Google Podcasts - A New Content Strategy For Publishers
Everyone wants to start a podcast.
With google podcasts, everyone CAN start a podcast.
The audio-only media has always been pushed to the background of all our screening experiences. Be it in your car as you breathe patiently in traffic, being on your phone while you’re doom scrolling, or on the headphones as you are enveloped in-home chores - audio is always on.
Unlike its sibling, the video, and audio can be enjoyed on their own without being tagged “too engaging.” Podcasts have made a comeback since bigger streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple, and now Google brings out exclusive content. This has created a dedicated channel that is easy to browse and is constantly being added to. Brands, news media, influencers, and experts, are all creating podcasts to reach an audience that is eager to engage through a medium that allows them to participate while not having to be immobile to absorb the content.
Introduction to podcasts
There are over 5 million podcasts worldwide and the number is growing steadily. From studio productions to in-house productions, podcasts are easy and therefore popular.
Unlike any other multimedia production, you need very little to get started with your podcast. A good mic and a phone are usually enough. The equipment is also significantly cheaper.
Google podcasts are one of the most popular directories for every podcast that wishes to reach a wider audience globally. With Spotify in the lead, Google has brought podcasts to every user’s dashboard. The pre-existing reach of Google helps it start at a higher point than other new podcast players.
Benefits of Google Podcast
As a publisher, it’s easy to dive right into the more popular platforms. And that’s acceptable. However, when there’s an opportunity that’s clearly better, you follow the way! Google podcasts have been widely well-received. Everybody, regardless of their age, is familiar with the most popular search engine. A podcast platform extends google’s already vibrant dashboard and allows users to enjoy the service. Now, why must you register with google podcast?
It’s free
It’s cross-platform
Everyone is on google
High discoverability
Google podcasts - steps to create your own content
The easy reason why you should start with Google Podcasts is that it’s free. There are over a million podcasts registered on their platform already. But if this is your first time building a podcast, it’s possible you feel doubtful.
Your content is always going to be the captain of your ship, but you need to put yourself on all roads. It’s important to get it out there in any way possible. Your content needs to be available on all platforms - in all formats that can be accessed effectively.
If you’re starting your own podcast, here are a few steps that will help you navigate your journey.
1 : Ask WHY
For you to know how to set your process right, you need to know why you’re setting up your podcast. This could be a means to become more accessible to all kinds of audiences, for promotion, as a platform to collaborate with other creators, etc.
Asking why will help you have your focus points. It will also work as the blueprint for all the other sub-points. You can set your budget, the work hours, the equipment expectations, and more.
2 : Pick a Niche
If you’re a content creator, chances are you’ve dabbled a bit in subject matters to pick the niche you enjoy and can contribute to the best. While venturing into podcasts, it’s important to pick a niche and not be all-encompassing. The more specific you are, the more chances you have to attract an audience that’s willing to subscribe to your content.
You must keep a few pointers in mind.
Can you profit out of this niche
Will you be able to make regular content on this subject matter
Would people want to listen to this topic, if so, why?
Are you the right person to talk about it?
If you’re starting a podcast for fun then the traffic is not going to be on the top of your worry list. However, if you’re a publisher, a primary reason you’re venturing into podcasts is the new revenue channel. Would people subscribe to your content? Is it relevant? Are there similar podcasts out there? Get your numbers in so you can come up with something fresh and easy to tune into.
3 : Name your podcast right
There are many quirky podcast titles that exist. Should you stand apart or blend in? Naming your podcast can be a fun but equally challenging process. This is because, like all content, you need to adhere to the keywords that would work best for the niche you’ve selected. There are millions of podcasts out there, make yours easy to find!
Find the right keywords, get creative with the name - something people can remember or associate with quickly is always going to benefit - don’t forget to keep it simple. Most importantly, make sure that your podcast name holds value to the content you generate.
4 : Categorize right
Unless you’ve got your social media promotion down, nobody is going to type out the name of your podcast. They find you through common categories. This is why it’s important to find your niche and gamble on the best podcast names - they set you apart from the rest!
Podcast streaming platforms allow audiences to search for terms they’re interested in and often have major and minor categories. In order for your podcast to show up in these, you need to play your cards right!
5 : Pick your Format
Like all content forms out there, it’s important to work with the formats. Podcasts, being audio-only, allow you to choose from a few content formats.
Monologue podcasts - Where you’re the only speaker
Interview podcasts - Where there are guests invited to speak on topics
Co-hosted podcasts - This is where you find the right set of people to dissect any given topic.
Scripted podcasts - Where you use podcasts for the purpose of storytelling.
According to the niche you’ve chosen, you need to find a format that would be the most effective way to communicate with your audience. This would mean experimenting and listening to other podcasts that have mastered these formats. Landing on the right platform can help you be distinctive and creative in the long term.
Start Podcasting!
Podcasts are known to help increase engagement. You can start a podcast today with the existing content on your page. The trick is learning to keep it fresh and impactful. Once you’ve gone through the above mentioned points, you should know where to start. With podcasts, the production and post-production time is significantly lower. As a publisher, you get to hire a smaller team, for an increasingly relevant platform, to gain more and more audience engagement. Don’t let go of this effective communication channel and start your podcast with Google today!