The early days of a website can be test an entrepreneur’s faith. Most websites see sporadic visits with few visitors returning for more. You might not make enough money to make it seem worth time, and it’s easy to become frustrated after a few slow months.
Writing articles and content is time consuming, and with a lack of an immediate audience, the entire process can be discouraging.
However, successfully marketing a new website requires the same traits that are necessary for any entrepreneurial venture – patience and flexibility.
While establishing a web presence can be daunting, it is fraught with opportunity for those who can stay the course and try new things.
A great first step to marketing your business online is to enter the world of podcasting. Here are five ways podcasting can help your business grow:
1. Provide Variety
Every visitor has different needs and preferences, and you should offer as many content delivery methods as possible to satisfy your audience. Some readers only want content that can be read, downloaded, or printed. Some prefer to watch video, and some would rather listen to a podcast.
2. Avoid Writer’s Block
Many entrepreneurs face writer’s block shortly after launching their sites. By creating audio content, you can break out of any slumps and leverage the thoughts of others for content generation.
3. Build a Relationship with your Readers
Podcasting will allow your visitors to get to know you better, and by putting a personality to the content will make it all the more meaningful. They will hear your voice, learn more about you, and eventually, feel like they know you.
4. Establish Credibility
There is a wide gap in the number of available websites and podcasts available on the web. By setting up a podcast you can set yourself apart from your competitors and give your audience a new means to interact with you.
Podcasting can increase your credibility with your visitors as many podcasting services allow you the opportunity to take calls from listeners and answer any of their questions. Additionally, you can invite experts to join the podcast who will provide valuable tips and strategies to your audience for you.
5. Build Links
There are ancillary benefits to podcasting beyond just providing additional content for your readers. An additional benefit to this strategy is the additional links to your website you will likely generate, which will in turn, boost traffic. Make it a routine to invite influential bloggers onto your podcast. There’s a great chance that many of them will link back to your site.
Many business owners hesitate to start podcasting because it is something new and different, yet this is precisely why they should dive in. By innovating and remaining flexible, you will have a golden opportunity to set yourself apart from your competition.
About danedmonson
Twitter: kaspertox
says:
Thanks for a great post, with some very good tips. I think the podcast is smart, because i can listen to them, when doing other things.
Does anyone have any experience with podcasting? I’m thinking about doing it as promotion for my audiobooks.
Ramona Dumas recently posted..Wusthof Knives
Maybe this is what I need to get over this awful writer’s block. I think I’ve written over a thousand articles in the past year, but I just can’t seem to do it anymore
Twitter: TayyabShamsi
says:
I was unaware to this thing that how to build relationship with reader. I’ve got this information through your blog. Your post is helpful resource in creating effective blog.
As a business and site owner, I could really say that I appreciate how the way technology is helping me out. And I can really attest to Podcasting being a great way to improve your site/blog, if you will. Like you said, it really helps generate content and it surely establishes credibility, because I,myself invite career experts to come in and share their thoughts through podcasting. So it’s really about riding the waves of technology to further your sites to a higher level.
Felicia Gopaul recently posted..What’s Ahead for 2012 College Grads?
Twitter: Ileane
says:
Hi Felicia,
Where can I find your podcast? I’d love to check it out.
Let me know if it’s on iTunes or Blog Talk Radio.
Thanks.
Ileane recently posted..My Podcasting Gear and the Ms. Ileane Speaks Podcast is Now on iTunes
Hi Ileane,
It’s on iTunes. I’ve incorporated the link to my channel on my site http://www.collegefundingresource.com/category/podcast/
Thank you. All the best!
Felicia Gopaul recently posted..Why to Pursue a College Degree Later in Life
Thanks for useful tips. May I ask where can I find FREE video podcasting software?
Cynthia Sadler recently posted..Steak Knife Set
fully agree with podcast avoiding writter’s block.Have felt connected to many fellow bloggers via postcards either it be a comment about a football match,or failing transfers for instance.It is really the best way an author gets connected to the readers.
johnavery recently posted..Classic Cars
The Podcasting can only save your time writing new content for your website but also helps you reach a large range of customers.
Dooley recently posted..Cheap Car Rental Ireland | Cheap Car Hire Ireland | Dan Dooley
Twitter: Janis167
says:
I feel that podcasting is the future way of communicationg.. I don’t know why :)
Twitter: davidsneen
says:
Dane, you make convincing arguments for podcasting. It is time for me to explore alternative directions to take my blog. Something new and different to add personality to my static blog….hmmm … a must do!!! Bookmarked!
