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Running any kind of business usually means you have to face the competition. Let’s face it, no matter how original and a good idea for your business is; there is probably someone out there who had the same idea. With the internet becoming almost oversaturated with all kinds of businesses, there are some things entrepreneurs can do to make their business stand out.
When it comes to running a successful business nowadays, you have to focus on digital and content marketing. There is a virtual sea of different ideas and solutions that can work wonders for various types of businesses, but according to our research, there is one way to maximize the potential of your content marketing and that’s through podcasting. More and more podcasts are becoming viral and they are generating hundreds of thousands if not millions of loyal followers. Unlike written or video content (like Snapchat Marketing), podcasts don’t require their viewer’s undivided attention, and because of that, it gets easily consumed. There are a lot of reasons why you should consider including regular podcast to your digital marketing strategy in 2018 and this list should help you understand those reasons.
1. Build real relationships with your audience
One of the first things you can hear from anyone who regularly follows your podcast is usually the line – “I feel like I really know you!” This is very common when it comes to podcasts, as you tend to develop a relationship with your followers. When you spend hundreds of hours listening to someone, even without any interaction, you start developing friendly feelings towards that person. The feeling can also get mutual when you meet your followers, as you know that people who have spent countless hours listening to you most likely have a lot of things in common with you. Developing closer relationships with your target audience has a significant effect on your business, as you can really understand the needs of your customers, which will, in turn, help you create a better experience for them and build your brand.
2. Connect employees with their business
While podcasts can help you get closer to your audience, clients, and customers, they also help you understand the best ways to connect with your employees. Using podcasts to train employees, applaud them for their successes or make announcements will help your employees trust you more. It can help make your employees more loyal and brand orientated. This way you get elevated productivity levels during work hours, while you also get loyal workforce, which is an amazing asset in every possible aspect. When your employees are happy and they trust you, you can rely on them to spread your ideas in their social circles. This can help with brand development, reach, and overall success of a business. Connecting with your audience, as well as with your employees through podcasting can really make your business flourish.
3. Conversion rates
When your website has a “premium” option, it can sometimes be challenging to get your customers to get that option. Interestingly enough, businesses that used podcasts had amazingly high conversion rates, even though that premium option was never talked about in the podcasts. Let’s get back to that trust building we’ve talked about. When your audience has the feeling they really know you, and they really understand your business, the premium option on your website isn’t some kind of a scam you’re trying to pull off. It’s a completely natural way for your business (which your audience appreciates more and more through your podcasts) to grow. The easiest way to understand this is to consider whether you would buy something from a friend or would you seek out a complete stranger. Most of us would always rather interact with the people we consider close, and through the podcasts, you create that feeling of closeness. If your audience loves your podcasts, they will share it on their social media, you’ll be able to reach more people and your business will inevitably start growing with those conversion rates.
4. Affordable and easy to produce
Recording a podcast requires some basic skills, but it is far less time-consuming than researching and writing an article or preparing and recording a video. All you need is something to talk about, a fairly decent microphone, and an internet connection. Talking is something that comes to people naturally, while finding a microphone or an internet connection is never a problem, so, basically, you can start podcasting as soon as you finish reading this article, but if you’re aiming to produce a more professional-looking podcast, you would need to spend a bit more time. It’s not that hard to find affordable but professional storage facilities nearby and get rid of some excess stuff so you can set up a small podcasting studio. After a while, you can even add some video feed and use the growth of your podcast to help your business grow as well.
Implementing podcasts as a digital marketing strategy is a growing medium. It’s very likely that more and more businesses will try it out in order to stand out in the virtual sea of competition. However, if you think you have something to say and if you think you can really address your customers and your audience – don’t be afraid to do so. It’s not that hard to start a podcast, and the benefits it can bring to your business are amazing. Do a bit of research and start recording your thoughts; you can easily become an experienced podcaster with a successful business if you’re determined and organized.
Related: Hear our Future Sharks’s CEO interview with mixergy
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