Why Start a Podcast?
If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of starting a podcast but felt overwhelmed by the tech and strategy, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into why podcasting is a game-changer for businesses and how you can leverage it to boost your brand, generate sales, and establish yourself as an expert in your field.
The Podcasting Journey: Learn from Experience
Starting a podcast can be a daunting task, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Cairan from ProfileTree says “We have been there, made the mistakes, and seen the benefits first hand. My journey with podcasting began ten years ago, and let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride. Our first podcast helped grow our website traffic to 1.5 million visits a month. Looking back, we realised the podcast was a cornerstone in that growth.”
He continued, “Here’s the kicker: We stopped too soon. With our second major podcast, we interviewed over 400 companies but then halted. The biggest mistake we made was not continuing. Consistency is key. If we had kept going, we’d be in a different place today. So, lesson one: Don’t stop. Keep going.”
Why Podcast? The Business Perspective
1. Sales Generation: Podcasts are an excellent way to introduce yourself to potential customers. Instead of cold calls or emails saying, “Buy our stuff,” you invite them to be a guest on your podcast. It’s a much softer sell and helps build a relationship.
2. Branding and Positioning: Consistently producing content helps position you as an expert in your field. It also increases brand awareness and trust.
3. SEO and Online Presence: With Google leaning into video and audio content, having a podcast can significantly boost your SEO efforts. Google knows podcasts are real, human-generated content, which helps in the era of AI-written articles.
Starting Your Podcast: The Essentials
1. Define Your Why: Understand why you’re starting a podcast. Is it for sales, branding, or SEO? This will dictate your approach and content strategy.
2. Name and Topic: Choose a name that conveys what your podcast is about. Use tools like ListenNotes and Google Trends to brainstorm and check availability.
3. Format and Style: Decide if your podcast will be solo, interview-based, or panel discussions. Interviews are great for businesses because they help build connections.
4. Audio or Video: If possible, opt for video podcasts. They offer a 10x reach compared to audio-only podcasts.
5. In-Person or Online: Both have their pros and cons. In-person interviews can be more engaging, but online interviews allow you to reach a global audience.
The Time Investment
Starting a podcast requires a significant time investment. It’s not just about recording; it’s about planning, editing, and promoting each episode. Realistically, a single episode might take around four hours of work. But remember, consistency is key. Don’t be one of the 90% who give up after three episodes.
Promoting Your Podcast
Leverage every channel possible to promote your podcast. Social media, SEO, email newsletters, and collaborations with guests can all drive traffic. Provide your guests with marketing assets to share with their audience, maximizing your reach.
Monetising Your Podcast
There are several ways to monetise your podcast:
1. Sponsorships and Advertising: Once you have a decent following, you can attract sponsors.
2. Affiliate Marketing: Promote products relevant to your audience and earn a commission.
3. Direct Sales: Use your podcast to drive sales of your products or services.
4. Premium Content: Offer additional content or early access for a fee.
Final Thoughts: Stay Committed
Podcasting is a long-term game. It requires dedication, consistency, and a clear strategy. But the rewards, in terms of brand growth, customer relationships, and sales, are well worth the effort.
So, are you ready to start your podcast journey? Whether you’re looking to boost your business or share your passion with the world, now is the perfect time to dive in.
Discover 1620 Audio
1620 Audio, based in the Innovation Factory, is your go-to for top-tier audio services. Whether you’re diving into podcasting, recording a hit single, or need expert live sound engineering, 1620 Audio has you covered. Their professional podcast studio boasts 4K cameras and broadcast-standard mics. They also offer comprehensive recording, mixing, and mastering services, plus live sound engineering to elevate any event. With extensive event management experience, they ensure seamless, unforgettable experiences. Ready to bring your audio projects to life?
They can help you with starting your podcast journey. Learn more at 1620 Audio
Masterclass recording:
We recently helped a masterclass on the Power of Podcasting and we have a recording of this event.
If you would like to receive a copy of this please send an email to rbelfast@oxin.co.uk and ask for a copy of the power of podcasting and we will send you the link.
For more information on the Innovation Factory click here
