How To Get Podcast Listeners to Tune Into Your Brand

I'm a big fan of podcasts and online radio stations, and one of my goals is to create a podcast down the road. Podcasts and radio shows are an effective way to reach millions of people across the world, and is an effective social media marketing tool to further enhance your brand. Even if you aren't interested in creating a podcast show, a podcast interview is still a great way to spread the word about your brand. 

If you have considered creating a podcast, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Like blogging, podcasting requires a consistent time commitment for it to be successful. Your goal is to grow your listeners. If you don't have the time to dedicate to a podcast, I wouldn't recommend starting a podcast. 

2. The same rules apply to podcasting as it does for social media: target your audience; keep them entertained by presenting solid, helpful (and timely) content. 

3. Stick to one topic. Podcast listeners are more likely to listen and download your podcast if you focus on one specific topic. This is a good idea for newbie podcasters. If your topic is vague, you won't capture people's attention quickly.

4. Make it easy for listeners to find you. Before your podcast ends, make sure you pass along a website or blog link to your listeners. If you use your podcast to market your company or services, it's important to let listeners know how to find you. Include a direct call to action and let your listeners know exactly what you want them do (i.e. visit your website, call you, etc.) 

5. Think about time length when creating your content. Podcasts that run past thirty minutes (dependendent upon your topic and target audience) have a tendency to lose your listeners' attention span. Think about what people do when they listen to your podcast - my guess is they listen at the gym or during their work commute. Take that into consideration and ask yourself: what key topic points can I pack into a thirty minute segment or less?

Check out these additional sites that show you how to set up your own podcast:

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-11293_7-6246557-1.html

http://www.podcastingnews.com/articles/How-to-Podcast.html