Over the last decade or so, podcasts have taken the world by storm as more and more listeners tune out from traditional, fixed-slot radio broadcasting and shift their attention to downloadable content. However, while this huge rise in the popularity of podcasts has brought tremendous opportunities to content producers, it has also led to fierce competition for listeners and it’s now harder than ever to make your material stand out.
If you’re looking for ways to generate more traffic and win new listeners, below are a few tips used by the pros that could see you expanding your audience.
Use the popular podcast directories
It should go without saying, but one of the best ways to get your content noticed (if not the best way) is to submit your content to the most popular podcast directories. Where once Apple stood alone as the biggest player, other services like Google and Spotify are quickly gaining ground. Sign up to them all for the widest exposure.
Ask users to subscribe
Just as with YouTube, one of the most important ways to climb higher up podcast searches is by having a high subscription rate. Directories view subscriptions as a testimony of content quality, so try to get your users to sign up. Subscriptions also have the added benefit of pushing new content to users as and when you publish.
Build a background website
While it’s true the majority of your listeners will likely come from directories, if you’re to hold onto your audience and build a relationship with them (which is kind of the point, right?), then you should think about backing up your content with a website. Not only will you be able to use the site to push your new podcasts, you’ll also be able to give listeners a bit more background information about you and/or your team. As your popularity grows, you could even use your site to upsell associated merchandise or additional premium content.
A website doesn’t need to cost the earth these days, and with the tremendous advances in coding and design, you could be set up and online in a matter of weeks. Visit https://www.altagency.co.uk/services/development/wordpress/ to find out more.
Ideally, you should feature some information about you, your inspiration and your shows – plus also have a regularly updated blog section where you can post additional content. Posting new articles frequently will also help with your Search Engine Optimization (SEO), meaning you might even start gathering new listeners through generic Google searches.
Use every available channel for promotion
In our modern connected world, it’s almost a pre-requisite to have a social presence – and working as a podcaster is no exception. You should take the time to set up dedicated pages (i.e. don’t just use your existing personal pages) on all the major social channels – YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Also, don’t forget the value of the smaller channels, which could end up a valuable source of new listeners. For example, if you’re podcasting about fashion or beauty, Pinterest with its 77% female user base could prove an ideal conduit for building an audience.