Podcasts are an increasingly popular format for many content producers. And, it’s a platform that isn’t just for True Crime or football as businesses of all sectors look to make an impact on the growing listenership.

With over 500,000 podcasts in the world and 51 million listeners, this type of media isn’t going anywhere. It continues to be a popular method to speak to audiences about more niche, profession-specific topics.

So, take a look at these six reasons why you should start a podcast that will help you reach a wider audience.

1. Capture your audience’s attention

A huge benefit of a podcast is giving the audience easy-to-digest information. People like information that is easy to consume and giving the audience different topics within an hour-long episode can keep them engaged.

People are used to having and holding conversations. A podcast provides that familiarity as it’s very much a conversation that you’re listening in on. There are different voices that help you visualise what the person is saying, making you feel like you’re in the same room as them.

One way of maintaining that feeling is adding personal anecdotes in so the audience gets to know you and your episode topic better.

2. Create in-depth, easy-to-understand content

A podcast allows you to produce content that delves into a topic in more detail.

This can help you to disseminate information more easily than in an average blog, enabling you to explain or talk about more complex areas.

So, rather than squeezing the hard stuff into a 1,000-word blog, a podcast episode can be the perfect way to articulate what you want to say.

3. Create a personalised experience for your audience

Having a platform where you’re talking gives your audience a chance to hear you, how you speak and, of course, your level of knowledge. The emotion, thinking patterns and your tone makes the listener feel like they’re in the room with you.

It’s certainly a reason why phone or video calls can be much more beneficial than a series of emails. Having some direct contact gives clients and potential clients a chance to get to know you (without actually getting to know you).

4. Portable and convenient

You can’t read a blog or watch a video while driving, walking to work, or working out at the gym. But when listening to a podcast, you can occupy yourself and do other things – whether that’s cleaning the house or even doing some work.

The only effort needed for a podcast is to press play. Of course, you get more out of it when you listen, but that doesn’t stop you from digesting the information that is being provided, even if you’re busy multitasking.

5. Diverse, easy-to-repurpose content

One way to attract an audience is through blog posts and social media, and these can work hand-in-hand with podcasts. By generating a lot of content, you can repurpose specific conversations within a podcast episode to attract a wider audience.

For example, repurposing podcast content for blog posts, infographics, and short clips for social media is an efficient way of both advertising both your podcast and business.

Not only that, but you’ll generate more traffic to your social media profiles as your content is more engaging than just a 240-character statement on Twitter.

6. Position yourself as a thought leader in your profession

Perhaps most importantly, podcasts showcase you as an expert and thought leader in your profession.

Creating a well-structured podcast that covers a variety of topics means you’re putting your knowledge out there. People will see the content you’re producing and look to you for advice, opinions, and thoughts.

Things to remember

If starting a podcast does interest you, you should remember these few things:

• Don’t start your podcast just to sell your product or service

You can alienate your audience if you go down this road as content looks to be a hard sell, rather than an educational piece designed to help.

• It’s a commitment

Whether you release weekly, monthly, or quarterly episodes, it takes patience and time to put episode content together.

• It might not be a success overnight

Don’t be put off if you’re not attracting hundreds or thousands of listeners overnight. It can take time for your listenership to grow.

We’re here to help

There are many reasons why you should take the plunge and start your own podcast. They help you get your ideas out to the world in a different way that people can engage with and enjoy.

They can be time-consuming to organise though and the thought of starting one can daunting.

So, if you like the idea of starting your own podcast, but you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to help. Email hi@theyardstickagency.co.uk or call 0115 8965 300.