Are you thinking about hosting your own podcast show? Perhaps you’ve heard a lot about podcasting recently and you’re wondering if it’s suitable for you and your business?
In this article we answer the question “why should I start a podcast?” by discussing five of the most frequent objections that people have for hosting their own podcast along with eight business benefits associated with podcasting.
What is Podcasting?
Put simply, a podcast is an audio file that you create to share information with your audience. A podcast can be listened to on a range of devices, from computers to MP3 players to smartphones. You can host a podcast as many times a week/month as you like, but if you are just starting out, hosting a podcast once a month is a good start, eventually building up to once or twice a week.
Five common reasons why people don’t host a podcast show
One – People don’t want to listen to me talk about my business
There are numerous reasons why someone would listen to a podcast about your business:
- If they read your blog about your business, chances are they will listen to you talk about your topic as well
- Listening to a podcast can sometimes be more exciting than reading a blog article
- It allows the listener to multi-task, for example they can be driving or making dinner and still be listening to your podcast
- People can listen on the go, whether they are on their way to work or the gym they have your words of wisdom with them. A podcast can be listened to anywhere as it is easy to download and store on a device without having to be connected to the internet.
- People like to learn in different ways, in different situations, and if you already produce a blog or video, you are now allowing them to learn from you through audio.
Two – I don’t have the time to make a podcast
Do you have time to write a blog? If the answer is yes then you definitely have time to publish a podcast. With podcasting you can speak your thoughts rather than spending time typing them out on a computer. If you make a mistake, you can easily re-record or edit the file before you post it online. In fact, it’s ok to make little mistakes on your podcast – it doesn’t have to be absolutely perfect.
In short, the time argument always comes up when it comes to all different types of marketing. At the end of the day, if you take it seriously enough and you understand the value, then you will make the time. As with anything, it’s a case of having a plan, sticking to it and making it happen. A lot of people fall down here, which should give you confidence that if you stick to your plan, you will differentiate from almost everyone else.
Three – Podcasts aren’t for my industry
Podcasts are not designated to particular industries, people are making podcasts about anything and everything. Just like content marketing is for every industry, so are podcasts. If you think no one in your industry is making podcasts, delve a little deeper and you may find some, and if not, then you can set a new standard in your industry.
Your homework at this stage is to search on iTunes for podcasts in your industry and see what’s currently available. See if you can spot a gap.
Four – I don’t have the equipment to make a podcast
Basic podcasting equipment includes a microphone, headphones and computer with an internet connection, which most people have. Alternatively if you have a phone that allows you to make voice recordings then with that plus a computer you have all the equipment you need. All you need to do is install some recording and editing software on your computer and you are ready begin.
The technological hardware and software barriers are very low when it comes to publishing your podcast show.
Five – I don’t know what I would talk about
If you blog, what do you write about? It is exactly the same as writing a blog, you are just speaking directly to the listeners, rather than getting them to read your thoughts on a particular topic. If you like, you can even write out what you are going to say and rehearse it like you would a speech. If you don’t blog, then ask yourself what are the common questions I or others in my industry get asked?
Here are some other ideas to help you getting started with creating content for your podcast:
- What are you passionate about?
- What do you enjoy learning about?
- What do you enjoy speaking about?
- Who do you enjoy speaking to?
Benefits to your business
One – Audience Connection
You can make a stronger impact on your audience than if they read a blog article you wrote. How? By listening to you talking about a topic you are excited about, you can better convey your passion for that subject area and are able to get more of your personality across to the listener. Podcasting may also make you appear to be more real to your readers/listeners and will allow you to build a deeper connection with your audience.
Two – Brand Awareness
Just like any form of content marketing, podcasting will increase your brand awareness as listeners share your podcasts, start discussions around them and delve deeper into other content you have published. The more frequently you host a podcast, the more awareness you will build; consistency is the key here. Think of it like waiting each week for your favourite TV show to come on; build brand awareness and a strong listener base and people will be waiting in anticipation for your next podcast.
Three – Increase website traffic
Consistency is key and so by hosting a weekly podcast, people will tune in every week and while they are there, may even do some research into what else you have to offer, whether that is a blog, webinar or E-Book. Even simply mentioning your website during your podcast, listener’s curiosity may get the better of them and they will check out your website.
Four – Reach your niche
Your audience may not enjoy always reading blog after blog about a particular topic, so introducing podcasts can be a great way to reach even more of your target audience, and even get some new prospects and customers via your podcast.
Five – Share your passion and personality
As mentioned previously, podcasts are a great way to get your passion across about a topic that interests you. Through talking about what you love people can hear the passion in the tone of your voice. If you are excited about what you are talking about, it may inspire others to get excited about it too. Podcasting is also a great way to covey your personality, whether you are quirky or serious, listeners can get a better feel for who you are as an individual rather than inferring what you are like from the way you write.
Six – Share information
A podcast is just another platform through which to share information with your customers. Using a mix of blogs, podcasts and other platforms, you can keep your readers and listeners interested by giving them a different platform each time you share content.
Seven – Simple and Affordable
A podcast is easy to record and upload, you can even just use your phone. Whats more you don’t have to invest in any fancy new technology and with a few simple tools you can be up and running. Once your podcast gains traction and popularity perhaps you can start investing in better equipment, but you don’t have to do this immediately.
Eight – Building influential relations and speaking opportunities
Through your podcast, you might interview some experts in your industry and end up becoming good friends through the experience, which in turn may lead to opportunities for your business such as cross promotion or the chance to speak at an event. If you have an easy going speaking style you may be contacted by a conference or event looking for a speaker just like you to share your stories and experience. Many bloggers that have branched out into podcasting are now speaking at conferences around the world. It’s true that podcasting can lead to bigger and better things for your brand and your business.
Related article – Ten reasons why I started the Marketing Academy Podcast by Chris Marr
Your Turn
Now that we have helped you to understand why you should start a podcast, what are you waiting for? Get started on your podcast today!
- What’s stopping you from starting your podcast?
- How did you find the experience of starting your own podcast?
- How has podcasting benefited your business?
- What advice can you share with someone who is thinking of starting a podcast?
Please join the conversation in the comments a section below.