Why Does Your Business Need a Podcast? 4 Easy Steps to Get Started

Podcasts aren’t new. But they have not always been understood by the general public. 

That is changing.

Currently, 50% of all US homes are podcast fans—that’s over 60 million homes with a LOT of potential clients, customers, and followers.

As a small business, YOU want to get your message out there, build loyalty, and attract new customers so why wouldn’t you want to tap into the power of this medium? 

All Businesses Are Driven By Content that Engages

Regardless of what industry you’re in, you want your brand to stand out. Podcasts appeal to our culture’s need to be entertained while learning something new. They also are a very convenient way to digest information. 

You probably don’t see too many runners or commuters reading a blog post while they are running or driving—and if you do, stay clear of them; they’re an accident waiting to happen. 

But YOU will see people with earbuds in—while working out, driving to work, or doing laundry. (We love to multi-task, don’t we?) And favorite podcast shows seem to be today’s new go-to source of distraction.

Podcast Listeners Are Loyal 

16 million people in the US are “avid podcast fans,” with 24% (68 million) listening to podcasts weekly. Those aren’t small numbers—and they’re only growing!

A Quicker Way to Develop a Relationship with Your Followers

Podcasts offer a far more intimate way of communicating your message because more than just reading your words and seeing your picture, listeners actually HEAR your voice, getting to know you personally. As you consistently provide practical and inspiring content to your listeners, that connection builds trust.

Have we got your curiosity piqued?

So we just gave you a few reasons behind the “WHY” of exploring podcast production, now for the even better part. It’s super simple to create! Here are 4 easy steps you can take this week.

Step 1: Choose a topic 

Listeners use podcasts for expert advice, so choose a topic that you are both knowledgeable and PASSIONATE about. Consider what will be of value to your audience. Be sure to pick something that will give you plenty of material to use for unlimited episodes.

A good place to start might be to look at the most frequently asked questions you get from your customers or potential customers. And then choose a direction that gives them the answers they need.

Step 2: Determine your format and frequency

CONSISTENCY  is an important element in successful podcasting, so it’s crucial to determine your podcast’s length, publishing frequency, and overall format. And then stick with it! You want your listeners to be able to count on when they should tune in for new episodes. 

First decide which days of the week or month you will publish new shows, then determine roughly how long each episode will last. We recommend 30-45 minutes to start out with unless you are going for mini shows, which can be 10-15 minutes of great value.

Choose a format that best fits your personal style and will appeal to your audience. INTERVIEW-style podcasts are popular and have a great entertainment value.

MULTI-HOSTS shows can be entertaining and conversational and have the added benefit of taking some of the pressure off of you since the hosting duties are divided between the hosts. 

A SOLO style can include telling stories, sharing tips and tricks, or educational or motivational content.

Step 3: Get the right equipment

Although most computers and laptops already come equipped with what you need to start a podcast, there is specialized equipment and software that will help you produce a high-quality sounding podcast without dropping a ton of cash. 

A pro microphone (with a USB to plug into your computer) is an absolute necessity to enable listeners to hear you clearly. But this can be purchased for under $100. 

Headphones help you to listen closely and cut down on external sounds, making it easier to edit your show.

Lastly, editing software rounds out the necessary “equipment” to produce your podcast. Audacity is a FREE platform that many newbies start out with. Descript is another platform that allows you to make edits with the added benefit of transcribing your entire show. (Pro-tip: This is perfect for repurposing your episode into a blog.)

Step 4: Create artwork for your podcast

The first thing your audience will SEE in the podcasting directory is the artwork you create for your podcast, so it is important to make it memorable and spotlight what your podcast is about. This logo will be the face of your podcast so remember that first impressions count.

Canva is another free resource that will allow you to create your podcast artwork. Just type in “podcast cover,” and it will give you some free templates to choose from or will enable you to create your own from scratch.

At CCM...

We LOVE podcasts—listening to them AND helping small businesses produce them. Take your content to the next level by exploring this super fun and effective way to build your brand.

We’re here to help! Set up a FREE consultation to learn more.