Tag:

Audio Podcasts

Want to Host Your Own Podcast?

Podcasting has (almost) moved past “nerd status” and is now an effective way to bring in new customers. According to Edison Research, 21 million Americans are listening to 21 million hours of podcasting a day. And 30% of marketers have plans to start podcasting in the next 12 months.

Here are a few reasons why you should host your own podcast:

You want to build an engaged audience.

According to Forrester, 79% of marketers report that their organizations are shifting to branded content. Being the smart human that you are, you're already aware of the importance of creating branded content to build your audience. You may already even have an audience for your blog. But when you launch a podcast, you'll most likely host your content on a completely new platform like iTunes or Stitcher. This exposes your show to new listeners, giving you the opportunity to reach a tribe of new, eager fans ready to hear what you have to say.

But despite how awesome you are, it will still take time and effort to build a following for your show. So, make sure that you enjoy your topic. This seems simple enough, right? When you truly enjoy your topic, you'll build trust from your audience and your numbers will grow. Creating a fun, engaging podcast can be the key to your success. This may help you to grow your email list or get insights into the best product offerings for your customers. When you start with a topic that piques your interest, you can effectively build fans around your work.

2. You want to be more creative.

According to Fast Company, about 60% of CEOs polled cited creativity as the most important leadership quality. When you demonstrate your creativity through your podcast, you can attract the attention of potential new clients. A few ways to creatively spice things up on your podcast is by adding in new music or sounds. Or take a snippet of something interesting your guest says and add it to the introduction to engage the curiosity of your listeners.

Remember to do a ton of research on the background of your guests to make sure that you ask unique, meaningful questions. These questions will showcase your expertise and evolve your brand.

3. You want to become a better speaker.

This is one (of the many!) reasons I started my podcast, The Art of Humanity. It paved the path for me to be a Keynote speaker at events around the country. Conducting interviews is one of the quickest ways to improve your speaking skills – minus the scary scene of a live audience. While you're building your podcast, you're getting comfortable (with being uncomfortable) behind the microphone.

Speaking gigs aren't consistent. But podcasting can be.

According to Entrepreneur, most podcasts are between 30 and 60 minutes. To attract leads and drive sales, make sure to release a consistent duration of your podcast – as well as release your podcast on the same day of the week or the same day of the month. Just like in the old days of television shows (pre-Tivo), listeners enjoy the suspense of a new episode that releases at a particular time in the week. Of course, listeners don't have to listen to the show the day that it comes out. But knowing that it's available on a specific day keeps the interest of your listeners.

Need help? I can guide you with:

Content strategy
Editorial calendar development
Brainstorming podcast ideas
Guest booking
Publishing and distribution
Developing a strategy for podcast promotion
Media outreach
Influencer relations

January 27, 2017 0 comment

Podcast

Episode 3: Shannon Hernandez discusses music and motivation

The Art of Humanity is a weekly 30-minute podcast that explores creativity and consciousness with artists, leaders, authors, and entrepreneurs.

Note: If you enjoy this episode, please leave a review on the iTunes store. It'll mean so much to me to see your feedback!

Episode 3: Radio personality and podcaster Shannon Hernandez.

Shannon Hernandez is Dave Grohl's shorter twin. He has a passion for being on the radio and educating the everyday man/woman to do what he does. During our conversation we discuss:

What it's like to live the dream he's had since a little boy
How to get used to the sound of your own voice
The music that inspires him (along with some nerd talk: books and philosophy!)
How he rewired his mind to lose a ton of weight

Please subscribe to the podcast on iTunes and leave a review!

April 22, 2015 0 comment

Blog

How to Craft Compelling Audio Content

Pop quiz: This activity you do every day can be efforts:

(cue the Jeopardy music).

If you said, “what is talk,” you win! (and I'm not even Alex Trebek). Here's why:

When you talk, you create audio (brilliant concept, right?) It is a pretty simple. But publishing compelling, quality audio content is often made a lot more complex.

Futurist Gerd Leonard believes that the future of media is through content and creativity. If we look towards the future of content, in particular, audio will play a big role. Google Glass is paving the way with a vibrating element that provides audio to the wearer via contact with the user's head.

The Minority Report era may be here but have no fear. Learn how to use it to your advantage. While there may not be a need for Google's bone sound vibration for your business (unless you're a navigation company), you can certainly take advantage of where we're heading with technology. Here's how:

1. Understand that audio is one of the most intimate, effective ways to communicate with customers.

It makes your business human, and it makes your product or service come alive. It also creates transparency. And if you decide to create audio podcasts to show your knowledge with your industry, you're literally using your authentic voice.â

A leader in the field is Mitch Joel, who consistently releases audio content each week for his Six Pixels of Separation podcast. He has conversations about digital marketing and media. The quality of the audio itself and the in-depth interviews are great examples of quality content (I interviewed Mitch Joel here on Episode 29 of The Art of Humanity).

2. Invest in Quality Equipment

Expensive Sennheiser mics may be out of your budget. But that doesn't mean you have to create low-quality. We highly recommend that you not use the built-in mics that come on your computer. The majority of the time, they produce low-quality audio (yes even the mics that come with your expensive Macbook).

Invest a small amount of money into a microphone that has usb output that connects to your computer for digital recording. I've had great experiences with this Audio Technica mic, and also use professional headphones to edit.

GarageBand is a good option to record the audio if you have a Mac. The equipment that you use can make or break the quality. Don't let a few bucks here or there get in your way.

3. Create a content strategy

Put a content strategy in place thatÂ integrates content, search, and social. Â And plan to repurpose.

Remember that creating and publishing audio content is a long-term process. Put a plan in place that allows you to record the audio on one date, edit on another, and then publish (publishing weeks later is always a good idea to give yourself time). Even if you think you have a strategy in place, plan even more. Creating audio content is time-intensive and expensive. Know what you're getting into, and collaborate with others if you have limited resources.

4. Market and Distribute Your Audio Content

Getting featured on the iTunes splash page is a quick and fun way to get some attention. Apple provides tips for the most likely ways this can happen. But before you go forward, you'll need to first submit and get approved to the iTunes by following these guidelines.

Do you want to get started with audio content, but not sure where to start with your strategy?

Whether you want to create audio content or written content, my team and I can help you craft content that makes an impact on your business.

Email me and say hi: jessica at jessica ann media dot com

August 26, 2013 1 comment