Most people only become aware of new opportunities when the trend has subsided. Podcasting isn’t new, but it has only really started to catch on over the past few years, with more and more people turning to podcasts whilst commuting, exercising, working, etc. They try and drown out the normal day to day things and overlay it with an informative piece of content instead. Whether that is business related, stories, comedy, or you name it!
So, why is now the best time to start your own podcast? There are multiple reasons and it will vary from person to person, but here are six points to get you closer to jumping into the podcasting game!
1. For Your Ears Only
With all the distractions in today’s world, podcasts are a great way to provide your audience with an “ears only medium”. People often don’t have the time to be sitting in front of a screen to consume content via video or blog post, and having an audio content format allows your audience to easily listen while they are on the go. This builds a stronger, firmer relationship with your listeners more quickly because they are listening to your voice directly in their ears.
This is also a great way for you, as a brand or expert in your field, to easily develop your unique voice within the industry. You are able to authentically inject your personality right into your business. With the great value, you provide with your personality and unique voice being familiarized with your audience, they will have no problem listening to you when the time comes that you have something to offer.
2. Access to Experts
We all love to connect/relate to individuals with wisdom or the well-known experts in our fields. Their time is precious, and therefore they cannot always make time for everyone. Podcasting makes it much easier to network with, and gain access to experts in your niche by inviting them to be a guest on your show.
By bringing them on your show, you provide them with the extra value creating another outlet for their content and a chance to share their story once more. In turn, this gets you exposure to their audiences when promoting the episode, and also builds new relationships and networks that can help build value in your business and grow your brand.
3. On-Demand Content
In today’s fast-paced world, everyone likes to listen to or consume content on their own time. A podcast allows your audience to have on-demand, 24-hour access to listen to you when they want to, and not when someone else says they have to. They can tune in when it is most convenient to them, when they’re in the car on a commute, out for a run, or just looking for something to relax to in their downtime.
The fact that listeners have chosen to listen to your podcast makes it very effective for marketing and quickly growing a focused audience. The audience’s freedom to listen removes the barrier or stigma of feeling like something is being forced on them. This again allows for a much quicker relationship and trust to be built between you and your listeners.
4. Grow a Very Engaged Audience
With valuable content directed at the right audience, you can get listeners fast. Value is key! Podcasting gives you a worldwide audience, with no limitations of location, or face-to-face proximity. You can use the show to grow your customer base by offering high-quality content and by keeping in touch with your customers. This allows them to keep your business in the front of their minds. Their engagement will also pay off in the future when you have products or services to offer.
Targeting a specific audience can help you cut through the clutter of today’s social media noise. A targeted audience will give you much higher engagement and interaction than just shooting your arrow out there and hoping that you hit something. Building a relationship with an engaged audience allows you to tailor your content specifically to their needs. This gives you the opportunity to ask your audience for reviews in return, boosting your podcast to the top of the ranks.
5. Spread Your Message Authentically
When it comes to starting a podcast, there is definitely an initial setup cost. However, once you’ve set up and invested the initial costs, the costs remain low and the process can become quick and efficient. The key is putting in the work up front, and reaping the rewards in the long-term. Building an engaged audience gives you the platform to really make an impact and share your message across the world. Ultimately, the Internet allows for an inexpensive method to get your content out to your audience. Your message automatically reaches your listeners without any barriers, which increases the efficiency and ease with which your message is delivered. Your listeners make the choice to tune in to your show, really getting an authentic connection to your message and your true voice is kept intact.
6. Promote Your Business to a Focused Audience
The key to effectively promoting your brand is to get your message out to an audience who is actually interested in what you have to say. A podcast creates exactly such an audience, listeners who are interested in what you have to say. When you are providing valuable information to an engaged audience, they will pay money for the specific information that your podcast offers. Stay dedicated to providing your listeners with audience-centered content, and they will stay committed to you when your product launches roll around. Give, give, give, and your audience will be there for you when you make the ask.
