Once you have decided to launch a podcast, the next main concern for most people is how to grow an audience for it. Your growth and marketing plan should actually be built right into the podcast.
Below are 13 steps you must follow to ensure the growth of your channel audience:
1. Give it a strong, interesting name
It needs to appeal to your niche and be searchable on sites and aggregators.
2. Create strong titles for each podcast
Every podcast should have a keyworded name, not just numbers, to tell people what to expect and to make it more discoverable.
3. Write enticing teaser copy
Make sure the description of your podcast channel, and each one you create, is keyworded and sounds exciting enough for your audience to want to listen.
4. Be consistent
Set a regular schedule for it so people know what to expect. It’s a big commitment, but it’s the only way to keep an audience coming back for more, and telling others about it.
5. Tell your lists about your podcast
If you have email marketing lists, send an email to invite them to subscribe to the podcast, send in topic suggestions and guest suggestions, or even get involved by being interviewed online.
6. Social media
Tell everyone in your social media account about your new podcast channel. Each time you create a new podcast, post about it on your social media pages. Encourage people to share the post with anyone they know who might also be interested in it.
7. Forums, discussion boards and groups
Post information about it on niche-related areas on the internet where your target audience will congregate.
8. Your blog
Embed your feed into your site. Also, give a page to each one you create. Add a transcript to attract the search engines. Include a call to action or subscribe button.
9. Be a guest blogger
Guest blog; that is, give free content to one or more blogs related to your niche. Use the link back they should give you to point to your podcast subscription page.
10. Be a guest on another podcast
Grow your audience by being a guest on high-profile niche blogs. In this way, you will get a chance to point your URL to the listeners who like what you have to say. Offer a guest spot in exchange, and ask the guest to share the URL once the podcast has been created. Or, offer them a copy they can use as is on their podcast feed once you have finished editing it.
11. Help a Reporter Out
The HARO website allows you to list yourself as an expert in your niche. Your biography can list your podcast. You can also mention it if you are interviewed and used as a resource for a journalist’s story.
12. Issue a press release about your podcast
Tell the world you have a new podcast with the help of a press release. Chances are that journalists interested in your niche, or looking for interesting information to pass along to your readers, will be happy to pick up your story and share it. There are free and paid press release distribution services which can help you spread the word.
13. Blogger outreach
Blogger outreach is similar to issuing press releases, only it targets top bloggers in top niches. They might be interested in your content, the transcript, or having you on as a guest blogger.
Growing your audience for your podcast does not have to be an uphill struggle if you follow these tips and tricks. Use all you’ve learned and you should soon have an ever-growing audience of eager listeners.
