Thanks to the modern popularity of podcasting, there are numerous courses and training seminars appearing online, each of them offering something a little different for those up and coming podcasters who need to learn the basics.
But how can you discern the best podcast training courses to choose from, and are they really necessary when it comes to learning podcasting and marketing strategy skills?
What Makes A Good Podcast Course?
When it comes to podcast marketing courses, there are several things that are important to watch out for – as well as things to be mindful of in general.
The Content
First and foremost, much of the information you need to learn for producing podcasts are free and accessible, and there are plenty of successful podcasters who have given their tips and secrets freely.
For this reason, it is always best to assess the information that a specific course can actually provide you with.
If the things they are promising are standard pieces of information that have been told a thousand times before, then it is best to steer clear.
However, if they seem to have some interesting nuggets that you haven’t heard mentioned before, then they may be worth checking out.
ALSO SEE: GarageBand Podcast Training Review
The Price
Price is also an important factor to consider, especially when placed beside the information that is being taught through the course.
If the podcast marketing tutor is charging ridiculous prices for what seems to amount to basic information that can be easily obtained, then they are best avoided.
There are countless so-called ‘experts’ online who make their money by tricking people by claiming to offer the best podcasting courses.
This is why it is best to do your research, read reviews (if there are any), and weigh up in your mind if the bang is worth the buck.
The Quantity
This is another thing worth considering with price and content, as there are many courses out there that charge a fee for only a series of short sessions of podcasting courses.
Short 15-minute or so sessions are great if they are free podcasting courses, but if you are paying for membership on the course, then you want a more substantial session duration, especially if you have paid a pretty penny for the privilege.
What Kinds Of Courses Are There?
Thanks to the popularity of podcasting, and the acceptance of it as a vital form of media, there are now countless courses available online.
All of these podcast training courses are focused on different aspects of the industry – including modern digital marketing techniques, which is one subject that is already well-established (also see, ‘How To Create The Perfect Podcast Launch Plan‘).
If you are a new podcast host looking for basic guidance, there are beginner podcasters courses available, as well as more advanced options if you already have some experience.
Many of these courses also include other topics such as video production and sound engineering (also see, ‘Podcast Production Tips‘).
For those looking to pursue podcasting professionally, there are also business-oriented courses that cover the ins and outs of setting up a successful show.
It’s never been easier for budding podcasters to get the training they need in order to make their dream of launching a successful show a reality.
No matter what your experience level or goals are, you can find the right podcasting course that fits your needs.
University Courses
While these can be more prestigious and exclusive to be a part of, they do offer a good grounding in marketing as a whole, and often come with work experience elements to get you some experience within the industry.
These courses tend to be more centered on the marketing industry in general, and can be quite time consuming, so these should only be applied for if you are serious and dedicated about breaking into the podcasting world.
Premium Online Courses
As mentioned above, there are numerous premium online courses, all of them centered around various elements within the podcasting industry.
While many of these are not offering anything that cannot be found for free elsewhere, the marketing skills specific courses can come in very handy for providing expert business advice that can work wonders when it comes to promoting your own podcasts and other ventures.
To get the best bang for your buck, focus on finding courses that cover most of the following important topics:
- Podcast SEO
- Google search marketing
- Podcast directories
- Social media marketing (types of social media posts that go viral, etc.)
- Podcast equipment (also see ,’Podcast Starter Kit‘)
- Market research
Free Courses
Many successful podcasters also provide free, short courses online to help the newbie podcast audience with various elements of the podcasting industry.
These are often really helpful, and while less specific on one aspect in particular, can be really helpful for those wanting to start in the business, but who have absolutely no idea about where to begin.
For first timers looking for inspiration and guidance, these can be the best course of action to begin with, and don’t cost you anything either!
Conferences
Within most industries, there are conferences designed for networking, learning new skills, and celebration of the industry in general, and these can be a great place to pick up new skills, and hear talks about specific subjects.
As far as podcasting goes, there are several worth checking out, including:
- Podcast Movement: Evolutions (Los Angeles, CA)
- Outlier Podcast Festival (Austin, TX)
- Podfest Expo (Orlando, FL & Virtual)
- Podcast Movement (Dallas, TX)
Each of these offers a good overview of getting started, establishing an audience, boosting viewership of your podcast episodes, and making money.
Streamer Content
Or, for something much more lowkey, there are numerous streamers on Youtube and similar sites who specialize in podcasting, especially in the ways to monetize and popularize an ailing podcast.
These are free, and only require an internet connection to access, making them a good choice for those who’re curious, or who want to brush up on the basics.
Are Courses Necessary?
Because of the sheer popularity of podcasting, and the growing volume of new podcasters each week, there isn’t generally a need to commit to marketing courses – particularly the premium ones.
However, this depends on the individual, their level of understanding, and the ways in which they learn best.
For those people, courses might be the way to move their project forward, but for those who are open to experimentation and have a good basis to start on, then there are plenty of free resources out there to help you on your way.
Final Thoughts
And there we have it, everything you need to know about podcast marketing courses, the best places to find them, and the things to look for.
There are many different avenues to go down these days, meaning that anyone can educate themselves on podcast marketing, regardless of their financial situation, their work schedule, or the ways they want to learn.
So if you are looking to expand your marketing potential, or you just want to refresh your knowledge of the basics for your own podcast, then podcast marketing courses might be right up your street.
