You Should Consider Launching A Podcast: Here Are Four Reasons Why

The media landscape continues to shift. With newsrooms cuts and journalists transitioning from the industry, it is imperative that nonprofit and grassroots organizations build their own content channels. This could include developing robust websites, podcasts, or social media platforms. For the purposes of this blog, we’ll focus on podcasts.  

 

In today’s digital world, podcasting has become a powerful tool for sharing your message and growing your audience. With planning and dedication, you can develop a coveted podcast that serves your current and future base.

If you’re interested in launching a podcast, here are four things to consider:

Start by getting clear about the purpose of your podcast. What do you want to accomplish with your podcast? What information do you want to convey? As you think about these questions, think about whether you want to educate, entertain, or inspire. These questions will help you plan everything from your episodes to your guests.

 

One of the most important things you can do in communications is to understand your target audience. Once you understand your audience, get clear about what they need. Are you seeking to speak to the movement or to legislators?

 

Does your ideal audience need data, personal narratives or something else? Once you answer these questions, you will be able to develop content that is useful to your audience. You will evaluate every decision you make for the podcast through the lens of whether what you are considering will be of interest to your audience.

 

Next, spend time thinking about how you’ll evaluate success. How will you know if you’re successful? What does success look like? Will you measure podcast downloads, signups to your newsletter, or donations to your organization? Will you gauge testimonials or other recorded feedback?

 

The bottom line is to think about what success looks like so can track your progress.

Often, fear of failure keeps us from trying new things. Whether you are launching a podcast or writing a book, be willing to do it wrong so you can get it right. Don’t let the good be the enemy of the great.

 

You cannot improve what you haven’t begun. Start somewhere understanding that you’ll undeniably get better with time.

 

As you plan your content calendar, think about evergreen content or content that people will care about into perpetuity. This will ensure that you consistently have useful content.

The way we communicate is changing. Sure, organizations can continue to send press releases, but if the universe of journalists is dwindling, how can we be sure that our press release is landing with journalists? Wouldn’t it be better to communicate visually, verbally and in writing in unique situations?

I know launching a podcast can be a lot of work. But nothing worth having comes without a little work. But you do not have to do this alone, book a consultation here.

     

Jennifer R. Farmer is the principal of Spotlight PR LLC. Chris Pugh is the media relations manager for Spotlight PR. Check out our blog posts and subscribe for regular communications updates.