I started my first blog back in 1996 back when Angelfire.com launched and gave people the opportunity to create individual html pages. I started out by editing my index.html page on a daily basis until I felt the page was simply too long. I decided to break down my posts by month and calling each of those pages something like 1996-10.html. Each time I created an html page for a new month, I would manually add a link to it in a file called archive.html. When people would come to my index.html page, they would see the link, on the side of my site, linking them to the archives.
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So You Have A Podcast… Now What?
One the questions that I am asked most often is “How Do I Grow My Audience?” Many times it’s phrased something like, “I’ve been podcasting for (insert number) of months/years and I only have (insert number) of people who are consistently downloading each of my episodes.”
Those who have been listening to Podcast Answer Man for a long time know that I really don’t like the mindset behind that question. I’m all for growing our audience. However, I’d prefer to say, I’ve been podcasting for (insert number) of months/years and I’ve been blessed to grow my audience to a point where (insert number) people are consistently downloading each of my episodes, and I’m ready to take the reach of my show to a whole new level.
Remember that each of these “downloads” represents a person/human being. Do you know how many pastors would love to speak to 50, 100, or even 300 people, consistently, each and every week? I’ve often avoided going too deep into answering this question on Podcast Answer Man, in the past, due to the fact that I’ve always want to drive home the point that I feel strongly that the quality of the relationship you have with your audience/community is much more important than the quantity of people who download your show.
In this episode, I share two pieces of audio feedback from our community where I was asked how we can effectively market our podcast and grow our audience. In response, I shared the following items.
1. There is power when your show has a narrow niche focus.
2. I suggest only podcasting about things for which you are passionate about.
3. Before you record your first episode, you should know why are you podcasting in the first place. I recommend having a having a mission/purpose for your show.
4. Become crystal clear on exactly who your target audience is! Imagine your occupation was that of a bounty hunter. How hard would your job be if you were not given any clear description of the person you are supposed to be looking for. Same principle applies when trying to go out and find new people to listen to your show!
5. Build it and they will come does not, often, work in podcasting! Creating an amazing show is about 30% of the equation. The other 70% is marketing and relationship building.
6. Obviously, you should submit your podcast to podcast directories like iTunes, Zune, Blackberry, and Stitcher Radio.
7. Content Is King! Create high value content that people can’t live without! It’s an added bonus if your content is so great that they are compelled to share it with others.
8. Entertainment goes a long way. Don’t Be Boring!!!
9. Keep it positive! The world is seeking hope and encouragement! Give it to them! [click to continue...]
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