Podcast promoting is a thankless task sometimes.
If you produce a podcast, then obviously you want more listeners, subscribers and downloads. It takes some effort in the podcast promoting department to be successful at this task and sometimes it seems to be pretty thankless, at least when you’re watching your stats and they aren’t moving in the right direction.
[LISTEN: HOW TO: INTEGRATE CTAS FOR MORE MOBILE ENGAGEMENT – podcast episode]
There are also several different reasons that people start producing podcast series – perhaps you want to provide entertainment, or an opinion. Maybe you are looking at using a podcast as a way of promoting your existing business. Maybe you want to start a new business – online coaching, for instance – and you are going to incorporate a podcast into your overall plan. Podcast promoting is a necessity; without it you’ll be lost in the vast landscape of podcasts that exist on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and Google.
During the past three years (that’s nearly 100 episodes if you’re counting!), we have focused on podcast promoting since it ties in with our mobile marketing and advertising platform, and we have produced a number of episodes that are specific to the topic.
In our “best of” series that we started last year, we have singled out various topics including real estate marketing, online coaching, basic marketing, and podcast promoting, and we’ve pulled clips from some of our most well received episodes in order to create compilations that highlight some of the key points in marketing and advertising in these fields.
Plan your work, work your plan.
Figuring out how to script, record, edit and present your podcast series to the world is already a monumental task for some people. Once you factor in the requirement that YOU must get it in front of potential listeners and convince them to give it a chance, you’re looking at a big time commitment, and it could be months before you see real results.
Promoting Your Podcast: A Growth Guide for Small Producers
In today’s crowded podcast landscape, podcast promoting is just as important as creating compelling content. For small producers, maximizing every opportunity to reach new listeners is crucial for growth. Here’s a roadmap for podcast promoting and generating revenue:
Content is King, But Promotion is Queen:
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Optimize Your Show for Discovery: Craft a captivating title, description, and cover art that grabs attention in podcast directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Utilize relevant keywords to improve searchability.
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Leverage Social Media Savvy: Promote your episodes across different platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Create engaging snippets, graphics, and teaser clips to pique listener interest. Utilize relevant hashtags and interact with potential listeners.
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Cross-Promotion is Key: Network with other podcasters in your niche and explore guest-hosting opportunities. This exposes your show to a new audience and fosters collaboration.
Building Your Audience:
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Embrace the Power of Email Marketing: Build an email list and send engaging newsletters featuring episode summaries, guest introductions, and exclusive content. Offer incentives like bonus content or early access to new episodes in exchange for subscriptions.
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Website as Your Home Base: Create a dedicated website for your podcast. Include show information, episode archives, and ways for listeners to connect and subscribe. Feature clear calls to action for subscriptions and reviews.
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Repurpose Content for Multiple Platforms: Extend your reach by repurposing podcast content into blog posts, social media snippets, or video clips. This expands your audience touchpoints and promotes your show in new formats.
Monetization Strategies for Growth:
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Patreon Power: Platforms like Patreon allow listeners to support your show through monthly subscriptions. Offer exclusive rewards at different tiers to incentivize recurring contributions.
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Targeted Advertising: Explore targeted advertising options within podcast platforms or through podcast hosting services. Partner with brands relevant to your audience for a mutually beneficial arrangement.
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Premium Content: Consider offering premium content like bonus episodes, ad-free listening, or early access for paying subscribers. This provides additional value for dedicated listeners and generates revenue.
Remember:
Consistency is key. Regularly releasing high-quality episodes and persistently promoting your work will build a loyal listener base. With dedication and a strategic promotional approach, even small podcast producers can achieve significant growth and unlock new revenue streams.