Today we are going to be talking about podcast marketing for beginners.
Sounds pretty rudimentary but frankly if you’re a new podcaster, you may not even realize that there’s much more to a podcast than just slapping some audio onto iTunes and expecting to see lots and lots of listeners. That’s why we decided to focus on podcast marketing for beginners in the latest episode.
[LISTEN: How Much Does It Cost To Market Your Podcast? – PODCAST EPISODE]
The reality of creating and maintaining a podcast is not all glamour and glitz and the vast majority of podcasts are abandoned relatively early on, unfortunately. This happens for a couple of reasons, so we’re going to talk about that first and then we’ll move into the basics of getting your podcast in front of your audience and how you can improve your odds of gaining listeners, subscribers and increasing your downloads.
We’re not going to touch on the mechanics of creating a podcast – there are a million sites and guides and such that will tell you what equipment to use, how to edit, suggested lengths and where to host your podcast, we are going to assume you have that part covered and you’re just looking to increase your audience.
First we want to look at why you’ve created a podcast, before we can even look at the marketing.
There are a few different reasons and these will lead you down different paths as far as the marketing is going to go. First – are you creating an entertainment type of podcast? something that could be ad-revenue based? Or are you just making a podcast for your own personal enjoyment and you’re not worried at all about monetizing? Is the podcast designed, like this one, to be a tool that helps you advertise, market or support, a product or service that you offer? Podcast marketing for beginners is not a one size fits all job.
Anyone can start a podcast, it’s just that not everyone can keep one going for long, and get listeners. Heck, we still have days where I look at the stats and think to myself, WTH, that was a GREAT episode, I wonder why more people aren’t checking it out.
Launching Your Voice: Podcast Marketing for Beginners
So, you’ve crafted a captivating podcast, but how do you get listeners to discover it amidst the ever-growing audio jungle? Fear not! This guide equips you with essential strategies for podcast marketing for beginners:
Optimizing for Discovery:
- Nail the Basics: Craft a compelling title, description, and cover art that grabs attention in podcast directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Utilize relevant keywords to improve searchability. A professional touch goes a long way.
- Embrace 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. Explore platforms like TikTok for trendy audio snippets.
Building Your Audience:
- Harness 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.
- 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.
Content is King (and Queen) But Promotion is the Kingdom:
- 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.
- 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. Explore platforms like Matchmaker.fm or SpeakOnPodcasts.com to connect with potential hosts.
Monetization for Growth:
- Consider Patreon Power: Platforms like Patreon allow listeners to support your show through monthly subscriptions. Offer exclusive rewards at different tiers to incentivize recurring contributions.
- 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.
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 beginner podcasters can achieve significant growth and establish themselves within the exciting world of podcasting.