You Need a Podcast
Podcasts are a thing. A lot of people listen to them. Like, a lot. A quarter of all Americans listen to podcasts, and that number is only rising. There are the obvious hits like S-Town or Serial, but there’s also a slew of other podcasts that have gained a ton of exposure through people like you and me sharing their expertise.
What’s that tell us? That people love to learn and grow from industry-leading experts. And guess what, they’re only experts because they believe themselves to be — and, in the words of Colbert, so can you!
Here are some reasons why you should jump into the podcasting pool and start riding your own wave (sorry, that metaphor didn’t really work, did it?).
The Podcast Surfer
1. It ain’t hard
I know that podcasting seems like a lot of handwork. But it’s not. If you have a decent mic, a computer, and something to say, then you can easily start sharing your expertise and growing your brand. Here’s a little help to get you on your wave (get it?).
2. Who can say “long-form”?
That’s right, your target audience is clamoring for you. They want to know you, the real you, the you behind the mask. Okay, probably not, but that’s okay. What your target audience really wants is to learn, grow, and feel like they’re apart of something bigger. They’re tired of short-form content, five-second videos, and ridiculous sound bites. They want a conversation with an expert that lasts longer than a Starbucks latte. And guess what, you’re an expert at what you do. Why not share the knowledge?
3. The interview’s the thing
The majority of podcasts — the kind we’re talking about here — are long-form interviews. You talk about your expertise and then bring on others who can talk about their expertise, which obviously connects to your expertise (it’s like an expert triangle of love). And you know what? That’s just cool. It feels really, really cool to be asked to be on someone’s podcast. In a weird way, you’re not only growing your network but also being a good friend.
4. The connection
I know that I joked about your audience caring about you and your brand. Most people probably don’t care. But those that do, those that already bought into your message and brand, actually do care about the person behind the image. A podcast can be a great way to connect with the core of your target audience and, let’s be real here, grow your market share. Why? Because the only thing better than a Super Bowl ad is someone telling you about how awesome that one Super Bowl ad was. In other words, your core audience — the ones listening to your new podcast — will go the extra mile for you. They’re your best marketing.
5. Repeat touches
Don’t jump to conclusions, please. All I mean to say is that the more consistent or regular you are on your podcast, the more likely your core audience is to share your brand. Not only that, but regular content will deepen your core audience’s connection to you, which means more brand loyalty. And if you’re looking for something cool to do on your new podcast, then why not start a regular segment that highlights one lucky member of your growing community. Now that’s what I call, “reciprocal branding.” Okay, not really, but it’s a nice way to show that you care.
Conclusion
Podcasts can seem hard, but they aren’t. They are a great way to connect with your target audience, build brand loyalty, and enhance your credibility. So stop laying around on the beach. Get out there, find your wave, and ride it!
Producing original content and maintaining a digital marketing plan can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Brand Viva Media is an agency that creates custom content and marketing strategies for our clients. When you have the marketing plan you need, your brand gains exposure, customers engage more, and your business flourishes.
The Brand Viva team produces podcasts locally in Denver, Colorado, and remotely with our partners across the United States. We are here to get you up and running, streamline your podcast, and help grow your audience.