So, you’ve finally done it. You’ve hit record on your podcast, uploaded your first episode, and—well, now you’re waiting. Waiting for the downloads, waiting for the reviews, waiting for that podcast fame.
But let’s be real: unless you’ve got a massive following already (and if you do, share your secret), you’re going to need more than just good content to grow your audience. That’s where podcast marketing comes in.
We’re talking about three simple but super-effective ways to market your podcast, increase those downloads, and finally stop hearing crickets.
1. Leverage Social Media (And Not Just a Post and Pray Situation)
Listen, just posting your podcast episode once and hoping it goes viral isn’t going to cut it. Social media is your best friend when it comes to podcast promotion, but you’ve got to use it right.
Here’s the trick: engage, don’t just post. Think of your social media as a conversation with your audience—not a billboard.
- Tease upcoming episodes: Drop hints and behind-the-scenes content before an episode airs. Let people know what’s coming, build the excitement.
- Share your episodes in stories: Instagram and Facebook stories are perfect for short, snappy content. Post quotes, key takeaways, or even share a quick clip from the episode.
- Create audiograms: Audiograms are bite-sized audio clips from your episodes with captions, and they’re great for grabbing attention. Tools like Headliner make creating these a breeze.
- Engage with your followers: Ask them questions related to your episode topics. The more you engage with your audience, the more likely they are to share and tune in.
Pro tip: Don’t forget hashtags. Use relevant, trending hashtags to increase discoverability and reach new listeners.
2. Optimize SEO for Your Episodes (Because, You Know, People Need to Find You)
It’s 2024, and if you want your podcast to be found, SEO is non-negotiable. That means your podcast title, episode titles, and show notes need to work for you, not just sound cute.
Here’s how to optimize your podcast for search:
- Do some keyword research: Think about what potential listeners might type into Google or a podcast platform when looking for shows like yours. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find search terms related to your podcast topics.
- Write detailed episode descriptions: Include relevant keywords in your episode descriptions. Not only does this help with SEO, but it gives listeners a taste of what they’ll get when they tune in.
- Use transcriptions: Adding a transcription of each episode to your website boosts SEO by making all that audio searchable. Plus, it’s a great resource for those who prefer reading over listening.
And remember: your podcast title should tell people exactly what your show is about, with a dash of intrigue. The goal is to make it easy for your ideal audience to find you.
3. Collaborate with Other Podcasters (Two Heads Are Better Than One)
Collaboration isn’t just for influencers—it works wonders for podcasters, too. The reality is, building a loyal audience takes time, and collaborating with others can help you speed up the process by tapping into existing communities.
Here’s how to collaborate with other podcasters:
- Guest spots: Invite other podcasters to be guests on your show. This gives you access to their audience, and they get to do the same with yours. Win-win.
- Cross-promotion: Swap promos with other podcasters. You mention their show in an episode, and they do the same for you. This is especially great for podcasters in similar niches.
- Co-host an episode: Work together on a special episode, where you both contribute insights. It can be a fun way to engage listeners who already follow both of you.
By collaborating with other podcasters, you not only expand your reach but also build a sense of community within the podcasting world. Plus, it’s a great way to learn from other creators.
Let’s Get Your Podcast Noticed!
There you have it—three powerful, simple ways to market your podcast today. Social media, SEO, and collaboration can take your show from just a fun hobby to a growing, thriving podcast.
If you’re tired of waiting for listeners to magically appear, now’s the time to take action. Start implementing these strategies, and watch your audience grow. And hey, if you need a little extra help, Schedule a Discovery Call—I’d love to chat about how we can make your podcast the next big thing.
Now, go ahead and get your podcast the attention it deserves!