If you read my blogs or listen to my podcast you know that now is as good a time as any to start your podcast. A lot of people here how many podcasts are out there and are overwhelmed. Keep in mind that it is your consumer searching for your content and looking for businesses like yours that matter. Don’t get caught up in the numbers.
Most business owners I talk to about this get frozen by the multiple decisions necessary. My business is focused completely on taking all of that responsibility and helping you manage it or take it off your plate entirely.
With that – here are a few quick steps to jumping in quickly to podcast.
Decide what area of your business is most important to advocate for.
You should pick a topic based on what you think is important about your industry and consider the audience you are trying to reach.
Define your goals and writing and in your first podcast. Why are you doing this? Why is this very important to you? These are essential questions that you’re prospects or customers want to hear.
Don’t be afraid of targeting a niche.
Too many times broadcasters and podcasters mistakenly think they need to provide something for everyone. There are many more people competing in that space then there are for the small niche of your audience who will buy from you. Stick to a niche.
Look into equipment costs and options
Coming soon I will have a complete guide to podcasting on a budget. When you consider what type of podcast you are going to do (interview with others, three or four guests at one time, or solo) and where you are going to conduct your podcast (in an office, in our studios, or in a broom closet) you will have a clearer picture of what you need. In most every case it is inexpensive.
Here are the key things you will need to find;
- microphone or microphones
- a computer (your desktop or laptop will work just fine)
- decent headphones (or consider a headset to combine with option 1)
- a mic stand, tripod, or mic arm
- audio editing equipment (Audacity is free and very popular)
A Great Podcast Hosting Platform!!
My company has established a marketing partnership with the world’s largest podcast host. We are so proud of the features and tools offered with Libsyn that we couldn’t imagine doing business with any other provider. Their options are affordable – and even if you don’t use our managed services – you can sign up with us and receive some tutorials and guidance that are only available to OnWeb clients.
Understand what an RSS feed is
This is the backbone of all of your content. Everywhere this file is read it will refer back to your podcast host – which will give them the audio file they need in order to listen to your episode.
Create podcast art
This does not have to be fancy but some serious thought should be given before you make a decision. Also make sure that it complies with Apple’s standards for podcast art.
Write a great summary of what you talked about during the podcast.
- Give it a title that is compelling and features the name of your guest if you have one
- describe in detail what you talked about during the podcast
- use effective keywords that are specific to that show
- provide links to your guests websites and any sponsors if you have any
- Definitely provide links to specific pages on your site or links to more information (relative to your topic)
- Use your email marketing and social media to let others know about your podcast
- Include a link to your podcast through the website
- Post every episode you release on your company Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn page, (and any other pages that you have).
Keep doing it, keep promoting it!
Successful podcasts don’t generally happen overnight. Once you get into the rhythm of recording regularly and posting, you’ll find that it gets easier, and the repetition allows you to make references to other episodes.
Brian DuBose
