Why You Should Start a Podcast
If you’ve been exploring the idea of launching your own podcast, now may be the time to take the plunge.
Podcasting is Growing in Popularity
Spotify reported that overall podcast consumption doubled on its platform during Q2 2020, largely as a result of the changing listening habits of consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic (The Verge). Even prior to the pandemic, the popularity of podcasts was on the rise with consumers—growing by 37.5% in the past three years—and that growth continues as 2020 draws to a close.
If you are a hobbyist, subject matter expert, or business leader looking to position yourself as a thought leader in your industry, then podcasting is for you! Podcasts serve as an incredible, far-reaching platform for individuals looking to share their personal interests or expand their professional influence. With more and more listeners tuning into podcasts on a monthly basis, the time is now to start your own podcast.
Connect with a Niche Audience
Unlike traditional advertising, which is oftentimes regarded as invasive, ill-timed, or irrelevant, podcasting is an effective way to connect with audiences who are already interested in your subject, ideas, or offerings.
Our team has consulted with many individuals that have expressed interest in launching their own podcast but are afraid that listenership will be low. So what’s a good benchmark to aim for? The Joe Rogan Experience (one of the top-performing podcasts in the United States) receives around 200 million monthly downloads—a staggering number. However, most podcasters set their sights on the 10,000 downloads per month mark.
10,000 downloads per month may still seem like an incredibly high number—and that’s because it is! The average podcast receives just 141 downloads in the first 30 days (smallbizgenius.net). Although monthly downloads are an important metric, even a small audience can be incredibly valuable to you and your business or personal brand.
Consider the sense of accomplishment you would feel after pitching your business or idea to a room of 141 leads who you knew were interested in your idea or product. You would probably be pretty excited!
When it comes to getting started with your podcast, focus on the benefits of communicating with an audience that is interested in your specialized content, rather than comparing yourself to larger, better-established shows.
Getting Started is Easier Than You Think
As the Chinese proverb goes: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Podcasting may seem like a grand undertaking, but it’s easier than you may think to get started. And with podcasting listenership steadily increasing each year, there’s never been a better time to launch your own podcast!
Download our free How to Start a Podcast guide for information on hosting and analytics tools, the equipment you’ll need to build an at-home podcast studio, and promoting your show. Brand Viva also offers free podcast consultations for those interested in idea development services and professional audio recording and editing.
Producing original content and maintaining a digital marketing plan can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Brand Viva Media is an agency that creates custom content and marketing strategies for our clients. When you have the marketing plan you need, your brand gains exposure, customers engage more, and your business flourishes.
The Brand Viva team produces podcasts locally in Denver, Colorado, and remotely with our partners across the United States. We are here to get you up and running, streamline your podcast, and help grow your audience.