If you are tech-savvy, you might be certainly aware of the new trend to publish your content in audio form. It can be used as a tool to drive traffic to your blog. This brings us to an interesting topic of PODCASTING. In this article, we shall explore what exactly podcasting is all about and also learn various tips to launch a successful podcast.

What is a Podcast?

When you get an option to subscribe to audio content created by artists, bloggers, or businesses, it is a Podcast. You have a choice to listen to a particular thing on demand; could be considered like a radio on demand.

It is centered around one particular theme which is presented in the form of episodes. A series of episodes make a podcast. There are dedicated hosting service providers for the podcast. Podcast platforms make it easier for people to link to you and subscribe to your feed.

Can you publish a podcast on your own website?

You need to check it with your web hosting company. Generally, people host podcasts on the hosting companies specially designed for it.

What differentiates an audio file and a podcast?

As such, technically there is no difference between an audio file and a podcast. The only difference is that in an audio file, we download an episode, whereas, in the case of a podcast, we get a chance to subscribe. We can stay updated about recent posts and all episodes relating to that theme.

The only option to subscribe to the content makes it different from a simple audio file. Are you wondering what makes Podcasting great? It is expected that in the future people will digest the content through podcasts. People can listen to podcasts and learn or enjoy while driving, cooking, or doing any other work. This makes it more attractive rather than blogs or videos.

The podcasting industry is expected to grow to $1 billion by 2021. It has much potential to generate leads.

That’s why we should now turn our attention to the tips to make our podcast a GREAT one!

Choose the topic which interests you.

Choosing the topic of your interest will make it easy for you to speak about it with great passion. Before you shortlist the topic for podcasting try to figure out:

Will you be able to speak endlessly about it without a script? Can you keep your audience entertained for 30 to 60 minutes?

If yes, then only select the topic for your podcast. Ultimately, your listeners can make out from your tone, how passionate you feel about the same.

Once you are done with choosing a topic, try to find out other podcasts in the same niche. This will give you an idea about the level of competition. You must find a suitable way to differentiate it from others in the same niche in order to stay ahead. For eg, if it is a podcast related to stories for children then you may add voice effects, animate the voice of characters, add music, etc

Stick to the schedule

The only thing you need to stick to in podcasting is – the schedule. If you are the kind of person who forgets to do things then you can schedule it in a google calendar.

You need to publish the audio or video podcast at a regular interval. Say for eg. Once a week or once a month etc

Listeners appreciate the consistency and that’s what can maintain your subscription momentum. Be consistent with the frequency of publishing the content and also the duration of the content.

Plan the content to engage maximum listeners

“Content is king.” It makes the podcast popular or unpopular.

Popularity depends on your content, tone, and the way of presenting it to the audience. The best thing is to have a proper flowchart for things to be done in the show. Will it be an individual show or a series of episodes? Will there be any guest person to handle the questions of the audience? Try to rehearse it so that you know exactly how much time you took to deliver the content.

You can even consult a professional Podcast agency to provide you with customized services and pricing plans based on your business or blog niche. Along with obtaining assistance for launching your podcast, they should be able to help you out with your digital marketing, visual branding, distribution, episode concept development, and similar other podcast and content-related needs. This would not only help you expand your reach globally, but it is also going to make your audio content more interesting for the audience.

Create your own brand

People search for a podcast on Google or iTunes. For eg, if you wish to hear a motivational podcast, you might search in Google “motivational podcast”. You might see the image like the one below;

Do you see the first one by Gretchen Rubin? He has branded it with the name “Happier” That is what people refer to when they want to hear him. It makes it easy for the audience to identify you.

So, it is better to find a suitable keyword and a logo and use it as the name of your podcast. This way you can create your own brand.

Do not forget to register your logo or any other brand element for trademark protection. This will safeguard your brand from cases of infringement. By understanding trademark registration service and availing yourself of the option, you can craft a unique and compelling brand identity that customers can trust.

Broadcasting the podcast

Before a podcast is broadcasted you need to edit carefully.

You need to use the correct tools to record the podcast to maintain excellent quality. You may use tools for:

● Video conference call: examples of this are platforms like skype or zoom.

● Microphone: you might have to invest in an External mic for iPhones or Android, depending on your device.

● Call recorder: something like skype call recorder should do.

● To edit the video like screen flow Link:

Grow your audience by building a community.

Building a community of listeners is not a one day task and it may take longer. Taking note of small points listed below can go in a long way of turning your listeners into subscribers like:

● Thank your listeners for listening to your podcast especially when they had a choice to listen to others.

● Mention the link to your website so that they can know more about you. It might not be possible to deliver everything over audio.

● Wherever possible leave show notes on websites for everything mentioned in the episode.

● Create curiosity by giving them just a trailer of what is going to happen in the next episodes.

● Include CTA in your podcast. Say for eg you can ask them to subscribe, rate, review, sign up email, share etc

Encourage your listeners to rate and review your podcast, engage them in live discussions. Use your creativity to the fullest to grow your audience and build a community

Monetize your podcast by advertising on it

You might just place a brief advertisement on the podcast to monetize it or promote a brand by hosting a video podcast.

If people love your podcast then they might follow you on social sites and that is exactly the time when you can monetize it. For eg, you can share which microphone you used, which brands you follow for clothing and generate affiliate income from it.

I hope these tips will help you in successfully launching your podcast.

No matter whether it is a video podcast or audio podcast, the key is to have fun with it.

Let your passion for the topic scale you new heights in the area of podcasting. Pay close attention to each and every aspect and make it an enjoyable experience for the listener.

Acknowledge their support and express gratitude for continuing with you. It takes only a second to jump to another podcast, so mind your words! Get ready! press record and start podcasting! We are listening!

Author Bio: I’m Chris Wagner, Head of Content @ HostingPill. I regularly write about Hosting, Web servers and WordPress. I have more than 9 years Industry experience

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