Podcasting Best Practices for 2021

Guest article, written by Adrienne White

Launching a podcast gives you the power to demonstrate your expertise, build an engaged global audience, and increase your business revenue.

A podcast is a valuable asset in your marketing strategy plan. By creating high-quality, educational, and client-centered content, you build an incredible amount of rapport with your ideal clients in one episode.

This article defines some of the elements needed to host a successful and sustainable podcast. I’ll help you overcome concerns that your podcast won’t stand out in a seemingly saturated market. I’ll also share some of the common mistakes that new podcasters make and how you can avoid making them.

After reading this article, you will be more equipped to align your podcast outcomes with your business goals, which will take your business marketing and success to the next level in 2021.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD PODCAST

First, it is essential to note that you must determine how you define your podcast’s metrics of success. Getting listens is important but might not be the most important metric to follow for your purposes. I recommend you base your success metrics on your business goals and consider what will maximize your return on investment.

The success of your podcast is dependent on how much you understand your listeners, why they tune into your show, and the value your content provides them. 

When you have a deep understanding of your listeners, you can provide high-quality, niche-specific content that satisfies their needs for education, empowerment, and entertainment.

The more value you provide on your podcast related to your zone of genius, the more likely it is that your listeners will start to see you as the go-to authority in your industry and build the know, like, and trust factors that lead to easy sales.

HOW TO STAND OUT IN A “SATURATED” MARKET

One of the most common concerns I hear from prospective clients and aspiring podcasters is: “Is it even a good idea to launch a podcast when there are already so many podcasts out there for people to listen to?”

My response is always the same: “You wouldn’t say this about your business, so why would you say it about your podcast? People will listen to your show because of YOU and YOUR energy, perspective, and expertise.” 

Plus, the podcasting industry will never become oversaturated because listeners are not limited by how many shows they can subscribe to. When you consider the listener experience and create valuable content that solves your prospective clients’ problems, you position your business above others in your market.

There may already be several podcasts in your niche, but don’t let that prevent you from launching your show because you will be leaving money on the table for someone else.

COMMON PITFALLS OF PODCASTERS (AND HOW TO OVERCOME THEM)

Most podcasters invest in the start of their podcasts rather than in the future of their shows. They experience “shiny object syndrome” and purchase all the fancy new tech, the web domain, and professionally designed cover art, which is all great to have. These elements all contribute to the show’s aesthetics, but not to the actual value of the information provided by the show.

75% of podcasts launched are no longer active.

50% of podcasters who quit don’t make it past episode 7.

These staggering statistics prove my point about how most podcasters invest in their show’s start but don’t plan for their long-term success.

The solution to this problem is to take the time to develop a content strategy plan that aligns with your business offers and goals before launching. I specialize in providing my podcast consulting clients with individualized revenue-generating content strategy plans that lead to a successful and sustainable podcast model. 

I highly recommended you hire a podcast consultant and business strategist who can give you industry-specific advice on positioning your podcast so you can ensure you experience success based on your goals.

BONUS: MINDSET FOR SUCCESS IN PODCASTING

One must set realistic expectations from the beginning to prevent experiencing a feeling of failure, which can lead to quitting before having the opportunity to reap the benefits of providing consistent content. 

Podcasting is a marathon, not a sprint. You have to want to be in it for the long-game and recognize that you may not see an immediate return on your investment. Each episode you produce is a piece of evergreen content that creates a new data point where you are further building your portfolio for your listeners to consume.

If you’re thinking about launching a podcast this year, you’ll want to consider these tips. Feel free to send me a message on LinkedIn if you have any questions.

Happy podcasting!

About the Author: Adrienne White is the founder and CEO of Fempower Media, a podcast consulting agency for entrepreneurs, businesses, and corporations. Adrienne specializes in podcast launching, content strategy, and monetization.

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It was a pleasure to work with Adrienne and learn so much in a short amount of time. Her expertise brought immense value to our team and my vision of the podcast to life. 

To learn more, I highly recommend you turn to Fempower media for podcasting advice.

The #DigitalFirstLeadership podcast will launch next week.  

Visit the BlissPoint website to listen to the trailer: https://blisscorp.com/podcasts/.