Last year, I told myself I would focus more on long-term content for 2024. That includes my blog, and I’ll launch my YouTube channel this year to provide podcasting tips. Although my podcast is about immigrant stories, I still use it to promote my podcast coaching services. I include my contact information in my show notes on each episode if anyone has an interest in launching a podcast.
Many people sit on wanting to launch their podcasts for years. And I was one of those people. However, if you have been thinking about starting a podcast, I want to give you ten reasons why now is a great time to launch!
Let’s begin!
1. Wide Reach
Podcasts can reach people all over the world. If you have a message you want to share and want to reach as many people as possible, then start that podcast! When I first started podcasting, my target audience was non-immigrants in the United States. And as I kept publishing, I realized in my analytics that my podcast was being listened to in different countries. Which I wasn’t thinking about – but now it has reached audiences in over 90 countries. That is powerful!
2. The Podcast Industry is Growing
Podcasts were created in 2004, but they didn’t gain popularity until 2014, and they have been increasing in popularity since then. According to Statista.com, the podcasting industry is to reach $4.02 billion! You can make money with podcasting and tie your podcast to your business to get clients.
3. Low Cost to Start a Podcast
I’m a big advocate for starting with what you have and, with time, investing in equipment. However, I will say the first investment you should make when starting a podcast is for a microphone. But you can start your podcast by recording on your phone. That is how I started.
People overthink things at the beginning of starting anything new, and I don’t want you to stress over the equipment so much that you don’t start. The point is to hit record and publish! Working on one episode at a time. Again, I started on my phone and slowly invested in my current professional equipment.
Also available under the podcast resources tab is a list of equipment and tools I use for my podcast.
4. You Are in Control of Your Podcast
One of my favorite things about podcasting, and trust me, there is a lot, is that you are in control of your show. You own your RSS feed, and you are the show’s creative director. No one can tell you what to do, what not to do, and where to take your show.
They can make suggestions, but it’s your show at the end of the day! It can’t be canceled (we already know how the cancel culture works), and it can’t be taken down like social media pages can be. You are not at the mercy of the algorithm either.
Think of it like this: when you have a website, you buy the domain, and that website is yours. Once you register your podcast and upload your first episode or the trailer episode, you’ll get an RSS feed, which is your podcast URL, and you own that. No one can take it away from you, and it is free.
Are you convinced yet?
5. Monetize Your Podcast
You can make money from your podcast. However, this does take time. Monetization can come from exclusive content, sponsorship, advertisements, or donations. I have one available at my Stan Store if you’d like a complete list of ways to monetize your podcast.
As stated above, if you have an online business, you can use the podcast to gain clients or customers, depending on your business. Use the podcast to provide insights on your industry and tips and drive traffic to your website, business, or wherever you sell.
You may like Five Ways to Monetize Your Podcast.
6. Flexibility
Another reason I love podcasting so much is because there is so much flexibility in podcasting. Since you control your show, you decide the recording schedule, the publishing schedule, and what type of show you will produce.
You decide if you will have seasons, how long those seasons are, and if you want to have guests. The possibilities are endless. You can try different things and see what works best for you and your audience.
7. Thought Leadership
Do you know what a thought leader is? Forbes defines a thought leader as a person who is specialized in a given area and whom others in that industry turn to for guidance. Podcasting is a great way to become a thought leader. You provide your knowledge and expertise on your show. Stay consistent and be authentic. As time passes, your audience will trust you and see you as a thought leader in your industry.
8. Build a Community with Your Podcast
You may already have a following, and starting a podcast will provide another way to nourish your audience. And you’ll reach new people to add to your audience as well.
Engaging with your audience is a great way to build that sense of community around your podcast. And it provides networking opportunities.
This is another reason I love being a podcaster: I feel that I’ve gotten to meet the most incredible people ever because of my show.
9. Provide Educational Content
Did you know podcasters are now the most trusted media personalities in the US? Yes! A recent study conducted by Acast shows that podcasters are trusted more than YouTubers; they fall second. And podcasts are an excellent way to share educational content. Whether it’s interviews, storytelling, or informative discussions, you can contribute valuable insights to your audience. And your audience will trust you. 🙂
10. Personal Branding
Starting a podcast can serve as a powerful tool for personal branding. It allows you to show your personality, expertise, and unique voice, helping you stand out in your industry. And what better way to do this than by expressing yourself in audio? Sure, you can do that on social media or YouTube, but there is something different about podcasts.
Okay, you have ten reasons why you should start a podcast in 2024 – now, your next step is to download the checklist in my Stan Store or sign up for my podcast newsletter at the end of this page to download your checklist. After that, you can fill out the Google form to let me know exactly what you need help with regarding starting your podcast, and I’ll be in contact within 24 hours. How does that sound? Don’t put off starting your podcast any longer.
The world needs your story, advice, expertise, and knowledge!
LET’S START A PODCAST!
With Love, Heidy
Is a personal development newsletter an interest of yours? With a little bit of poetry? A little of opinion pieces? And some faith-based encouragement? Sign up for my Substack newsletter, Into My Thoughts.
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