How to Start a Podcast??

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How to Start a Podcast

Podcasts have been around for a while now, but their popularity has grown significantly in more recent times. In 2020,?100 million ?people were listening to podcasts each month, and by the end of this year, it’s expected to have reached 125 million.??

But there’s more good news –??55.6% ?of listeners have purchased an item after hearing it advertised on a podcast and?82.4% ?of listeners spend more than seven hours per week listening to podcasts. These figures showing just how promising podcasts are in terms of lead generation and engagement, respectively.??

It’s easy to see why podcasts are so popular – learning about something while doing other things is convenient, especially when being packed onto a busy train during your commute makes reading a book almost impossible. In addition, podcasts provide the scope to cover topics more extensively than other media allows.??

Podcasting is a great way to engage your customers on a personal level and build trust and authority. It’s also an opportunity to communicate your brand’s values, products and knowledge, as well as drive traffic to your website.??

If your business has customers that are inclined to listen to audio content, then starting a podcast is an excellent marketing tactic for you. Read on to find out everything you need to know to get started.

????Plan Your Podcast Strategy

There are a few things to consider before you?get started.?Who and where is your target audience? What are their interests? What are they talking about??If you are already implementing a content marketing strategy, consider which topics you typically address could benefit from a deeper exploration through this medium. You can also use the opportunity to ask your existing audience what content they’d like to see more of.?

????Types of Podcast

The next thing to consider is the type of podcast you want to create. A podcast is either audio only or a combination of audio and visual content. Which would your audience prefer???

Podcasts that contain visual content usually feature interview snippets, and relevant clips or animations. Naturally, if the topics within your niche require visual explanations of concepts, then a combination is best.?

Some people prefer audio only as it can provide a good way to unwind and rest strained eyes after a long day in front of a computer screen while working. On the other hand, they always have the option to only listen if the situation prevents them from watching and then to watch visual sections later at a more suitable time.??

Audio-only podcasts, as they’re easier to download and consume on the go, but a podcast that is both audio and visual may offer a more engaging experience and allow you to put a face to your voice.

????Select a Platform

There are many different platforms available for publishing your podcast. Among the most popular platforms are:?

• SoundCloud: SoundCloud is a great option, and it’s easy to use. It offers simple RSS feed integration and has a massive user base. To distribute the content externally to SoundCloud itself, you may simply copy the web address or URL of the podcast and embed the same on your website.??
• Fusebox: Fusebox offers a different formula where you do not have to host content directly on their main platform. As the creator, you may choose to integrate Fusebox on your website directly. Fusebox users also benefit from increased customisation of the embedded player on their site and they may choose different buttons, colours, and so on, which is helpful for maintaining consistent branding. These buttons also include options such as downloading the podcast for offline listening, subscribing to your email list, and more.?

There are plenty of other great podcasting platforms out there. Some others include: Google Play Music, iHeart Radio, Amazon Alexa, Anchor and Podbean.??

Many creators take to YouTube to share their podcasts which is a great additional distribution channel you can even go live with them.

????Plan Your Topics

If you already have a content strategy, you may have plenty of ideas to get you started.?As mentioned, you can ask your audience what content they would like from you. Other considerations include?whether there are any gaps in the market for relevant topics that others are not talking about. In addition, think about whether you can create a unique angle for the topics you have in mind. It’s also a good idea to check what your competitors are?doing?and which topics are most popular among their podcast audience.

????Decide on Your Format and Schedule

There are three main podcast formats:?

??The interview format:?In this format, you invite guests on your show to talk about their expertise and experience. This format is ideal for introducing new knowledge and discussion over topics which are relevant to your brand. Some viewers may find your podcast because they were actually researching your guest, making this format an excellent way to drive new traffic to your content and grow your audience.??

??Solo format:?This format is just yourself speaking on a particular topic, which you may have researched or have a personal experience with. This format can be oriented towards objective knowledge, but you may choose to give personal opinions. This format offers the greatest flexibility, since there is only one person hosting and deciding what to speak about and which perspectives to put forwards.???

??The “crew” format:?This format is where a team of people, or “crew” members, host the podcast together in every episode. This creates a conversational format that is more familiar and friendly than the interview format, and where the team members tend to have an ongoing relationship beyond the podcast itself. Such podcasts can create a fun atmosphere that is enjoyable for listeners who love group interactions.?

Aside from the format, you will need to establish a schedule. The more often and consistently you publish, the more listeners you’ll gather.??

Publishing podcasts once or even twice per week can be challenging but there are a lot of advantages to it. For one, you can build a very loyal audience. As they become familiar with your content, they will start to rely on it. Another advantage is that it strengthens your brand and keeps it in your audience’s awareness.??

????Hiring Guests

If you choose to go with the interview format, you’ll need to start searching for guests. Keep in mind that guests are people who can help you establish and build your podcast; perhaps they are experienced in an area that’s related to what you do and can help you provide more well-rounded information and perspectives.?

A good idea is to start by inviting people that you know well or have an existing rapport with. While you can start looking for guests from the get-go, it’s better to build a few episodes before you invite them to join your show. This may help in making the show more appealing to potential guests, since it will already be established.

Continue reading this blog to learn how to record a podcast here ...

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I am the Founder and CEO of SK, a global strategic marketing agency. We work with businesses across the world from start-ups to global corporations to solve their strategic marketing challenges. Our clients need to drive growth, launch their business, enter new markets, develop effective content strategies, drive search visibility, implement social strategies and much more. Get in touch to find out how we can help you.

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I have been helping companies with their marketing from start-ups to global corporates for over 20 years and I’m also the author of 2 best-selling books in the field. Whether it’s growth, branding, performance, content marketing, SEO or many other areas, I have helped companies all over the world to deliver market-leading results and I'd love to help you if I can.

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