Podcasting has become a very popular way to share information and entertainment, and there are now over 100 million podcasts being listened to every single month – this is a niche that is well worth breaking into, and can offer serious benefits to businesses and individuals alike.
Wondering what the benefits of podcasts are, and whether your business needs one? We put together all you need to know.
What Is A Podcast?
A podcast is basically a series of audio or video episodes that are released regularly. In most cases, podcasts are usually hosted by individuals who want to share their knowledge and experiences with other listeners.
They can be educational, entertaining, informative, or even political.
Podcasting is a great way to get your message out to a large audience and, as the listening figures attest to, chances are high that you will find the perfect captive audience for your subject.
What Are The Benefits Of Podcasts?
You may be wondering about the benefits of podcasts compared to other types of media, and some of the main advantages include:
They Allow You To Build A Personal Connection
When you listen to a podcast, you really feel like you are talking directly to the person behind it. As a result, you develop a personal connection with them – and this can be hugely important for building a successful long-term business relationship.
They Can Help You Promote Your Brand
Another benefit of podcasts is that they allow you to promote your brand. By recording your own shows, you can use them as a promotional tool to help spread awareness about your company and, as we mentioned, build up a valuable long-term relationship with listeners, who may then become potential clients and customers.
They Are Easy To Produce And Publish
Unlike traditional radio broadcasts, podcasts are easy to create and publish because there is no physical medium to deliver. Instead, you simply upload your files onto a website and send out emails to friends and family to let them know what you’re doing.
They Provide Flexibility
One of the biggest benefits of podcasts is that they provide flexibility. Unlike radio stations, where you must stick to a specific schedule, you can choose when you broadcast your show.
You can even change the format at any point during production without having to go through the whole process again.
They Offer Great Exposure
If you’ve ever tried to market your product or service by using traditional advertising methods, you will know how difficult it can be to reach potential customers.
However, podcasts offer an alternative method of promotion that allows you to target your audience more effectively.
They Are A Great Alternative To Video
If you want to connect with your audience, but are a little shy about appearing on video, then a podcast can be a great alternative option.
Creating a podcast is also generally easier than producing a video, which means you don’t have to worry about equipment costs. Plus, if you do decide to produce a video, you’ll still have access to a podcast as a backup plan!
They Can Drive Traffic To Your Site
As we mentioned earlier, podcasting is one of the best ways to drive traffic to your site. When people subscribe to your podcast, they receive regular updates from you via email.
This helps to keep them interested in what you have to say and encourages them to visit your website, which in turn leads to a greater chance of a sale or connection.
They Can Be Monetized
You can monetize your podcasts in two different ways. Firstly, you can charge for each episode. If you want to make money from your podcasts, you need to find a way to get people to pay for them.
This could be done by selling adverts, offering downloads, or charging per episode.
The second way to monetize your podcasts is to sell subscriptions. For example, you could set up a subscription box where people can sign up to receive new episodes every week.
How To Start Your Own Business Podcast
If you have an idea for a podcast but don’t know where to begin, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to create a successful podcast:
Be Yourself
The first thing to remember when starting a podcast is that it should reflect your personality. This means that if you’re not naturally funny, then don’t force yourself to be funny; instead, just talk about things that interest you.
If you’re not naturally knowledgeable, then make sure you actually learn something new each time you record.
Get Feedback
Once you have recorded your first episode, listen back to see if it sounds like something people would enjoy hearing. You may think your voice is too quiet, or your accent is too strong, so try to get feedback from someone else before you release it.
Find An Audience
Once you have created your first episode, you’ll probably want to start sharing it with others. There are many ways to do this, including posting links on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+, or sending copies via email.
Don’t Forget The Basics
You don’t necessarily need to spend money to produce quality content, but you do need to invest in good equipment. You also need to be prepared to work hard to build up your audience.
Choose A Topic That Interests You
The best thing you can do when you begin producing your own podcast is to find a topic that interests you. Once you have found one, you’ll be able to explore it in depth and share your knowledge with others.
Have Fun With It!
Finally, remember to enjoy yourself while creating your show. After all, you are discussing and exploring something that you love, which makes it much easier to keep going.
The Bottom Line
So, whether you’re just starting out or already a seasoned podcaster, these are some of the reasons why you should consider adding podcasts to your marketing strategy.
They are a cost-effective way to increase exposure, generate interest, and ultimately grow your business.
