Looking for another great way to grow your audience and, in turn, your business? Have you considered podcasting? Maybe the thought of producing a podcast or series of podcasts is daunting to you. It can be time-consuming, and there’s no guarantee of reward, you say? Well, don’t dismiss it out of hand. If done right, there are numerous benefits.
In this article, we will discuss the top tips for creating a successful podcast. We’ll look at why you should start a podcast, what equipment you’ll need, how to plan your content, and how to promote it. Most importantly, we’ll consider how you can use a podcast to promote your membership site and increase subscribers.
If you want more in-depth information about profiting from podcasting we recommend you check out the Podcast Network's eBook by Cameron Reilly called “Making Money From Podcasting.”
Why Create a Podcast?
It’s great way to promote your membership site. Each podcast you create can be based on a different area of the content on your site. This way you can give your listeners a taste of what you have to offer, convince them of your site’s benefits, and encourage them to sign up.
When you successfully promote your podcast, you’ll raise awareness of your site, attracting new visitors, and reach a wider audience. Those who take the time to download and listen to your podcasts became your target audience. They’re the ones likely to join to your membership site in the future.
A great way to generate leads and bring in new subscribers to your site is to use podcasts as part of the premium content on your site. Will people really pay to see them? Chances are good—the number of podcast downloads has risen dramatically in the last few years because a lot of people prefer to listen rather than read. Podcasts as premium content can help you cater to your audience’s needs and give you an edge over your competitors.
Convinced? Then let’s get down to the business of podcast how-to.
Get the Right Equipment
One of the most important aspects of a successful podcast is high-quality audio, so be sure to invest in some good podcasting equipment, like a quality microphone and a set of headphones. With equipment like this, the rule of thumb is the more you spend, the better the sound quality—something worth considering.
As your podcasts become more advanced and you find yourself needing more than one microphone, you may want to invest in a mixer, or audio interface. These can be pricey, so it’s best to wait until you’ve got a bit of experience under your belt before purchasing one.
As for recording software, try Audacity. It’s easy to use, achieves great results, and best of all, it’s free.
Plan Your Content
It goes without saying that you’ll need to carefully think through your content before sitting down to record your podcast. If you’re creating a series, make a list of topics for each show, basing each podcast on a different area of your site’s content. You’ll attract a wider range of listeners interested in different areas of your niche.
With each individual podcast, be sure to break your subject down into subcategories. This will help you achieve a smooth-flowing, well-rounded show. Some podcasters like to have a script handy, while others who are more confident at improvising simply use notes. Whatever works best for you, do a couple of practice run-throughs so you’re comfortable with your content before you record.
Always bear in mind that your podcasts should be interesting and provide value to your listeners. Make them fun and engaging. If your audience enjoys your podcasts, they’ll be back for more.
Interesting Interviews
So how do you add value to your content? Try interviewing a guest. Not only does it give your audience an interesting listening experience, it also takes the pressure off you to be a one-person show.
And try to interview unique, knowledgeable, fascinating guests. It’ll help your podcast stand out from the crowd, grow your audience, and increase your popularity. Interviewing professionals in your industry is a smart way to go. Experts come with their own fan base, and when they appear on your show, they’re introducing you to their following. It’s great exposure.
Find a Jingle
Once your content is recorded, be sure to come up with a fun, catchy jingle. If you’re creating a series of podcasts, you should use the same soundtrack for each. This helps listeners distinguish your podcast from others and gives it its own unique identity.
Check out the free jingles and soundtracks at AudioJungle.
Promote your Podcast
People won’t just start downloading your podcast, however good it is. You’ll need to go out and promote it. Tell people about its content and create a buzz around it. How? Send out emails to your mailing list, write about it in newsletters, or create a banner or popup displaying it on your website. Most importantly, get the message out on social media.
To generate excitement about your podcast, start a countdown to a release date, and publish a few podcast clips to get people fired up. The more people hear about your podcast and share about it, the more downloads you’ll get.
List Your Podcast on iTunes
iTunes is a key place to promote your podcast. Listing your podcast on iTunes will give you exposure to a much wider audience. It’ll help increase traffic to your membership site and drive subscriptions when new listeners download your podcast.
And don’t forget about the power of iTunes ratings. At the end of each podcast, encourage listeners to leave a review. Numerous positive reviews will sway iTunes browsers to download your podcast, even if they’ve never heard of your website before.
Final Thoughts
The goal of your podcast is, of course, to get more subscriptions for your membership site. So make sure your podcast not only promotes your site but encourages people to visit it.
Explain to listeners that they can go to your site to find more of the same dynamite content they’ve heard about in your podcast if they join up. But be sure to sell the importance of your site in a subtle way—no one wants to listen to a podcast full of advertising.
At the end of your podcasts, share your site’s URL and encourage people to visit by creating a landing page of free content relevant to the podcast in general or to a specific episode. When people visit your site and are convinced of the benefits of being a member, you’re looking at potential converts and greater success for your business.
How do you plan to use podcasting to grow your membership site? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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