Having just launched our own podcast we were excited to attend a podcasting seminar during Denver Startup Week. Below are a few of our favorite tips from the session.
Getting Started:
One common theme from panelists was: “don’t overthink it”. Podcasting is a low-risk, low-investment activity that even veteran panel members said took no more than 5 hours a week. There was some debate on the equipment needed - microphones versus free services like FreeConferenceCall.com - but everyone was in agreement that the hardest part was just taking that first step.
Panelists also stressed that you shouldn’t give up, even if your first foray into podcasting is a bust. Similar to blogging there are a lot of people who aren’t consistent or start a podcast that then goes dormant. You may start multiple podcasts over time, but those that do stick with it tend to see good results.
Interview Tips:
To make sure you have the best interview possible go with your gut. Pick people that interest you, versus the people you feel like you “should” interview, and that will more often than not translate into a better interview. And don’t forget to be nosy, ask the questions everyone wants to but may not have the courage.
By prepping for an interview you can also insure a better conversation. Spend time on your end researching and send a set of pre-interview questions to the guest. If that’s too much work spend a few minutes chatting with the guest before you hit the record button, and uncover some interesting facts or tips from the person so the interview doesn’t meander.
In terms of who is talking, have a mix of interview content and thoughts from the host. You want your listeners to feel a connection to the host so they keep coming back.
Once you do get your podcast going don’t be afraid to batch your interviews to save time in editing and to always have content in the can.
The Payoff:
Whether it is affiliate marketing, sponsor dollars or gathering leads, podcasts can create meaningful wins for your business. One panelist suggested thinking of your podcast as a funnel - from funneling new email addresses to funneling listeners to products and services. If you’re lucky, like in the case of Bigger Pockets, the podcast takes on a life of its own and millions of downloads later, becomes so much more than just a website traffic driver.
Panelists recommended affiliate marketing to draw in passive income from your podcast. If your show resonates with a brand you can then take that affiliate marketing data and push the brand to become a sponsor as you have “proven” yourself.
Promoting Your Podcast:
Social media was a large way people promoted podcasts and Instagram in particular tended to drive listeners. In addition to social, panelists recommended getting on other podcasts as a guest to raise awareness of your podcast. Be sure to listen to a podcast before pitching yourself so you can make it feel more tailored and your chance of getting on will be much better.
Have any tips you’d like to contribute for podcasting? Share them in the space below and tune into our new podcast “Eat. Drink. Social.” (shameless plug).