5 Tips for Better and More Engaging Podcasts

Did you know that podcast listeners increased by 29.5% from 2018 to 2021! According to reports, in 2022, 51% of the population has listened to a podcast, and roughly 78% are familiar with the medium.

As most people from the marketing and content industry know, podcasts are a megaphone to the world. With more than half of all American homes listening to podcasts, it is a mine of potential clients. Marc Raco, the Head of Audio for Linktree, highlights how content creators can improve their podcasts for maximum engagement and success.

Read on for more novel ideas and opportunities for podcasters!

5 Podcast Pointers for Content Creators

1. Create an image

Be clear about the goal you want to accomplish with your podcast. You should be clear with the image you want to focus on as the host. Establish your unique presence as a host worth listening to; give your readers a glimpse into your background.

You can include a story where you overcome adversity to make it interesting. Talk about where you come from and where you want to go next. Advertise your social media handles and encourage your audience to connect with you.

The next important factor involves defining the metrics and the target audience you wish to cater to. Whether it is an industry or an age group, having a clear idea of your target audience can help you streamline your content creation and audio strategy.

2. Focus on production quality

Use high-quality apps to record your episodes with guests. Try to invest in equipment that will allow you to record high-quality content.

Choose unique titles to avoid infringing upon the creative rights of other podcasters. Opt for royalty-free music or buy licensed tracks from small artists to avoid licensing problems.

Avoid “podfade,” where one starts a podcast without a strategy and gives up on it after a few episodes. Podcasting necessitates creating a strategy in advance. For instance, you can number of episodes which you can later expand.

Be careful with the gadgets you buy. Your goal should be to invest in good quality but not necessarily expensive gear. Buying a mic that makes recording clear and a comfortable pair of headphones should get the results you desire.

3. Content presentation

Practice out loud and get feedback on the way you deliver your content. Be mindful of the way you sound. You may overlook specific minute details that can affect your voice’s impact.

Therefore, experiment with different distances between you and your mic, breathing techniques, and sit or stand with a proper posture to find out the best possible tricks behind sounding the way you want.

Furthermore, engage with your listeners by delivering your content in a conversational tone.

4. Increase the audience

The best way to build your podcast audience is by engaging existing followers from your target industry. If you are attending live events, create a podcast episode during those events.

Let the audience participation create a bond between the target audience and your brand. Invite and collaborate with somebody who can add more value to the information you want to share on your podcast.

In addition, you can include segments where your listeners send their questions or audio notes in your episodes. It is not necessary to be a strict host; you can have informal conversations with your viewers to bolster a sense of comradeship. In fact, it is recommended that you do so.

5. Market your services using your podcast

Ask your podcast guests to promote you while you promote them. For this, you can include affiliate agreements. You can expand your network by inviting influential people in your industry. It will raise the value of your brand as well as your podcast.

Another simple technique is to cross-promote. For instance, you can invite other podcasters and ask them to invite you to their podcasts in return. This will allow you access to the audience of another established podcast related to your niche.

Hard-hitting Quotes by Marc

1. “To control your narrative, build your podcast.”

It is difficult to control the public perception of your brand in our information-dense digital world. An effective way to control this narrative is to create your own channel for the discourse using a podcast.

Having your own podcast can establish your image as a thought leader in your industry and help you form a more comprehensive marketing strategy for your brand or services.

2. “It is not expensive to start podcasting; don’t let that be a blocker.”

Creating and maintaining a podcast is a relatively low-cost effort. You need to invest in good-quality gadgets for your recording and editing. The only thing required apart from that is your willingness to work and network.

3. “Give the audience what they want; involve them.”

If you make the audience feel connected with your brand or services, they will become stakeholders of your success. Establishing your podcast as something that requires public participation will make listeners want to participate in your discussion, share it with others, and be a patron of your cause.

Tips While Attending a Podcast as a Guest Speaker

● While attending as a guest speaker, be mindful of the tone used and the key topics that make up the focal points of the podcast.

● Be clear about the primary message you want to get across. Preparing a story and notes in advance can help you clarify your chain of thought.

● Keep a short bio for introduction, social media handles, and a headshot for promotion ready; this will allow you to control the marketing process.

● Follow up and promote the episode on your social media handles such as LinkedIn or your website or newsletter.

● Sending it to your stakeholders will boost their confidence in your brand and services. Additionally, you may share it with your customers to reinforce your brand’s value.

Note: This blog is an excerpt from a session on the Masterclass on Audio Content with Marc Raco, the Head of Audio for Linktree. The session was part of Elevate–a global virtual content summit organized by Pepper Content, bringing together industry leaders in content marketing.