In our fast-paced world of instant gratification, it’s really no wonder that podcasts have become a popular method for sharing information. Being able to listen to information on-the-go is very convenient, as is the ability to pause, rewind, and listen again. Sharing this information is equally convenient, as you need only provide a link to the podcast for others to enjoy at their convenience.
If you’re familiar with talk radio programming, and how-to videos on Youtube, then you’re halfway towards understanding what a podcast can do for your business. In the most simple of terms, podcasts are another way of adding a layer of sincerity to your business services. Customers love keeping up with the lighter side of business via blogs and articles, but videos and podcasts allow users to connect a voice with a face and a name, picking up on vocal cues which foster a sense of trust, even loyalty. Because you want your podcast to stand the test of time, consider all the necessary steps you’ll want to take to ensure your presentation is polished, professional, and demonstrates your expertise.
The Show Must Go On
Knowing what type of format to use in your podcast is just one of the factors to consider when getting started. You’ll also want to establish a schedule you can stick to easily. Remember, you’ll want to do a bit of editing to clean up the audio file, removing distracting vocal fillers like “uh”, and the false starts that all of us are prone to when we’re searching for just the right words. If you’re struggling with stage fright and performance anxiety, consider co-hosting a podcast with a friend you trust to set you at ease.
The Fantastic Four
- Husband and Wife team – James and Arlene Martell co-host a show called Affiliate Buzz, these two have a fantastic chemistry, not only between themselves, but also with the experts they feature on their program. They play off one another’s strengths well, and have a great way of setting their guests at ease. Don’t want to work with a spouse? Try a business partner or family member instead.
- Interview – Ideally you should be interviewing relevant individuals as often as possible. Not only for the sake removing a lot of the burden of brainstorming ideas, but also for the additional legitimacy this networking lends to your growing business. Advertise the upcoming interview with someone big in the industry, then ask your followers to submit their burning questions ahead of time, now you’ve not only secured a group of people interested in hearing the broadcast, but you’ve saved yourself the trouble of thinking up questions as well.
- Industry Experts – Rather than interviewing one industry expert after another, create a format where you are co-hosting with an industry expert. There are several different routes you can go with this, with you as the client, and your co-host as the authority, discussing topics of relevant value to your listeners, offering unique perspectives from different ends of the spectrum. This format often leads to insightful, educational information.
- Call-In – Get all your friends involved! Host a call in show which happens regularly, announce your topic at the top of the broadcast, discuss it briefly and pepper it with your particular thoughts and feelings about the matter, then open up the lines for guests to weigh in on the subject. This round-robin way of doing things allows your listeners to feel important, and heard, which often leads to repeat visits and copious sharing as your listeners boast about their brief brush with internet fame.
Great Face for Radio
Hosting a successful podcast is nearly identical to launching a college radio station; you need to connect with and build your audience if you want your message heard. It’s important to sound natural and engaging. As you create a series of podcasts you’ll be ready to syndicate your show, plan ahead for this by developing recognizable branding features which will give you a more professional appearance. Before you dress up your podcast site, read some StudioPress reviews to get an idea of what companies can enhance the look of your site. Consistency is key, if you want to be syndicated (and you want to be syndicated) you’ll need to produce content as often as your particular niche requires.
Freelance writer Rachel Cook is a guest blogger for many subjects involving online marketing through various forms of social media advertising. She frequently updates her online advice column and is currently on a trip around the world, which she is also blogging about. When Rachel wants to dress up her wordpress blogs, she visits www.shopwpthemes.com for ideas for themes and other new products.