The popularity of podcasts has exploded in the last decade. As of January 2020, there were 850,000 active podcasts—up from 500,000 in early 2018.
Podcast consumption dipped a bit in the early days of the pandemic, but the number of podcast listeners has recently bounced back to pre-COVID levels. Today, more than half of consumers over age 12 listen to podcasts, mostly on mobile apps.
Thanks to the exponential growth of technology, starting a podcast has never been easier. If you’ve decided to go for it in 2021, smart move. If you already have a podcast, even better.
Here are 6 must-haves for podcasting in 2021.
1: Decent recording equipment
Picture this: You end the call with your podcast guest, and you’re stoked. You nailed the interview, and you know your audience is going to love it.
Except then you start the editing process and realize the audio quality is, well, garbage. Your guest’s voice is too low and muffled. There’s an HVAC system humming in the background, And there’s a weird echo.
It’s every podcaster’s nightmare, and it’s really common.
You can have a voice that’s smooth as butter and the best guests in the world, but your listeners aren’t going to stick around if they have to strain to hear what you’re saying.
The solution: Invest in a decent microphone, headset, and editing software. You don’t have to break the bank in the process. Here’s some top-rated recording equipment for not a lot of cheese.
But be aware that audio quality problems often happen on the other end. Even if you have great equipment, your guest may not. Be proactive and learn how to get good audio without sending your guests to a studio.
2: Dedication and practice
If you’re a podcast aficionado, you’ve undoubtedly heard some podcasts that are rough around the edges, especially when they first launch.
Unless you’re a media guru with years of broadcasting experience, your first few (or 20) podcasts may not be all that great. But as they say, practice makes perfect.
As with any new venture, expect bumps in the road. Do your research and take advice from experts about what makes a great podcast.
3: A theme or niche
If you know your stuff and are passionate about your topic, it’s bound to shine through even as you navigate the rocky terrain of launching a podcast.
Pick a theme or niche you can stick with for the long haul. Write out your vision, goals, and objectives, just like you would for any new venture.
Relentlessly research your subject and give your audience something to look forward to every time, whether it’s breaking news about the topic or your unique insights or stories.
4: Interesting guests
You don’t need to land big-time celebrity guests to create a successful podcast. Well-spoken experts in their field—even lesser-known ones—can still be incredibly valuable for boosting listenership.
That’s great, you say, but how do I actually go about finding potential guests and inviting them to the show?
- Start building your guest list from existing industry connections and friends.
- Attend industry events to forge new connections.
- Join Facebook groups relevant to your topic or niche.
- Keep your ears open on your favorite podcasts for guests who you might also like to interview.
- Target authors with upcoming or recently released books. They’re likely already making the media rounds and may be more willing to come on your show—if you pitch them effectively.
If you don’t personally know the person you want to pitch (or know someone who knows the person), start with an email. Introduce yourself and your podcast, tell the person how you discovered them, and explain why you think they’re perfect for a specific episode. Play up your podcast and explain why it’s valuable to your listeners. Keep it brief and close the email with a strong ask.
5: SEO optimization
In 2019, Google made podcasts easier to find in search results. And since Google can decipher audio to determine which keywords and key phrases a podcast includes, search results may even show individual episodes.
This means it’s even more important for you to optimize your podcasts for SEO. You can use a free tool to search out which keywords and topics are trending and get content suggestions. Or you can hire an SEO expert to help you create a longer-term digital marketing strategy for your podcast.
6: Consistency
Listeners expect consistency in their favorite shows. They want to know they can count on hearing your voice on a regular basis and what to expect from your shows.
Commit to a schedule, whether it’s weekly, biweekly, or monthly, and make sure you have the resources in place to actually make it happen. Be realistic. If you want a professional-sounding podcast, you’ll need to invest the time to plan, organize, and edit your podcasts. If you’re a perfectionist, give yourself even more time.
The goal is to become a regular part of your listeners’ lives. That takes commitment to consistency, but it will likely pay off in the end.
Get Expert Help with Your Podcast
Podcasts are a fantastic marketing tool and can help you grow your brand. If the process of launching one feels daunting or you’re just not getting the results you want from your existing podcast, the digital marketing experts at National Positions are ready to help.
You bring the passion and expertise in your field, we’ll bring ours. Get in touch today.
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