(Not just one that hits record and hopes for the best)
Far too many podcast agencies treat your success like it hinges on mic choice and shouting into a void.
They’ll sell you a “podcast in a box” or rave about audio polish, then disappear the moment the episode drops.
But what happens after launch? Crickets. No strategy. Zero measurement. No ROI.
If you’re a brand or content marketer in 2025, you’re not launching a podcast for fun. You’re doing it to move the needle, and to build trust, spark real engagement, and deliver value that hits the bottom line.
TL;DR
Most podcast agencies focus on production. Not performance.
If you care about brand trust, loyalty, and pipeline (and not simply downloads) here’s your playbook:
- Start with strategy: Connect the show to business goals
- Ask sharper questions: See if they dead-stop at sound or go deeper
- Think post-launch: Distribution, repurposing, analytics matter
- Measure what moves metrics: Brand lift, deals, retention. Not vanity downloads
The real problem: Most podcast agencies are just production shops
They’ll ask:
“Preferred format?”
“Number of episodes?”
“Fade‑in or hard cut intro?”
They won’t ask:
“What job does this podcast need to do for your brand?”
“How does it fit into your content ecosystem?”
“How will we measure impact beyond downloads?”
That’s how podcasts flatline. Essentially, it’s zero strategy + zero alignment = expensive, content-shaped noise.
What ROI actually means in podcasting
If you’re wondering, “What’s the ROI of a branded podcast?”, here’s the real list:
- Brand lift: Your audience doesn’t just see your logo. They trust your voice.
- Customer loyalty: Not just top-of-mind. You’re part of their weekly commute.
- Lead generation: You join early-stage relationships before your competitors do.
- Deal acceleration: Sales teams use episodes to re-engage leads and get deals moving.
- Thought leadership: Your execs aren’t spouting fluff. They’re hosting real, high-stakes conversations.
Downloads? Nice to see. But not proof the work works.
5 smart questions to ask before hiring a podcast agency
- “How will this show tie into our business objectives?”
If they start with formats or branding, walk away. - “What’s your plan for audience growth and episode distribution?”
Publishing and hoping isn’t a strategy. - “Have you worked with long‑sales‑cycle or niche B2B audiences?”
Enterprise audiences don’t binge like everyday consumers. - “How will we measure success?”
Don’t settle for “downloads.” Push for retention, brand lift, and deal influence. - “Show me real case studies.”
You want proof, not promises.
How JAR Podcast Solutions does podcasting differently
We don’t just produce episodes. We build business assets.
We’ve helped clients like Amazon, RBC, Expedia, Lululemon, and The Wharton School turn podcasts into strategic ROI machines.
- Amazon: This Is Small Business
We improved packaging, intros, descriptions, and metadata. This led to a 30 percent increase in engagement with deeply engaged listeners. We focused on content value and clarity, not just celebrity guests. - RBC: Disruptors
JAR helped take the show from “cheap and cheerful” to Canada’s top business podcast. Production overhaul + marketing strategy = 500 percent audience growth, 80 percent listen-through, and chart domination. - Expedia: Out Travel the System
We turned Expedia from a booking engine into a trusted travel guide. 95 percent listen-through. 300 percent YOY growth. And brand perception shifted from transactional to trusted. - Lululemon: Leadership Series
An internal podcast that connected 4,200 global staff. 95 percent consumption per episode versus 60 percent industry average. 75 percent of staff tuned in regularly, boosting culture and cohesion. - Wharton + Accenture: Where AI Works
Academic meets enterprise. We aligned storytelling with learning objectives, curated guests that balanced scholarship and business, and delivered analytics that informed future strategy.
Ready to build a podcast that actually moves the needle?
If you’re serious about using a podcast to grow trust, deepen loyalty or drive pipeline, we should talk.
No generic sales pitch. Just a real conversation about what your podcast could be doing for your brand (and why most aren’t).
Let’s make sure your next podcast earns its keep.
Roger transitioned from a 22 year career in advertising account management to co-founding JAR, a podcast podcast production agency. As CEO of JAR, he propels the company’s growth by prioritizing audience engagement and podcast marketing. Under his guidance, JAR flourishes with a global clientele, aiming to broaden its reach across North America and revolutionize brand connections through immersive storytelling.
