Why Is Podcasting Becoming So Popular (By Luthando)

‘Time is of the essence.’ How many times have you heard that? You might even say that it is so cliché. Still, you cannot deny the fact that time is a very precious commodity (especially in these fast-paced times). One of the main reasons why podcasts are becoming so popular these days is because they are a time efficient way of getting a message across to an audience.

Recent research revealed that most people listen to podcasts while engaging in other activities such as driving or during a workout. This makes them quite easy to consume. For most people, a podcast provides something to do, while they do another thing; for example, washing, cooking or babysitting. Someone could actually learn something new while taking out the trash or catching up on the latest celebrity gossip while out for a jog!

Compared to television, which takes up so much of your time and does not allow much room for multitasking, podcasts are flexible. Ideally, podcasting can serve as a distraction for mundane activities such as commuting or waiting at the doctor’s office. People are no longer slaves to radio or television schedules. Listeners now call the shots, and they can listen to whatever they want, wherever they want and whenever they want. And that is awesome!

Many people, just like you, have created brand new careers and income streams by entering the world of podcasting. Research also shows that 50% of people have listened to at least one podcast. In this article you will discover three reasons why podcasting is the hot new kid on the Block.

Versatility

It is easier now than ever before to share your ideas, thoughts or visions with the world through podcasting. After all, it is arguably the number one communication medium on the planet right now. All the listener has to do is download your podcast to their phone and then listen at their own convenience. They can fast forward, rewind or replay episodes as many times as their hearts desire.

While there are different types of podcasts, generally the goal is the same: To communicate with an audience. The objectives or the end results may vary a bit. They can be any one of the following:

· Motivate or inspire.

· Educate, for example: Explain how to get a specific task done, such as how to bake a cake.

· Tell a story, which can be fictional or real.

· Promote or sell a product.

· Share an idea or perspective.

· Provide advice.

· Bring awareness to a cause or topic.

· Entertain or provide laughter.

The variety of topics that can be discussed allows everyone to find something that interests them. It is up to you to find a niche and create your content around that niche.

Requires very little to start.

You literally just need a cell phone to start. So, no you do not need to hire a fancy producer, nor have a state-of-the-art recording studio. People do not listen to a podcast because the sound is of the highest quality. However, they will listen if the content is good and speaks to their heart or elicits some type of emotion. Therefore, one of your main objectives as a podcaster should be to focus on preparing good quality content. Pay attention to details such as: Title, structure, schedule and editing.

Though not a must, editing your podcast will most likely be a task you will do. This will allow you to clean up your recordings, making them sound more professional. You do not have to be tech-savvy or a pro to edit your podcasts. There are quite a few free editing software programs available for you to use that will help you achieve this feat quickly and easily.

Once you have recorded a couple of episodes, are sure you want to continue with podcasting, you may want to invest in some higher grade equipment. For podcasters, technology is now available that allows a novice to produce high quality podcast episodes on a very low-budget. If you took a poll of most podcasters and asked them the question, “How did you get started?” most would probably tell you that they started in their garage, basement, bedroom or living room talking on a computer or smart phone!

It can be profitable

Research has shown that 45% of podcast listeners have a monthly income of $75,000 or more. If it is done right, a podcast can be very profitable as it is not expensive to start. Once you have started, there is the potential to attract sponsors within your niche through the promotion of products and services of others. Short commercial ads could be read by the host during the show. This approach is considered authentic and intimate because it is not perceived as an interruption to regular programming. It is rather seen as information from a familiar and trusted source. This is the most common way of monetizing your podcast.

As the host you can also create your own products that can be offered to your listeners. You have loyal subscribers who trust you. If you develop a product that meets a need of your listeners, some will want access to this type of additional resource. This is a great way to grow a coaching or consulting business.

In addition, you can offer premium episodes of your show for sale. Maybe a light-hearted conversation you had with an interviewee or videos of yourself while recording an episode. You can also repurpose your content by transcribing your audio, format it into a book and offer it for sale on Amazon and other distributors.

You can also repurpose your content and create a YouTube version of your show. This is quite easy to achieve. You can simply use a tripod for recording videos of yourself during recording sessions, use Zoom or any other video recording app. Basically, record once and repurpose several times!

The possibilities are limitless when it comes to podcasting as more people are listening to podcast than ever before. Subsequently, there are numerous advantages to be gained from having your own podcast.

1. It is time efficient.

2. They are easy to create.

3. They can be profitable.

4. They can be consumed quite easily by end users.

These are just some of the reasons why Podcasting has grown in popularity over the last decade.

Whilst there are many reasons why podcasts are popular these days, do not assume that you will jump into the mix and have loyal listeners or subscribers instantly. It will take time to build your audience. But if you never start, you will never have an audience at all.

Yes, you can make money from podcasting, but you will first have to do your due diligence and create quality content that is of value to an ever-increasing pool of listeners. Once you have done that, the sky is the limit!

Source: www.askpaccosi.com