The Deep: 5K Paid Subscribers in First Week
Launching Australia's top podcast subscription strategy with Zoe Marshall
The Challenge
The Deep by Zoe Marshall aimed to become the first independent subscription podcast offering in Australia. The challenge was to create, manage, grow, and monetize an engaged online community while launching a subscription model that would be both commercially successful and sustainable.
Our Strategy
We implemented a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach tailored to the client's unique needs and goals.
Content Strategy
Developed a compelling content strategy that would convert free listeners into paid subscribers while maintaining listener engagement.
Content Creation & Graphic Design
Created high-quality visual content and graphics to support the podcast and drive engagement across all platforms.
Subscriber Strategy & Implementation
Designed and executed a subscription strategy that made The Deep one of the top subscription podcasts on Apple Podcasts.
Monetisation Strategy
Implemented a robust monetization strategy that exceeded revenue goals by 200% while maintaining audience satisfaction.
Project Management
Managed all aspects of the launch and ongoing operations to ensure seamless execution.
Community Management
Built and nurtured an engaged community of subscribers through strategic community management and engagement.
Talent Liaison
Worked closely with Zoe Marshall and other talent to align content with brand and audience expectations.
Partnerships Management
Developed and managed strategic partnerships to expand reach and drive subscriber growth.
The Results
The Deep by Zoe Marshall launched as one of Australia's first independent subscription podcasts, and within its first week, 5,000 paid subscribers proved the commercial model worked. We designed the entire subscription strategy, from content planning and community management to monetisation and partnership development, exceeding revenue goals by 200%. The podcast reached the top 5 subscription podcasts in Australia and New Zealand, the top 25 globally, and was named the fastest-growing subscription podcast in ANZ.
What made this launch exceptional was the holistic approach to building a media brand, not just a podcast. A 71% growth in Instagram following, a 200% increase in free podcast listens, and a 139% improvement in social engagement rate all contributed to a flywheel where free content drove awareness, community engagement built loyalty, and the subscription model converted that loyalty into recurring revenue. For an independent creator entering a space dominated by major media networks, these results demonstrate that the right strategy can turn a personal brand into a commercially sustainable media business.
"Launching a subscription podcast in Australia was ambitious, but the team made it look easy. The strategy they developed not only met our goals but exceeded them in every way. We couldn't have done this without their expertise." - Zoe Marshall, Founder & Host of The Deep