Podcasts were a huge trend a few years ago, but fell out of favor as video started to take control of internet marketing. Now, businesses are again beginning to see the value podcasts provide. Many are seeing success as they learn to use podcasts to build their authority, audience, and reputation across social media. This is a primer on using podcasts to build your business.
Let’s look at the most important things to keep in mind while developing your podcast. At the end, we’ll learn the best tip for using podcasts for business development.
Get to know your audience
You should have a good idea of who your customers are, but you’ll want to find out more specific information about them. What do their schedules look like? What are they most interested in? What would they like to learn about? Use this information to plan your content and set a release schedule.
Work with your audience’s schedule
Audio offers several advantages over written and video media. Most importantly, it’s convenient for customers who have busy schedules. If your business offers products and services for the working class, podcasts can help you connect with your customers daily. You simply need to make it possible for them to listen to your content while they are commuting, running errands, working out at the gym, relaxing before bed, or getting ready in the morning.
This means you should be strategic with your timing. If your audience likes to prepare for their work weeks on Sunday nights, release an email to remind them to download your latest episode before they go to sleep. You may see some success releasing new episodes on Sunday afternoons or early Monday mornings before people go to work.
Make good content
Much like blogging and making videos, you’ll want to focus on your audience’s needs and ensure you stick out as an expert. Choose your topics wisely and plan your series around what your audience would like to know most. While you’re writing your script, make sure your content is informative, entertaining, and intriguing. Add your own spin. You don’t want to repeat what everyone else is already saying.
Avoid the pitfalls of audio content
Although audio offers a number of advantages, it comes with one major downfall: it can be incredibly difficult to hold your audience’s attention without any visual cues. If your listeners are focusing on another task like getting ready for work, driving, or exercising, they may quickly lose their focus if your content isn’t engaging and fast-paced.
Because of this, make sure your content packs a punch and maintains a good pace. Aim for shorter episodes with incredible content rather than long episodes with lull periods. Be careful not to repeat yourself or go too deeply into any one thought. Preface your most important information with audio cues that draw back wandering minds.
This also means ensuring your content works for your customers. Avoid overly complicated topics that are better explained through a visual or written medium. Make your calls to action easy to remember for people who currently have their hands full. If you’re going to provide complex instructions, ensure you have supplemental information available on your website and make it easy to find.
Use podcasts to sell
The number one tip for ensuring your podcasts will boost your business is to remember to sell your product and your service. The internet is a powerful marketing tool that allows businesses to reach a global market. There are millions of opportunities to connect with new people from all walks of life every single day. Unfortunately, it’s easy to lose sight of the reason you’re on the internet in the first place: to sell. Keep your podcast focused on your business, your industry, your customers, and what you have to offer. Do not lose sight of that mission.
Overall, podcasts offer several advantages to your internet marketing efforts. When done correctly, a podcast series can be one of the most powerful elements in your internet marketing strategy. If you follow these tips and stay focused, you will successfully grow your business using podcasts.
