Podcasting Series: Creating Your Own Podcast (Part 2 of 4)

Creating a podcast for your business can be a fun way to engage with industry peers and potential customers. With 62% of people in the US listening to podcasts, the decision to hit record and start talking is only natural. But there’s more to making a podcast than meets the eye. Standing out in the podcasting landscape is vital for your podcast to be a success, and this can range from having a niche area of expertise to having excellent sound design.

When you launch a podcast, you’re allowing your business to build a new and intimate relationship with your audience. This platform gives you a chance to show why you’re an expert in your field. In this blog, we explore how you can start your own business podcast.

Topic Creation

Choosing your podcast topic can seem overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. When you narrow down your topic to your interests and how they reflect your business, it can help you focus your content in a single direction.

Your topic should be broad enough that you can spend an entire season talking about it in different contexts. But it should also be specific enough to draw in new listeners. For example, a podcast about eCommerce marketing is a broad category that can cover different areas. But this topic is also specific enough to engage the eCommerce retailer audience.

Researching podcasts about your industry is great for identifying the gaps your niche might be able to fill. If you find podcasts about your area of expertise, then work out the best angle your podcast can take, so you stand out from the crowd.

You should also take the time to work out the format of your podcast. Who will be the voice or voices behind the microphone? How will you convey what you want to talk about? The format of the podcast depends on your chosen topic, so consider how you want to present your niche to the world.

Market Your Podcast and Build Awareness

Studies have shown that the average show title has about 24 characters. This ensures that most of the title is shown when it’s been displayed on podcasting apps. Avoiding the word ‘podcast’ in the title is another thing to consider when coming up with your podcast name. Your title should be short, sharp and recognizable – something that your audience can remember easily.

Your podcast’s branding is another component that will help make your podcast stand out and you should think about how it complements your business. Or do you want your podcast’s brand to stand on its own? This extends to your cover art. It should be captivating and eye-catching, as it’s the first thing listeners will see on their app.

An active social media presence can help you connect with listeners directly and establish your podcast’s position. Think about which platforms your current audience uses the most and focus on those. This can help engage with your current audience while reaching like-minded listeners.

Recording Equipment and Editing Software

Recording and editing doesn’t have to break the bank. Investing in a microphone is crucial for having clean, crisp audio. Podcasting microphones range in price to suit your budget and set-up.

Likewise, your audio editing software doesn’t have to put a strain on your wallet. There are many free audio editing programs you can use for your podcast. But there are also paid premium software options if you want the full audio-editing experience. Another alternative is to contract a freelance audio engineer to do the work for you.

It’s Time to Record Your Podcast

When you record your first few episodes, you might stumble and make mistakes, but that’s okay! The more you become familiar with the writing, recording and editing process, the better you’ll become at it. Making a podcast is no easy feat and results won’t appear overnight. But the improved customer relationships and trust, as well as the increase in traffic, are well worth the wait. 

So what are you waiting for? Discer your podcast topic, pick up a mic, and start recording!