Ryan “Heff” Gerlach is the founder of The Keeper League Podcast and keeperleaguepod.com.au. This podcast and website focus on a specific flavor of fantasy football for Australian Rules Football, known as Keeper Leagues. In these leagues, fans not only draft players but also build teams that last for years. The Keeper League Podcast has become the go-to hub for player data, draft tools, and expert analysis for football keeper leagues.
In episode 658 of The Side Hustle Show, Heff shares his journey of turning a niche passion into a profitable business. He discusses how he built a loyal community around this specific interest and monetized his skills and knowledge through various streams.
One of the key aspects of Heff’s success is his ability to spot a gap in the market. He realized that there was a lack of dedicated coverage for Keeper Leagues in the fantasy football world. This motivated him to start The Keeper League Podcast and provide valuable content and resources for this niche audience.
To monetize his podcast and website, Heff offers a yearly subscription model. Subscribers gain access to curated player data and expert analysis, which helps them make informed decisions in their Keeper Leagues. The podcast currently has around 1,200 annual subscribers, split across three tiers.
Heff has also expanded his revenue streams by offering consulting services. He helps other podcasters improve their audio quality, content strategy, and production process. Additionally, he assists businesses in enhancing their social media presence and website development.
To drive traffic and sales, Heff utilizes Meta ads, sponsorships, and partnerships with fantasy platforms and sports brands. He creates video ads that demonstrate the usefulness of various tools and resources for Keeper League players. These ads, along with sponsorships, generate additional income and reach a wider audience.
Looking ahead, Heff’s focus is on scaling his business and reaching more people. He plans to expand his membership base, improve the tools and resources offered, and find new ways to connect with the fantasy football community. He also aims to move into a dedicated studio to enhance the production quality of his content.
Throughout his journey, Heff has learned that it’s never too late to learn something new. He advises aspiring side hustlers to embrace continuous learning and not to stress about what others think. He believes that mistakes and hiccups are part of the process and that the community is often understanding and supportive.
Overall, Ryan “Heff” Gerlach has successfully turned his passion for fantasy football into a profitable business. Through his podcast, website, and consulting services, he provides valuable resources and insights to the Keeper League community.
