Meghan Markle needs to learn three lessons from her previously failed Spotify podcast deal in order for her new one to succeed, a PR expert has claimed.
The Duchess of Sussex signed a new deal with podcast distributor Lemonada Media, it was announced on Tuesday evening, less than a year after Spotify axed her and Prince Harry’s lucrative deal was axed.
The company will distribute Meghan’s previous Spotify series Archetypes to all its podcast platforms as well as the new series, which Meghan will host herself.
But already she has been warned that success will only come if Meghan adapts and listens to her audience’s “feedback”.
The new podcast has not been named yet, however, the duchess said in a statement that she is “proud” to announce her new partnership and “continue my love of podcasting.”
She added: “Being able to support a female-founded company with a roster of thought-provoking and highly entertaining podcasts is a fantastic way to kick off 2024.”
Last summer, Spotify abruptly ended Harry and Meghan’s lucrative £15.8 million deal, with the couple only producing one show – Archetypes.
The podcast series has been one of Spotify’s most popular since its launch in August 2022 with more than 10 million downloads/listens.
Now a PR expert warned Meghan to be cautious with her new project as, while the new deal showcases her “resilience and adaptability in the digital media landscape”, it doesn’t “automatically guarantee success”.
Renae Smith, founder and director of the Atticism, said that the new podcast deal represents a “strategic and potentially fruitful endeavour with some audiences”.
But she pointed out three key lessons from her last Spotify stint the duchess needs to incorporate in order for her new endeavour to be fruitful.
She explained to Express.co.uk: “This partnership offers a platform for Meghan to further explore topics that resonate with her audience, leveraging a more intimate and impactful form of communication.
“It’s crucial, however, that she incorporates lessons from her Spotify experience, such as the importance of aligning content with audience expectations, ensuring consistent engagement, and responding adaptively to feedback.
“Success in this new venture will likely depend on crafting compelling, relevant content that fosters a deep connection with listeners, establishing a consistent release schedule, and effectively promoting the podcast to reach a wider audience.
“This holistic approach will not only enhance her brand’s visibility but also work to position her as a thought leader in the spaces she’s passionate about (and which we assume is her ultimate goal).”
She added: “Meghan Markle’s new partnership with Lemonada Media is a savvy move, showcasing her resilience and adaptability in the digital media landscape.
“[But]Transitioning to a new distributor doesn’t automatically guarantee success.”
