Podcasts! Everyone has one these days it seems. But did you know they can help you reach your audience? Here at MCM, we started The Premise Podcast as a marketing tool for The San Diego Writers Festival, and it’s going great! So, we thought we’d share some details about how and why YOU may want to consider using podcasts as a marketing tool too.
The Pros of Using Podcasts as a Marketing Tool
Because Podcasts are so popular they’re a great opportunity to reach a larger audience. 144 million Americans listen to podcasts according to the latest stats! Podcasts are accessible and easy to consume, so it’s not a big commitment for the listener, which is part of the appeal. When free time is limited, people want what’s easy. They also require less work and expense to create than you’d think. Almost anyone with a decent quality laptop and a few other pieces of equipment can make their own podcast. It’s starting to make sense why there are so many, right? And believe it or not, you can use podcasts as a marketing tool—even if you’re brand new to them.
A Few Other Benefits of Podcasts
- They’re easily sharable
- Podcast listeners also tend to be active social media users
- They’re a way to get exposure and build trust with a new audience
- Podcasts are also an excellent way to hone your interview and speaking skills
- They help establish your status as an expert
- Whether you’re hosting one or being a guest, it looks good on your proverbial resumé
How To Use Podcasts as a Marketing Tool
Event though it’s fairly uncomplicated and startup costs are minimal, not everyone has the energy, time or material to host their own podcast. But it’s pretty easy to be a guest. Whether you’ve already been asked to be a podcast guest or not, it’s still smart to be prepared when the opportunity comes along. Luckily, here at MCM were working on creating a whole educational series on podcasting—from hosting your own to being a memorable and impressive guest. But more on that later!
You Can Use Podcasts to:
- Talk about your latest book
- Speak on the topic your book covers
- Do readings
- Offer insight into your industry/genre/your process
- Offer knowledge and expertise
- Let your audience know more about what makes you tick
- Host a Q & A for fans and future fans
- And much more!
Host Your Own Podcast
If you’re interested in hosting your own podcast to market your books, yourself as an industry expert, or just discuss your related topic in depth, you’ll need to know a few things.
First, do you have enough material and access to others to have a weekly podcast? Maybe only a monthly podcast? Or possibly just a short series? How long will each episode be?
You’ll also need to consider things like:
- Hosting platforms for your podcast
- Equipment you’ll need
- How much time and money you want to invest
- If you’re willing to learn a few new tricks
- Will you really enjoy doing it
If you have a lot to say, are eager to try new things, and are willing to put yourself out there, then hosting your own podcast may be the best option for you. But, remember, just because every podcast doesn’t have to be polished and perfect, that doesn’t mean you won’t have to keep it to a certain quality standard. If no one can stand to listen because of sound or topic quality, you’ll be wasting your time and effort.
Use Podcasts as a Marketing Tool by Being a Fantastic Guest
Maybe you see how using podcasts as a marketing tool could be really beneficial and you want to give it a shot? Whether you’ve already been asked to appear on a podcast as a guest, or you hope to someday, you’ll want to be prepared. You never know when the opportunity may arise!
A few things to remember:
- Be polished and prepared
- Get comfortable speaking on your topic
- Expect some improvisation and take it in stride
- Have fun
- Have the right gear
Are You Getting Excited Yet?
You may not end up hosting your own podcast (though we recommend it if you can), but you’ll likely want to be a guest on one in the future. Podcasts are popular platforms and they’re probably not going anywhere any time soon. Actually, they’re more popular now than ever. So if you’re ready to take it to the next level, you may want to add podcasts to your marketing tool kit!
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