Should You Be a Podcaster

Do you really need to podcast?  In most cases, the answer is a resounding "NO".  Probably not the response you'd expect from a guy pitching podcast services.  But the truth is you can do a lot more damage than good to your brand by producing a marketing vehicle that is unnecessary or low quality.
So, what are the right reasons to podcast?

1. YOU'RE A THOUGHT LEADER
Maybe you are the best at what you do, or you are first one to try it.  It could be that you simply enjoy
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talking to your colleagues and even competitors about your market.  If you have a voice that can make an impact on your industry, then a podcast may be right for you.  Sure you could blog about leading trends and include guest bloggers, but sometimes an intimate discussion can have a deeper impact on your customer and make you someone they want to engage with.


2. YOUR CUSTOMERS WANT TO CONNECT WITH YOU
Not only do your customers want a forum where they can ask you questions, but they want to be heard. Podcasting events can be a great way to raise awareness for your brand and develop a loyal customer base.  Plus, every person who has even been recorded by a microphone or camera, wants to hear/see it again and in many cases share it with their friends and family.  This can turn your listeners into another set of promoters.

3. YOU CAN BE EDUCATIONAL
For some experts, they are only able to reach one person at a time with their insight.  But with a podcast, you can share valuable lessons with a mass audience.  And you don't have to give away the farm the do it.  There are podcasts that people pay to subscribe too.  If you are providing valuable insight in an easy to understand format, there are people who are willing to spend good money for that knowledge.

4.  MAYBE YOU JUST WANT TO MAKE MONEY
I never really condone this as a primary reason for doing anything, but there are people who are funny, interesting, insightful or entertaining who could make decent revenue from podcasting.  Just like radio, TV or any other published content, there are advertisers willing to spend good money to get their message in front of large audiences.  So if you really think you have what it takes to be a superstar, podcasting could be an easy and lucrative way into that world.