Do you have an idea or a message that you would like to share with others through podcasting?
Do you struggle with compiling your concept into a cohesive, impactful message?
You are not alone. As a new podcaster, you are bound to experience some challenges that might hinder you from establishing a successful podcast. In fact, how you approach the creation and launch process determines whether you succeed or fail.
So, how do you get into podcasting on the right foot?
The answer is by using a podcast consulting service that utilizes expert knowledge to help you with tech logistics, topic research, distribution and so much more.
Podcast consultants will assist you every step of the way in becoming a successful podcaster, from starting your show to growing it.
In this article, you’ll discover why you would be better off working with these professionals.
Starting Your Podcast
The best thing about podcasts is that they are downloadable—your audience can listen to them anytime and anywhere. As such, they are a perfect tool for generating more leads and attracting more customers.
However, before you reap all the benefits of podcasting, you must have a solid strategy for it. It’s never as simple as recording your show, doing interviews, guesting, and expecting the sales to rain down on you. Instead, you need to create the right plan, and this is where a podcast consultant comes in. This professional walks you through the various steps in starting your podcast.
Choosing your theme
Your podcast should focus on a particular niche or topic. By taking advantage of podcast consulting services, you’ll be able to determine the best topics that you can talk about in your episodes.
However, make sure not to choose a broad theme and that your message will be helpful to your listeners. Otherwise, you would lose appeal with your audience even before you start.
For instance, instead of sharing general information on technology, you can talk about something specific like website ranking and security. You can then expand on the topic as you go and as your podcast becomes more popular.
Of course, you should also choose topics you are passionate about, so you can stay motivated.
Knowing RSS feeds and their role in podcasting
RSS feeds are text documents that show critical information about your show. They reside on a server and usually contain a public URL that allows users to view and access the content. They also contain information about your podcast and its episodes, including:
- Show title
- Description
- Titles of episodes
- Links to episode audio files
You can write RSS feeds yourself, but the process is time-consuming. Also, any typos or errors can easily break your reputation—one more reason you should partner with the experts to create and update the RSS feeds for you.
Your podcast cannot do without RSS feeds because:
- They provide a means for everybody to subscribe to your podcast and stream or download specific episodes via a podcast app or your website.
- They allow listeners to easily subscribe and receive automatic notifications about your new episodes.
- They are used by podcast directories and apps to receive, publish, and display your new episodes on their websites and apps.
- They provide your listeners with an easy means to bypass podcast directories and subscribe to your show using any compatible podcast player app.
- They are an established standard, which means almost all apps display information about your podcast from your feeds.
Choosing the right equipment
At the very minimum, you require a computer, a USB microphone, software, and internet access to record a podcast.
However, low-cost equipment and configurations seriously limit the sound quality of your shows. It is worth getting started the right way using the right audio equipment.
Consultants from reputable podcast production companies can give you expert advice on the best podcasting starter equipment on the market today. They may even offer you an in-depth equipment course that covers everything you need to know about conducting solo recordings to recording interviews outdoors.
Launching your podcast
What is the most effective method of launching a podcast? What does it take to get a podcast out for the world to listen to? How do you develop a launch strategy that ensures maximum impact?
A podcast consultant works with you to develop a streamlined approach towards launching your podcast. They also maintain a good release schedule and assist you to attain highly coveted podcast spots.
Getting into iTunes and other podcasting platforms
iTunes and other popular podcasting solutions are the best platforms to use to reach as many listeners as possible.
To upload your podcast episodes to these platforms, follow this process:
- Upload episodes as .mp3 files to podcast hosting sites, such as Buzzsprout, Captivate, Transistor, Castos, Podbean, Simplecast, and Resonate. You can also create your own space that offers more tools and control and allows you to do some of your own branding.
- Publish show notes with links to resources you mention in each episode, a summary of the discussion, and a transcript of the show.
- Submit an RSS feed to iTunes.
A podcast consultant will help you fulfill requirements for posting on iTunes, including:
- Getting a free Apple ID if you do not have one
- Title of the episode
- Description
- Artwork
- Category
- Language
- Rating
Since many directories and a majority of podcast listening applications use Apple Podcasts (iTunes) as a podcast data source, your episodes will automatically show up on various apps, such as Pocket Casts, Castbox, and Overcast.
Manually submitting RSS feeds to other directories usually follows the same process as iTunes. These podcast directories include:
- Spotify
- Stitcher
- Google Play Music
- TuneIn
- Blubrry
- iPodder
Growing Your Podcast
Growing a podcast audience is difficult. It takes patience, perseverance, and the guiding hand of a podcast expert to increase audience size using several strategies.
Improving your podcast quality
The first step to increase podcast listenership is ensuring that your shows are of the best quality. Poor-quality podcasts are the fastest ways to lose your audience and negate any other efforts you take to make your business grow with digital marketing. With the help of a podcast professional, you can invest in a great podcast studio with some of the best devices on the market as well as recording and editing software.
Also, your topic, titles, organization, segmentation, and your skills as a host all play a critical role in improving quality. Professionals help ensure that your episodes are consistent in frequency and length and advise on other areas you should improve on before getting into other growth strategies.
Attracting more listeners
Identify the unique value that you are offering the audience. A podcast consulting service will help you research your ideal audience to identify as much information about them as possible, including:
- Interests
- Demographics
- Lifestyles
- Preferences
You also need to know where your ideal listeners usually hang out whenever they’re online. Perhaps they’re part of your niche community, so you might already have a list of places where you can engage with your potential audience.
Here are some of the best social media platforms to find your audience:
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Communicating with your audience
Now that you have your audience persona and know where they hang out, it is time to communicate and interact with your community.
Start by building an online community around your podcast using social media. Provide interested individuals a chance to learn more about you by answering questions and giving back some love.
Identify which social media platforms your audience is most active on and which of these spaces make you easily discoverable and bring you the most attention. You can then join industry groups and tag niche experts you talk about on your podcasts. You can also use hashtags with relevant industry keywords. Of course, you should not forget to reply to all comments.
Apart from social media engagement, you should also take time to build your email list, send out regular newsletters and emails, and redirect your audience to your website. Always ask your audience to provide feedback and input in every episode. You want to bring value to them, and they might have brilliant advice for you too!
Increasing your network
Reaching out to others within your niche in the podcasting world is critical. You can join events to get around and introduce yourself. Use these gatherings to spread the word about your podcast.
However, you should be careful not to get too caught up in selling your podcast while networking. Remember, it is all about building and nurturing relationships, and this takes time.
Increase your network by collaborating with others. You can invite them to your podcast or feature on their podcasts. Be open to being interviewed just as much as you are eager to interview others. Promote other podcasts and their content, and they are likely to return the favor.
Final Thoughts
The best way to be good at podcasting is by working with a podcast consulting service. Podcast consultants will support you as you take the first steps towards creating a successful podcast, while learning about the entire process. They can help you with everything, from launching to running your podcast, and can even share with you some personalized advice on how to market your product.
The online world plays a critical role in ensuring that businesses stay in contact with their customers, regardless of their location. So, you should take advantage of this as much as possible.
For more interesting tips and information that you can use for growing your business, browse our site!