Local podcasters share words of wisdom

It’s time to take podcasting seriously. It’s now easier than ever to subscribe to a show using iTunes on your computer and an array of popular podcasting apps like Stitcher, Downcast, Overcast, Pocket Casts, and even the native Podcasting app that comes installed and ready to go in Apple products.

There are now over 1 billion subscriptions to podcasts in iTunes; people are listening.

One example is the smash hit, “Serial,” which received 1.26 million downloads per episode. Of course, we can’t all be “Serial,” but that doesn’t mean we can’t launch our own podcasts to build stronger relationships with our customers and potential clients, fans and friends.

Podcasting is intimate

I have been podcasting at NBNRadio.com since March 2014, but my podcasting began in 2005 when I co-hosted with my wife and produced one of the first parenting podcasts, “Two Boobs and a Baby.” It was far more complex to create, launch and run a podcast back then. We’ve come a long way! With the right advice, you, too, can launch a podcast of your own as a hobby or for your business.

If you want an intimate method to reach your customers in a new way, or you want to build brand awareness and grow your professional network, podcasting is perfect. I love the medium because there is no other way to reach thousands of people while being so intimate.

“There’s not a faster way to build trust with an audience,” says Michael Hyatt, host of “This Is Your Life” and best-selling author. “Podcasting is one of the most intimate forms of communication, because people are usually listening in their earbuds. It also provides access to many more senses than mere reading.”

Be consistent and interact

Dan Miller, best-selling author and host of “48 Days,” said you should provide great content, be professional, interact with your listeners and be consistent. Hyatt added that if you want to get traction, you have to be consistent with a minimum of one episode a week.

Consistency is key. Gabriel Patillo has been producing the “Married to the Games” podcast since September 2012 and told me one of the things that has made he and his wife’s show succeed is they haven’t missed a week since they began their show.

Many podcasters use Twitter to interact with listeners by using a hashtag for their show. This makes it easy to track conversations. You can also use services like Speakpipe.com to have users submit audio comments that you can include in your show.

Good equipment helps

David Hooper from “RED — Real Entrepreneur Development,” Matt Ragland from “Story Signals,” Jeff Sanders from the “5 AM Miracle,” and Dave Kirby from “1 Simple Thing” all agreed that you should use a good microphone and equipment to make your podcast sound its best. “Good content can be overshadowed by poor sound and production, or poor interview skills,” Kirby added. “Take the time to learn the basics of your craft and invest in coaching and training if you intend on making a run at something that is more than just a hobby.”

Planning and numbers

Take the time to plan your show, especially if you are interviewing guests. When you set a date and time to record your interview, stick to it and respect your guest’s time.

“Don’t wing it,” Sanders says. “Plan your shows well with detailed scripts and/or outlines and don’t bank on your own ability to improv in the moment.”

Don’t forget to review your downloads, ratings and reviews from time to time. Be sure to thank those who review your show.

Kevin Mason from “The Mason Minute” pointed out that we shouldn’t be consumed by the numbers. “It’s easy to get discouraged by inconsistent listening levels. Stick with it. Podcasting is still a relatively new form of media. It takes time to both build and maintain an audience.”

Get started podcasting

Ready to get started? Jason Reese from “Up In This Brain” suggested future podcasters network on social media with hosts of the shows they most enjoy. He said they would probably be happy to answer your questions.

According to the Washington Post, podcast downloads passed the 1 billion mark last year and monthly podcast listeners reached 75 million per month. As podcasting increases in popularity, the early adopters will reap the benefits.

Want to hear some podcasts from Nashville? Visit nashville.nbnradio.com.

On Feb. 24, Jeff Brown from the “Read to Lead Podcast” and I will be hosting a full-day podcasting workshop in Nashville. There’s a special offer waiting for you at StartPodcastingToday.com. I hope we see you there.

Dave Delaney is a digital marketing consultant in Nashville. His book, “New Business Networking,” is available from nbnbook.com. He can be contacted on Twitter @davedelaney or davedelaney.me.