podcasting process as it evolves and how this can influence pricing. He asserts that many clients may not understand the value they receive until they engage in the podcasting journey, necessitating constant communication and adjustments to their expectations. Additionally, he highlights the need for professionals to remain aware of their unique selling propositions compared to service providers on platforms like Fiverr, positioning themselves as partners in their clients' growth. By cultivating trust and offering personalized support, professionals can assure clients that they are investing in quality, not just a service.
If you want to increase your prices, it has to start with an understanding of your value. Not just the mechanical tasks you perform, but the trust, familiarity, and unique value you bring to your clients. This can lead to a dramatic increase in price, which gets closer to reflecting the true value of the service provided.
Mark Steadman is a podcast consultant who works with individuals contemplating their “second mountain”. He helps people use their voice to achieve change, as he believes the voice is the most persuasive tool we have.
In this episode, Carlos, Ben, and Mark discuss increasing price so it aligns more closely with the real value you provide.