Did you know that there are more than 700,000 active podcasts on-air now? It seems like anyone worth listening to has a show. People are busier than ever, so listening to a podcast on the way to work, as you cook dinner or while your kids watch Frozen for the hundredth time makes it easy to tune-in and learn something new. 

If you’re looking to get more visibility, a podcast may be one of your top options. You can interview expert guests or write your own content as a thought leader. The best part is, if you’re already creating original material, you can repurpose it on your ‘own’ media channel.

Podcasting has never been easier or more affordable. I started my daily podcast, Fast Marketing Minute with a $50 snowball mic and Audacity, a free software program that I use to record episodes. But like anything else, you have to promote your marketing channels to build an audience and reach your goals.

 Here are 5 Tips to Promote Your Podcast: 

1. Market to your email list. Email is still the most effective way to reach your target audience, so if you’re thinking of launching a podcast, start filling your marketing funnel now. Create a unique lead magnet and reach out to your list. It’s an easy entry point because they already like, know, and hopefully trust you. Brand advocates and your social media followers could be another list to target, and you’re already on their radar.
2. Decide on your podcast’s identity. What are you all about? How do you want people to feel after they listen? When creating your show cover, keep in mind your brand guidelines and personality, and be sure to format for for all platforms. Consider also creating 5 – 10 branded social media posting templates. With every outreach, your intention is to draw people in. That could mean adding images, podcast clips, and shareable quotes.  
3. Find partners to extend your reach. Reach out to popular podcasts hosts that align with your brand and share a target audience. Ask them to be a guest on your show and cross promote. If they’re way out of your league, (come ‘on ask), give them a brand mention during your show. Then link to their site when you post the podcast and tag them on social media. If nothing else, you may get a share or a brand mention back. There are also Facebook groups for podcasters with potential reciprocal opportunities. 
4. Don’t forget about YouTube. YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world, so make sure to post your podcasts there. My podcast is only a couple of minutes, but if yours is longer than five minutes, consider posting some of your most visited clips. Don’t forget to also add a branded end screen and call-to-action where people can subscribe, visit your website, and follow you on social media. Transcribe the audio for subtitles to boost your video SEO, and if your copy isn’t already written, look at YouTube’s automatic closed captions or find someone on Rev or on Fiverr to do it for you. 

These are just a few ideas to promote your podcast — certainly enough to launch your own. So order your $50 mic on Amazon, get comfy on the floor of your walk-in closet, and start recording.

If you have a podcast, I want to listen in. Email me your show’s name and link. I hope you’ll also subscribe to Fast Marketing Minute on Spotify or enable the skill on your Alexa device. After you listen, I’d love to get your feedback. Reviews are always appreciated.