Podcasts have become popular with many people across the globe. This is because they are easy to consume and offer a nice balance of being both informative and entertaining. 

So, if you have been considering branching off into this medium, then you've come to the right place.

Here, media update's Maryna Steyn highlights five reasons to start your very own podcast. 

1. Podcasting is the new blogging

When blogging started out, it quickly moved from being a personal online journal to a powerful way to present your content to your audience and build your brand online. When podcasting came to the party, it only amplified the manner in which brands are able to get their message’s out. 

Podcasts and blogs are similar in the way they are both a place to share ideas, offer community guidance and earn consumers’ trust by being an authority in a certain topic or field of expertise. 

Although both mediums are highly beneficial to brands, somewhere along the line, podcasts have continued to grow and have even become a unique alternative to blogging, and some brands prefer to send out their messaging in this format.

This is due to the following reasons:
  • A voice is personal and creates a bond between the listener and the podcast.
  • Audio-visual content is easy to consume.
  • It can be shared on multiple platforms simultaneously, such as on your website, blog page or social media.

2. Podcasts offer audiences choice 

Adding podcasts as another channel through which to distribute your content means that your audience is spoiled for choice. And, due to the mobility of these mediums, they choose when, where and how to consume your content. 

Listeners enjoy audio content because they can multitask while listening. For example, they can make dinner for their family while catching up on new industry developments. Or, they can listen to an insightful discussion with their favourite presenters during their daily gym-sesh.

Ultimately, your audience is drawn to the convenience of the medium. What’s more is that it’s versatile, meaning it can be accessed globally, on multiple platforms and different languages! 

3. Podcasts show that you are a key opinion leader

Podcasts are an ideal way to showcase your leadership in the industry. This is because the host or presenter of the brand that is being represented establishes their reputation as an expert through this channel. 

Here’s how:
  • Depending on the type of podcast, you can use the opportunity for discussions with other individuals about trending topics in your field.
  • You can leverage your experience and tell stories that both entertain as well as offer nuggets of advice to listeners.
  • You can have a set list of questions and answers about a specific topic that you can relay in an insightful way.
Ultimately, through a podcast, you are able to educate your audience about your industry and thus show that you are, indeed, a key opinion leader. 

4. Podcasts allow you to network with like-minded people

Starting your own podcast is a great way to connect to individuals and communities who share your beliefs, operate in the same industry and have similar interests.

Think about it: Those who form part of your audience were only able to find you because they are interested in your content and in hearing what you have to say. Fellow experts who find your podcast will also want to connect with you to collaborate or build their own networks — which potentially leads to a bigger audience for both parties involved.

It is also important to note that mingling and being associated with well-known experts raises your own credibility.

The way podcasts do this is by acting as the link between various people. Think of your web series as a string that connects two individuals. On the one side is the host with their ideas. On the other side is the listener or fellow expert. 

5. You can use podcasts to promote your products and services

You can easily use your podcast as a platform to promote your brand’s products and services, which could form part of your content marketing strategy.

Not only are there different formats in which to send out your podcast, such as audio-only or video / audio, but you can also distribute your content through various channels such as YouTube, Spotify or any other podcast service.

Furthermore, your podcast can either serve as an audio version of a written blog, or it can be completely new; you can even use it to build on an already existing topic while sharing fresh ideas (can you say ‘repurposing’?).

This is also where the type of podcast comes into play — so make sure you know what your aim with the podcast is beforehand. 

Have we convinced you to start your own podcast? Let us know in the comments below.

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Are you curious to know more about how to get started on this medium? Then check out The ultimate guide to creating high-quality podcasts here.
*Image courtesy of Vecteezy