“Why Should I Bother Podcasting?”

People have traded in their playlists of music for podcasts and consumers around the globe are tuning into them. That’s right, it’s a proven fact that about 25% of Americans are listening to podcasts on a monthly basis. It is estimated that by 2021 that there will be more than 100 million podcast listeners in the US alone. The number of people that already love podcasts added with its estimated growth are proof enough that they are a reliable marketing channel. 

Podcasts Have Gained Popularity

Over the last several years, podcasts have been climbing the popularity ladder. The biggest reason for this has been the change to mobile; people are pushing away from their desks and are using mobile devices. Since search engines are changing their algorithms to give mobile devices the priority so are businesses.

It would be in your best interest for you to optimize for mobile platforms. As people rely on mobile devices more every day, it has become easier than ever to access, download, and listen to podcasts whenever and wherever. The second factor that’s fueling the popularity of podcasts is people’s lack of time. It seems that we’re busier than we have ever been and it is harder to do things without a distraction. So, podcasts have made it easier for people to multitask. You can listen to a podcast during a commute, on a walk, while doing housework, etc.

Now we know know that it’s easier for people to find and access podcasts, but it is also easy to to produces podcasts as well. The equipment that is needed for high-quality broadcast is widely available and more affordable than ever. Plus it’s very easy to find a popular website to host your podcast.

Can The Content Help?

If your content is well-researched and thoughtfully written it will help your target audience. The best part is that it helps them for FREE! It is very important that you give your audience a CTA (call to action). Urge them to visit your website, book a free consultation or subscribe to your newsletter. Any of these options will open the door for you to build a relationship and to gain customers.

Millions of people search for content and there’s just as much content to search for. Blog posts, magazine articles, videos, webinars, and e-books are some of the most common. However, the list goes on and on. With all of theses possibilities it leaves entrepreneurs and organizations feeling overwhelmed. When they are unsure of what type of content to look for, they just sit on the sidelines.

I have one simple piece of advice: if you haven’t already created a podcast for yourself get prepared to launch your first piece of audio content. I’m going to tell you four ways that you can benefit right along with your audience.

1. It’s very convenient to consume.

People can listen to your podcast while they’re cooking, exercising, or driving. Listening will NOT stop them from doing everything else they need to do in their busy lives.

2. Your reach and audience grows.

Depending on which platform you publish your podcast, you can expose your content to thousands of people for free. That organic exposure helps you increase your reach and audience.

3. It’s quick and inexpensive to make.

Creating a podcast is much quicker than writing an article. All you need to do is record yourself doing something that you naturally do all the time, SPEAK. Buy a decent microphone and a program for recording your episodes, and bam! You’re set.

4. It will build trust with your audience.

Audio content is very personal. When someone hears you speak, they hear your personality and your authencitiy. The excitement in your voice helps them to feel your passion. Your passion for wanting to help them with the content that they want to hear. It will help your target audience feel as if they have already met you before they actually do.

Go! Acquire some customers!

You should be ready to create some podcasts for you and your target audience. Just don’t forget to include your CTA (call to action) at the end of each one of your podcasts. This will make it very easy for your audience to reach your website or your email subscriber list. You will start seeing more traffic leading to your website and email list. Be passionate in everything that you do and go create your podcasts.