Let’s talk podcasts. It’s hard to ignore the growth that podcasting has seen in the last few years, and if you ask us, it’s time to consider the value of running a podcast for your local business!
As local businesses are continuing to expand their marketing reach, podcasting is proving to be a new and innovative outlet to build an audience of customers, as well as just interested listeners! If you’re not yet convinced or simply need a little more information on the topic, then you’re in the right place.
So, let’s get to the burning question; why does my business need a podcast?
It is estimated that by 2022, podcast listening will increase by 132 million people in just the U.S. For reference, in 2020, there were a little more than 100 million Americans listening to podcasts at least once a month. That means, in two years, podcasting viewership, or in this case, listenership is expected to more than double in growth!
Don’t skip out on this opportunity! If traffic in searching for and listening to podcasts is rapidly increasing, by having a podcast that is accessible to listeners across platforms, your content is bound to be discovered and listened to!
Need more proof? It’s also been found that podcast listening has grown by 54 percent in only three years, so growth has been on the horizon for some time now and podcasts are only continuing to make an impact.
Podcasts give business owners the ability to create an online audience that wants to hear their weekly or monthly advice, tips, conversations, etc.
When this content is accessible across the internet and streaming platforms, naturally, this will lead to more interest and traffic to a local business. As customers search online for information related to your industry, by having multiple forms of content, podcasting included, your online reach is going to be more significant.
If you are searching for more information on translating your website traffic into sales, this blog is for you!
Consider podcasts an additional marketing avenue for you to get involved! While many of your marketing efforts are accessed from customer’s desktops, podcasting is a medium that is easily reached through mobile.
When your podcast is listed on different apps, directories and platforms like YouTube, people can easily tune in wherever they go!
In a time where face-to-face business connections are more limited than ever before, having an outlet to communicate with customers or listeners who are interested in your industry or podcast topics, is yet another opportunity to build community.
Why not open up a conversation with your local community and customers through this audio outlet?
You can call for listeners to send in topic suggestions or they could call in to ask questions that you can answer as an industry expert. This ultimately allows you to continue building a bond with your audience and address their interests all while remaining on a remote platform.
When you consider the popularity of podcasting and its relevance in pop culture and marketing, it may seem unattainable for a small business but it’s quite the contrary! One of the greatest benefits to creating and running a podcast is that the barrier for entry is very low.
This means that you don’t need fancy equipment and a huge budget to start a podcast. All you need is a nice microphone, headphones and a great topic and you’ll be up and running!
For local business owners, time is money and podcasting doesn’t require a significant investment from a monetary or time perspective. Many listeners enjoy a simple and conversational format for podcasting which makes creating the content much simpler.
Of course, it does require taking some time and effort out of your day but when you consider more traditional forms of marketing and communicating with customers like TV advertisements and radio broadcasts, podcasting is a reasonable investment for both your pocket and your watch.
With any of the content you create as a business, whether it’s blogs, social media posts, etc., you are likely utilizing them to showcase your authority and expertise within your industry.
Similar to those forms of content, one of the main reasons a listener will want to tune into an industry-focused podcast is to gain useful tips and information that they may not be able to find through other outlets.
Of course, podcasts are great for their entertainment value and engagement, but the authority that also comes with creating them as a small business allows for you to remain top of mind when listeners are on the search for a trustworthy source for information within your niche.
Podcasting is on the rise and continuing to gain exposure, and your business does not want to miss out!
What's not to love? The barrier for entry is low, the ability to make remote connections is high and the opportunity to reach a large and engaging audience is unstoppable!
If you are interested in learning more about some other growing forms of marketing and content creation, then make sure to check out these blogs.
If you love podcasts and want to keep up with RevLocal's Marketing Revelations podcast, click here to subscribe for monthly episodes!
Anne Karasarides, Content Contributor
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