When I decided to start a podcast, it wasn’t like there was this big “aha” moment. I was literally just taking a shower and listening to someone else’s podcast — as you do — and the fleeting thought crossed my mind: Maybe I could do this…
Following shortly after? Some more thoughts, all telling me why I SHOULDN’T start a podcast. I hated hearing my own voice. The massive, long-term, long-form nature of podcasting overwhelmed me. Nobody would want to listen to what I had to say. How would I get people to subscribe? How would I book awesome guests?
The excuses and limiting beliefs began piling on top of each other, and maybe you’ve encountered some similar fears when you’ve considered going down this route. Instead of listening to these discouraging notions, I turned to logic and one of my favorite, easy decision-making tools: a pros and cons list. Now that I’m a couple years in, millions of downloads and nearly 300 episodes later, I am so glad I listened to my gut and my heart, and a rather full list of pros, instead of the insecurities trying to hold me back.
Honestly, podcasting has shifted and shaped and grown my business in ways I could’ve never imagined. Beyond the numbers, my podcast has allowed me to create a community of like-minded, badass women and men who are following their dreams and pursuing mighty goals.
It’s become a new medium to share my story, serve my audience, and create a legit connection with the people pressing play. I’ve learned SO much from my insanely gifted guests, as well as from the feedback from my audience, and I truly believe podcasting is the way of the future. It’s unlike any other form of entertainment because it allows listeners to multitask. You can’t clean your house, or work on data entry, or drive to the office while watching TV or a movie or reading a book.
It’s a way to serve your followers or customers with real guidance and education, allow them to peek into your behind-the-scenes, and get them invested in YOU and your journey — usually while they multitask and work on something else. Which is awesome. If you’re not quite on board, let’s dig deeper into 5 more reasons podcasting is a game changer for your business (because it sure has been for mine).
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You’ll learn way more than you bargained for and meet some fascinating people.
I’ve learned more about business, marketing, money, social media, and authenticity through launching my own podcast than if I’d subscribed and listened to 50 other business podcasts. Why? Because I’m purposefully seeking out guests who can share their story, expertise, and tactical advice that resonates deeply with my listeners and me.
I select guests with my audience in mind, and I can say with confidence that they’ve all brought it in terms of education and inspiration. It’s also allowed me to expand my reach to my guests’ audiences, and the same goes for them. It’s mutually beneficial for my guests and me, and my listeners get to hear from a diverse, wise, and witty group of (mainly) women.
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You’ll build true connection.
I totally get that social media is a fantastic way to communicate with your ideal clients and customers, but there’s a special thing about podcasting that brings it to the next level. When people listen to your podcast, they’re inviting you into their homes and into their intimate routines, whether it’s getting ready for the day or driving the kids to school or trying to find a distraction after a breakup.
Rather than being a face in a square with some typed words they scroll past on Instagram, you become a friend and a comforting voice of knowledge, experience, and empathy to them. Podcasting takes fans and followers and turns them into a family. While this is awesome for the core foundation of your business, it’s also great for conversions. Next time you’re offering up a product or opportunity, your listeners will feel a sense of trust and loyalty and be more likely to invest in you.
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It fuels your email list.
Y’all KNOW I’m all about building email lists to grow your business. We always try to offer bonus materials with each podcast episode, whether it’s a relevant cheatsheet, download, or outline that listeners can find in the show notes. It takes listeners from being passive participants to active members of my growing community.
It’s honestly been a mind-blowing approach for launches because it gets this group of people who are already invested in YOU intrigued by your offer. And by intrigued, I mean willing to invest. The reason? Your podcast is all about serving regular, free tips, strategies, education, and value to your tribe. They know you, they trust you, they believe in the information you’re sharing because you’ve proven to offer them value at NO cost time and time again. So, your podcast becomes a free and even fairly easy way to build excitement around your launches and share more opportunities with your crew.
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It expands your content capabilities.
Before I started podcasting, I generally taught within the context of a handful of subjects: mainly email marketing and Instagram, as you probably know! But when I launched Goal Digger and started pushing out two shows a week, I was forced to step outside my normal subjects and dive deeper into all kinds of relevant, yet widespread, topics. I researched the questions my audience needed answers to and strove to deliver realistic and motivating answers.
And honestly? It pushed me out of my creativity box and allowed me to become an all-encompassing expert rather than “that Instagram girl.” When you can provide tailored, well-rounded content that informs and inspires, you’re going to grow like crazy.
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Your launches will skyrocket.
We are hyper-strategic when it comes to matching our podcast episodes with what’s going on in the business. When we’re launching a new course, we take a podcast episode as an opportunity to answer any potential questions followers may have, give deeper insight to the program, and provide some free value from the course so listeners know precisely what to expect if they buy it.
It’s honestly been a mind-blowing approach for launches because it gets this group of people who are already invested in YOU intrigued by your offer. And by intrigued, I mean willing to invest. The reason? Your podcast is all about serving regular, free tips, strategies, education, and value to your tribe. They know you, they trust you, they believe in the information you’re sharing because you’ve proven to offer them value at NO cost time and time again. So, your podcast becomes a free and even fairly easy way to build excitement around your launches and share more opportunities with your crew.
So, is podcasting for you?
Podcasting has been transformative for my business, and I know if you’re thinking about the idea to start a podcast you could rock it to boost and grow yours. It can position you as an expert in your field, give you strong credibility, and help to improve and sustain other areas of your business! And this week, I am so stoked because I am finally launching The Podcast Lab, an all-inclusive 5-step process for starting your own podcast. We’re covering how to plan, create, launch, promote, scale, and monetize your own show in 30 days because we think YOUR voice deserves to be heard.
