So how can your podcast "stand out" from the crowd?
At RadioHub we have produced podcasts for clients that have spent weeks in iTunes "New and Noteworthy" and have featured in the "Editors Choice". We have had the benefit of learning what works and what doesn't through trial and error. Here are 5 questions you need to answer before you start your podcasting journey.
# WHY SHOULD I PODCAST? Podcasting is a great way to build relationships. Be it your audience, with influencers, employers/employees, or with your customers, podcasting is a sounding board to the masses. Podcasting brings increased web traffic to your website or business. It can also give you credibility in your field, business, or niche.
# WHAT FORMAT SHOULD I USE? Before you start podcasting you should be clear on the format or style of podcast you will use. What is the purpose of your podcast? Is it to inspire? educate? drive sales? Let the purpose determine what format you use. Formats: Interview/ Discussion or panel/ Narrative (storytelling).
# DO I HAVE THE TIME? The main reason podcasts fail is that people are not prepared to put the time into their pre-production, research, and edit. A regular weekly podcast takes roughly 6-8 hours from the research and pre-production to the edit and final mix before upload. Another reason podcasts fail is due to lack of consistency. A podcast will not succeed if you do not have a schedule in place. Your audience needs to know that your show will be available at a certain time on a certain day. It builds a level of trust with your listeners.
# HOW DO I FIND GUESTS? Don't be afraid to ask! If you have a guest in mind be generous.. Leave reviews to their posts or podcasts. Connect on social media. Have they written books or done other interviews? By doing your research on your intended guest, they will realise you have put the work in and a) grant you an interview or b) at least be aware of you.
# WHAT'S MY MARKETING STRATEGY? Your content is important, but if no one knows about it, you have put all the hard work and effort in for no reason. Create all your social platforms before you go "live" with your podcast. Focus on one in particular and get 'really" good at it. Grow your followers organically, don't buy followers. Post regularly and post relevant content to your show. "Like" and "subscribe" to people or podcasts that are similar to yours, you may be interviewing them one day!!