Did you know that over 424 million people listen to podcasts? That represents a 10% increase from last year and is only set to increase as more and more interesting topics become available to listeners worldwide.
Simply put, podcasts are no longer a hobby for many creatives. They have become one of the most popular content formats for entrepreneurs and business owners alike interested in growing their digital marketing efforts through creative content.
For marketers specifically, podcasts offer a unique opportunity to connect with audiences in a personal and engaging way. Unlike blog posts or social media updates, podcasts allow you to tell stories, share ideas, and build relationships with your listeners.
Plus, podcasts are extremely versatile, they can be used to promote your brand, drive traffic to your website, or even generate leads and sales.
Why Are Podcasts So Popular?
So, why should you be using podcasts as part of your digital marketing strategy? In recent years, they have become one of the most popular forms of entertainment. There are many reasons for this.
Namely, podcasts are usually free to download and listen to, they can be easily paused and resumed at any time, and they can be enjoyed while doing other activities (such as commuting or exercising).
In addition, podcasts often offer a more intimate experience than other forms of media, as the hosts often speak directly to the listeners. This personal connection can make podcasts feel more like a conversation than a one-sided broadcast. And that’s great for your audience engagement!
Understanding just how popular podcasts are is critical in understanding the value they can offer you as you build out a content strategy. However, there are real business marketing benefits you can measure if you’re unsure if this type of marketing is right for you.
5 Reasons Why You Should Use Podcasts as Part of Your Content Marketing Strategy
There are many reasons why you should use podcasts as part of your content marketing strategy. For one thing, podcasts generate high levels of engagement. They’re also easy to reuse in written or video assets.
And to top it all off, podcasts can help you build a loyal audience. This is helpful if you’re just starting out in your industry or are launching a new product or service. However, the benefits go a bit deeper than simply helping you build a loyal following.
Here are five reasons why you should use podcasts as part of your content marketing strategy.
Cost-Effective Platform for Digital Marketers
Podcasts can be extremely cost-effective because they are relatively inexpensive to produce and can be repurposed into other content marketing assets. For example, a podcast episode can be transcribed and turned into a blog post or article.
For the price of a podcasting microphone, which averages about $100 to $200, and the time it takes you to record an episode, you can create numerous pieces of content in one go.
While you might eventually need to hire someone to help with scheduling, editing, and even promotions, it’s one of the most cost-effective forms of marketing on the market.
Podcasts Allow You to Demonstrate Authority in Your Industry
Podcasts are a great way to establish credibility and a reputation as a thought leader in your industry. Unlike other forms of content, they allow you to engage directly with your audience and build a relationship with them.
You can use your podcast to share your knowledge and insights on a particular topic, and also use it as a platform to showcase your guests’ expertise. This will help demonstrate to your audience that you are a trusted source of information and have a strong network of connections.
Plus, by regularly posting informative and well-researched episodes, you’ll further cement your reputation as a thought leader in your field.
Podcasts Help Create an Emotional Connection With Your Target Audience
When people listen to a podcast, they feel as though they are having a conversation with the host, which can help to foster a deeper level of trust and connection.
This makes podcasts an excellent way to create content that will resonate with your target audience. People are able to hear the passion in your voice as you speak about your product or service. This emotional connection can be difficult to create with written content alone.
And, we know that consumers these days are craving humanlike relationships with brands. When you create episodes that are interesting and useful to your target audience and speak to them directly, this is exactly the kind of relationship you’re fostering.
Podcasts Are Super Engaging
Over 80% of podcast listeners listen to every episode they start. You don’t see those kinds of engagement statistics with other forms of media these days.
Not only are listeners engaged during the podcast, but having fresh content delivered directly to your subscribers means there are more opportunities for engagement. This means more chances to promote episodes that can attract new audiences on social media.
Why are they so engaging? Long blogs require attention to read and understand (which can still be helpful, honestly). When we listen to a podcast conversation we’re listening to a conversation. This feels natural. We engage in conversations every day.
Likewise, when a potential customer or partner listens to your podcast, they feel like they’re getting to know you. This format and the ability to add some personality allow the audience to engage and build deep connections.
That sounds a whole lot better than having to jump on ten consultation calls a week and try to form connections with everybody individually, right?
You Can Use Podcast Material for Different Types of Content
Podcasts provide versatility in the content you can create. You repurpose the audio and conversations to use for blog posts or social media posts. You can create entire episodes of other podcasts responding to a particularly popular episode.
This gives you a lot of flexibility when it comes to creating content. This also helps you get the most bang for your buck out of each episode.
Tips for Effectively Using Podcasts for Digital Marketing
Now, you know that podcasts are a great way to connect with potential customers and promote your brand. However, if you’re not using them effectively, they can be a wasted marketing opportunity.
Here are a few tips for getting the most out of podcasts for digital marketing.
Think About the Right Topics
Think about your topics carefully. They should be aligned with your brand and target audience.
You want people to listen to your podcasts because they’re interested in the topics, not just because they’re interested in your brand. Plan ahead and come up with a list of potential topics before you start recording.
You also need to make sure you’re providing value with your podcasts.
Each episode should be packed with helpful information, insightful tips, or entertaining stories. If you’re just phoning it in, people will stop listening. Put in the effort to make each episode great and you’ll see the results in your downloads and engagement.
Create a Podcast Episode Schedule
Creating an episode schedule is a great way to stay on track and ensure that your podcast remains consistent. By planning out when you will record and release new episodes, you can make sure that your podcast is always fresh and relevant.
In addition, a schedule can help you to stay organized and avoid missing deadlines. When it comes to digital marketing, podcasts can be a powerful tool. However, they only work if you’re using the tool efficiently and consistently.
Learn About SEO for Podcasts
Just like any other form of digital marketing, there are some things you need to do to make sure your podcasts are effective, including SEO.
Podcasts are similar to website content and blog posts in this sense. You need to make sure they are properly tagged and include keywords that people are likely to search for.
You also need to make sure your podcast is hosted on a popular platform like iTunes or Stitcher. This will make it easier for people to find and subscribe to your show.
Create Your Elite Content Marketing Strategy
Elite Digital’s team of marketing experts is passionate about creating and executing successful content marketing strategies. Our years of experience in the digital marketing sphere have taught us that a holistic, multi-faceted approach is the key to success.
We take advantage of every tool and tactic available to us, from SEO and social media to paid advertising.
Want to create a content marketing strategy that’s Elite? Contact us today!
