Podcasting is proving to be a rather profitable endeavor nowadays. Anyone can flap their lips in front of a mic, mix it up on GarageBand and upload to iTunes.
That being said, if you want to start making real money and expand your business off of this channel, you’ll need to lose the hobbycaster mindset!
And that’s why every pro in the industry knows these three fundamentals and are using them to push their profitability to the next level.
Listen closely and you’ll find that they all support one another, they all help to define your MVP. Without them, you’re dead in the water and may never hit your goals.
1. Get Clear On Your Goals & Vision
Understanding your product and who you’re marketing towards is pivotal to defining your overall vision and getting the most out of what you’re trying to sell.
Remember, you’re thinking about your customer first! Every episode that you put out needs to solve the pain points that your clients and customers are experiencing.
Key questions to consider:
- What is the product or service you intend to sell?
- What is your long-term vision? (Think minimum 18-24 months)
- What action do you want listeners to take?
- How will you move them down the funnel once they’ve connected with your message?
Take Jim’s strategy for example. Jim runs a personal injury law firm and decided to create a client-facing “digital welcome mat” to drive leads to his business. Jim interviewed several of his clients and had them share their story and experience working with his firm. These interviews become audio testimonials for Jim’s podcast.
2. Define Your Strategy
Here’s where the MVP (minimum viable podcast) comes into play. Don’t get caught up in trying to make it perfect. Perfection is the enemy of your podcast launch. Many people have fallen victim to never putting out episode one because they fell into the trap of believing it had to be perfect.
Pick your niche, format and get something out there. Don’t think you have to go the same route as everyone else. Standout be being different. Incorporate your quirkiness and personality into your show. Remember, at the end of the day people still want to be entertained.
Types of formats to consider:
- Expert interviews
- Solo episodes
- Hot seat
- Q&A format
- Audio testimonials
This is the MVP (minimum viable podcast) portion where you have to test the waters and see what works. Every market and audience is different. You also have strengths and weaknesses that need to be taken into account. If you’re not a good interviewer, don’t interview people! Try Q&A or solos.
3. Get Your Tools And Systems In Place
The podcasters who are winning are winning because they have systems in place. If you want to win, you’re going to need a bullet proof system.
You already have your vision, but you still need the means of making it viable, and of course, drive traffic back to your business. The two questions you always need to be asking yourself are:
- What systems, tools, and people do I need?
- How do they support the strategy and vision?
Key tools and systems to have in place:
- Website
- Email list
- Social channels
- Content calendar
- Email autoresponder
- Scheduling app (interview based shows)
- Producer, VA and graphic designer
- Speak Pipe (or other voice message system)
- Lead magnets & content upgrades
- Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Well, now that you have a few extra tips to arm your tool belt, talk about your own! What sort of strategies work really well for your own show? Do you think we missed out on any cool resources or tips?
Have you launched your podcast yet? Steal our 18-Point Zero to Launch checklist to insure you’re on the right track. Get it absolutely free here:
If you make a checklist for the grocery store, why not have one for your podcast? Click here to grab your free copy.