3 Ways to Increase Your Visibility with Podcasts
Podcasts are hot right now and they won't be slowing down anytime soon, if you want to increase your visibility they are a fantastic way to do so. In fact according to an Infinite Dial report from 2019: The percentage of Americans who listen to online audio (defined as listening to AM/FM radio stations online and/or listening to streamed audio content available only on the internet aka) has doubled since 2012, growing from one-third of the population to two-thirds. In the UK according to a research report from Ofcom in 2019: around 7.1 million people in the UK now listen to podcasts each week. That’s one in eight people and is an increase of 24% over the past year – and more than double over the past five years. These figures reflect global trends and outside of the UK and USA podcasts have growing audiences with a wide reach to suit a variety of interests. Many small business owners and entrepreneurs focus on radio or other traditional media and sometimes neglect the lasting impact of podcasts. If you want to improve your personal brand visibility then look to engaging in the podcast space. One caveat and important thing to remember here is that visibility is nothing without credibility. While using podcast platforms to increase your visibility to your target audience always remember that your words will leave an audio-digital footprint.
Being visible is a great way to remind your audience and customers about your product or service but remember that TRUST and REPUTATION last longer. If you are credible then your audience will not only remain loyal but spread the word about your business on your behalf. pic.twitter.com/7dGqeveQ9S
— Ariatu PR (@AriatuPR) February 14, 2020
Remember to always ask the important question of WHY when considering podcasts as part of your PR and comms and/or Media relations strategy. Once you have determined why you can then take the time to consider how you can use podcasts to increase your visibility. Here are 3 simple ways to increase your visibility:Interview guesting - Podcast interviews and conversations are great ways to spotlight the important work that you do in your business and work. From my own personal experience I have been invited onto quite a few podcasts as a guest and it has been a great way to compound my expertise in my sector; it is also a great way for my prospective clients and audience base to get an understanding of what it is that I do. Remember that whatever you say will have an impact on your reputation so be mindful of this when accepting an invitation to speak on a podcast, many people underestimate the reach of podcasts and sometimes show them less respect than traditional radio which makes no sense since the output (if not necessarily the reach) is the same.Content - Being on a podcast offers substantial content creation opportunities. I am a very big fan of re-purposing content and believe that just because you have something featured on one platform that doesn't mean you can't use it across the board on your own platforms, especially if you're looking to improve your personal brand positioning - remember that you are your own brand ambassador. For example you can use an online app like Headliner to create clips from your podcast with visuals to share across social media. Sharing is key as you shouldn't just rely on the platform to share the episode you should signal boost the episode too since it is your voice and it was your time spent sharing your voice - so make sure you share.
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The above is an example of a clip I have repurposed on social media and embedded on this piece to illustrate my point, the content never really dies if it is useful!Host your own - this requires commitment, consistency and tenacity and I would only really recommend it if you or your organisation takes the time to consider the benefits and long term impact. You may not get immediate audience ratings but podcasts are a great way to reach your audience and consumer/client base if you create something relevant and on the pulse. You can of course create a podcast based on your own interests outside of business or work but much like anything you will need to be consistent if you have aims for it to grow into something else. For instance if it is the case that you want to pivot into the media or do more public speaking or get advertising/sponsorship deals it is important to keep track of listener figures and reach and have a targeted approach to the way in which you market the podcast. I would recommend booking a course on podcasting or at least paying attention to the industry at large just to see what tactics are used and how you can differentiate yourself from others. Standing out will increase your visibility and in term enhance your credibility.Remember that everything I've shared here requires commitment and consistency but the results will be absolutely worth it so start working on how you can incorporate podcasting into your PR and personal brand strategy sooner rather than later.