[smart_track_player url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/sellingthecouch/STC_Session_32.mp3″ title=”Using Podcasting To Build and Grow Your Practice” artist=”Melvin Varghese” social=”true” social_twitter=”true” social_facebook=”true” social_gplus=”true” ]
Welcome to today’s show! My guest today is . . . ME! Yes, it’s a solo podcast episode about one of my favorite topics, which is podcasting. I’m talking about USING PODCASTING TO BUILD YOUR BUSINESS. I’ve learned a lot on my own podcasting journey of several hundred hours over the last few months, and I hope some of my tips will help anyone else looking to start their podcast.
Podcasting is here to stay! In 2014, podcast downloads hit the BILLION mark. There are an estimated 75 million podcast listeners each month, and that number has tripled in the last five years. Podcasts are an outgrowth of modern internet technology and iTunes explosion. Experts estimate that by 2025, 100% of new cars in the US will have internet connectivity!
I’m covering the following topics in this episode:
- You don’t need expensive equipment to start. You need a computer, podcasting mike, mike arm, quality headphones, and a pop filter. You can download inexpensive (or free) software like Audacity, Skype, Pamela, and ecamm.
- It’s important to build pre-launch “buzz” about your podcast. Use iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Sound Cloud, and a podcast launch team. I discuss in detail the importance of subscriptions, ratings, and reviews—and how to make them work in your favor to publicize your podcast.
- When you’re ready to submit podcasts to iTunes, I recommend launching with at least three episodes. Have at least four weeks’ worth of episodes on “stand by.”
- Find an organizational method that works for you. I try to schedule one day per week for recording podcasts so that it doesn’t overwhelm my calendar.
You might be thinking, “How can a podcast help me?” or “Why should I consider starting a podcast?” A podcast can help your business or practice in the following ways:
- It will direct traffic to your website.
- Your website will rank higher with online search engines.
- Podcasting is an uncontested marketplace.
- It allows you to become an authority in your area.
- You can create your own platform.
- Podcasting creates many opportunities.
- It can generate active and passive income.
My NEXT BIG THING is developing a step-by-step online course about podcasting. I hope to have it available later this year at an affordable price, along with offering subscriber discounts from several companies. I’ve certainly learned the “ins and outs” of podcasting, and I’m eager to share what I’ve learned with anyone interested in beginning their own podcast. I hope you’ll join me for this informative episode!
Links and Resources:
www.sellingthecouch.com/mypodcastlaunch (Sign up for information about the podcasting course and to receive updates on its availability.)