Cyndee’s Takeaways from Podcast Movement Evolutions:
I first dipped my toes into the world of podcasting in 2015, working on a show that was syndicated on the now-defunct Play.it platform. Back then, podcasting was a mixed bag of curiosity and unfamiliarity. We dreamed of a future where people tuned into podcasts with the same regularity and routine as they do with music or TV shows.
Fast forward to the recent Podcast Movement Evolutions in LA, and it’s clear that podcasting’s day has come. The podcasting scene has transformed from an obscure hobby into a bustling industry of tech-savvy creators and engaged audiences. It’s a world where seasoned veterans craft stories and share insights, not just for the love of it but also for the tangible rewards it brings.
Yet, as we mingled with attendees, who are the friendliest and most collaborative group of people one could ever hope to meet, a gap became apparent. While podcasters thrive within their community, their voices rarely echo beyond it. Interviews and features tend to circulate within the same podcasting ecosystem, limiting their reach.
As a Marketing and PR firm, we know that there’s a world of journalists eager for fresh, authoritative voices, and clearly, there is a vast sea of podcasters with expertise to share. It’s time to connect these dots, helping podcast creators step into the limelight of mainstream media.
From the early days of uncertain potential to today’s rich landscape, my journey with podcasting has been one of growth and discovery. Now, I’m eager to open new doors for podcasters, connecting them with journalists and expanding their horizons. It’s not just about podcasting anymore; it’s about amplifying voices that deserve to be heard far and wide.
Please feel free to Download Our Checklist to assess the readiness of your podcast for a publicist
Erika’s Takeaways from Podcast Movement Evolutions:
Podcast Movement Evolutions 2024 has concluded…and what an incredible week of learning and networking!
The number of podcasters is growing, and with podcast consumption on the rise —47% of the U.S. population over 12 have listened to a podcast in the last month, up 12% from last year; there’s a significant opportunity for podcasters to expand their reach.
Key takeaways from the conference emphasized the importance of content consistency, the challenge of listener retention, and the careful use of AI to maintain the human essence of podcasting. These insights underscore the need for podcasters to adopt a strategic approach to content creation and audience engagement.
With more podcast voices than ever, podcasters can leverage their expertise and content to gain visibility in conventional media. Here are some actionable steps based on the conference insights:
- Showcase Expertise: Use your podcast content to position yourself as a subject matter expert.
- Content Consistency: Maintain a regular podcasting schedule to ensure a steady content stream.
- AI and Human Touch: While leveraging AI for efficiency, ensure that content retains a personal and authentic feel.
- Diversify Promotion: Extend your reach beyond podcast platforms, considering traditional media like radio, television, and print to attract a broader audience.
Public relations efforts can enhance a podcaster’s profile, attract a wider audience, and establish them as an authoritative voice in their respective fields.
Rachael’s Takeaways from Podcast Movement Evolutions:
Walking away from Podcast Movement Evolutions, one thing was utterly clear: it’s a great time to be in podcasting. Even though podcasting has been around for some time, the demand has recently surged (nudged by the pandemic) for people to feel connected to a community differently than other traditional outlets. Keynote speaker Amy Pohler gave a spot-on analogy of how podcasts have replaced traditional TV shows as a medium to connect and feel part of something larger. Additionally, new AI tools are removing the manual/administrative aspects of podcasting and lowering the barrier to entry. Podcasts are also attracting new audiences, such as more visual people who tune in from YouTube.
That said, with so many people in the space, it’s more difficult than ever to stand out. Podcasters can “win” by taking a few measures:
- Identify a niche/theme and something even more specific within that niche that makes the podcast unique. Instead of a podcast about men and mental health, a narrower focus on men in tech and mental health will outperform.
- Have a strong and polished social media presence. Use AI tools to help with this (ex. extract clips from the show, create SEO-driven titles, identify key words). Content-wise, create both short and long-form. Highlight the “why” in short-form content to draw listeners in to learn the “how.” It’s also ok to repeat strong content.
- Meet your audience where they are in traditional media. Publicists like our team at Synaptic can help pitch you to local and national outlets that cater to your niche audience.
- Use email newsletters as a way to extend the conversation in a different outlet for your most invested listeners. If this is a space that’s unfamiliar or difficult to find the time for you, don’t be afraid to ask for help from marketers such as Synaptic.
- Be authentic. Don’t play a character or try to please everyone. Showing vulnerability (your process, behind the scenes) to let people in strengthens a sense of connection.
Finally, just start! You can iterate over time and your listeners will enjoy growing along with you. We know this can all be intimidating and you don’t have to go it alone. Synaptic would love to be part of your team.
Also Checkout: Elevating Your Podcast: The Power of Publicity