David Sneen recently posted..3 Qualities You Need to Succeed
Ok, so I need to create some podcasts and host them someplace so that they can link back to my blog. Sounds like a tall order, but I think I had better get started if I want to be a success.
Thanks for the motivations.
Michael recently posted..Light Painting Tutorial and Pictures
Podcasting is definitely a great way to credibility for your blog and establish yourself as an expert. It takes a good amount of planning and time, but it can pay off if executed correctly.
You know yesterday i even visited one blog in which i found an advertisement about the fact that they won’t write texts on it, but will only place some audio, and sometimes – video. So this means that it is becoming more popular!
Twitter: techcrates
says:
As of now, I am not a podcaster. Upon reading the article, I got to know the importance and benefits of podcasting. Wish to become one in near future !!
Thanks for the share :)
Salman recently posted..How to Use Coupons to Save on Tech Gadgets
Twitter: abhibalani
says:
I am not in podcasting for now, atleast. But I wish to enter this field soon.
Abhi Balani recently posted..Good Blogger And A Good Blog: What Are The Signs?
Podcasting is a great way to attract new and larger audience, as Glen of Viperchill recently shows in his post.
As a transcriptionist, I’ve helped clients transcribed their podcasts in to premium downloads or convert them into ebooks for sale.
This is a great post on how podcasting can help your online business flourish and get better results.
Carey Suante recently posted..5 Reasons to Have Your Video Blogs and Podcasts Transcribed
It’s really interesting to know more about link building strategies and podcasting is one of them. But I’m looking more on Vlog. In my study, people are more interested when they are seeing pictures/presentation besides from audio. The concept is still similar, we are building relationship and that’s the important thing about this.
Chris Molina recently posted..Lunch boxes recalled over leak hazard
This is one of the most informative information I’ve read. It really helps a lot. Thanks for sharing this and teaching some of your idea’s.
Most bloggers lose the steam in the initial stages of their venture. Instead of jumping from the sinking ship, I will suggest to every blogger to pluck the leak. That is what we are built for. It is only the toughest that survive in this highly demanding business
May I add something to the part “Build a Relationship with your Readers”? I’ve seen a lot of podcasters have a feedback form and some of them even have a toll free number with an answering machine. That way listeners can record messages that can be played on the next show (for example short anecdotes) or they can ask questions that the podcaster will answer in the next episode. Pretty neat if you ask me.
You are right Erica. A relationship with your readers is vital to ensure that they return
Martin recently posted..Opt in Box Design Update : SEO strategy Part 3
Twitter: Ileane
says:
Podcasting is a great way to reach a wider audience. Just like video, you can upload your podcast to multiple sites to build links to your blog and social networks.
I use iTunes but, here are the sites I use that have a high page rank and allow links in the bios and descriptions:
MixCloud
Spreaker
AudioBoo
SoundCloud
Upload your mp3 or wav file to these sites and get your voice heard with a podcast.
Ileane recently posted..Podcasting Gear and Ms. Ileane Speaks on iTunes
I haven’t tried podcasts on my sites. Just few videos but they haven’t go viral yet. :( I have much to learn.
Liz Linking Guide recently posted..Free Directory List from Virtual Media Options
Twitter: TheAnnoyingLife
says:
Thanks for writing this blog post, Dan. In my opinion, anything that gives your blog more personality will always help your blog. Things like podcasts and video add personality to your blog, so that’s why sites that use these mediums of personality usually soar.
Twitter: vijaychauhan007
says:
This is my first visit to this site, i got this link from google while searching about some blogging techniques. and spending last one hour on this site was truly awesome. I enjoyed reading the posts. Thanks for such great content, it will surely be helpful for me. :)
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Twitter: GearOutdoor
says:
Hello Dan! I loved your article! Smart, short and very informative. “A good start is half the battle”; your five points to start marketing your business online really helped me realize that original and innovative websites have a big prospect to flourish.
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Dan
I’ve heard a lot about podcasting, I really like your point two “avoiding writers block’ because as you put it after a big launch things happen and some people still has questions. so doing a podcast where the people can hear your voice is a great thing.
the power of words
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