Podcasts are not a new phenomenon; they began gaining traction in the early 2000s following the introduction of the RSS feed format in 2003. However, in the beginning many investors considered podcasts ‘disappointing’ due to their clunky recording and listening processes, leading to a decline in interest. This remained the case until 2014 when podcasts started to experience a slow and steady resurgence. Today, there are over 414 million podcasts available worldwide. In 2023, Ofcom reported one in five adults listen to a podcast ever week, highlighting their substantial rise in popularity. Consequently, podcasts have become an important element of marketing content and strategies, offering businesses a powerful tool to reach new audiences.
If you have a passion for a topic, industry sector, or charitable cause, starting a podcast can be an incredibly rewarding and effective way to share your insights and connect with an audience. Here’s why podcasting might be the perfect medium for you:
Passion Meets Platform
Podcasts allow you to dive deep into subjects you are passionate about, whether it’s an industry-specific topic, a hobby, or a cause close to your heart. By sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm, you can build a community of like-minded individuals who are eager to hear what you have to say.
Regular Content Flow
A key to podcasting success is maintaining a regular flow of content. While podcasts work best if they are published on a consistent day and time, one of the great benefits is that this isn’t strictly necessary. Thanks to RSS subscriptions, your audience will receive your episodes regardless of when they are published. Consistency helps build a routine for your listeners, but flexibility ensures you can still reach them even if your schedule varies, but we do advise regular podcast episodes as to not disappoint the community you have worked hard to create.
Accessibility and Convenience
Podcasts are a form of ‘space-shifted’ media, meaning they can be downloaded and listened to anywhere, anytime. This makes them more accessible than video content, which requires viewers’ undivided attention. People can listen to podcasts while driving, working out, or doing chores, integrating your content seamlessly into their daily lives.
Ease of Creation and Consumption
The popularity of podcasts has soared because they are easier to create and consume compared to the early days of 2004-5. Advances in technology have simplified the recording and distribution processes, making podcasting a viable option for almost anyone with a microphone and an internet connection!
Support from Major Broadcasters
Since its inception, podcasting has enjoyed significant support from major broadcasters like the BBC, lending credibility and stability to the medium. This backing has helped podcasts become a trusted source of information and entertainment for millions of listeners worldwide.
Direct Connection with Your Audience
Which other medium enables you to talk directly into the ear of someone who has chosen to listen to what you have to say? Podcasts provide a unique intimacy, allowing you to build a personal connection with your audience. Your voice becomes a trusted source of information and companionship, fostering a loyal listener base.
Logistical Simplicity
Capturing audio is logistically much easier than video. At fatBuzz, we regularly record podcasts with participants in various countries, demonstrating the flexibility and simplicity of the medium. This ease of production means you can focus on creating engaging content without being bogged down by technical challenges.
Legacy and Discoverability
Podcasts also have a strong legacy element. It’s not unusual for new subscribers to explore your back catalogue of episodes, providing ongoing value and increasing your reach over time. We see downloads of every episode every month, indicating that content remains relevant and discoverable long after its initial release.
Starting a podcast offers numerous benefits, from connecting with a passionate audience to enjoying the logistical ease of audio recording. Whether you aim to educate, entertain, or inspire, podcasting provides a powerful platform to amplify your voice. Embrace the opportunity to speak directly to listeners who choose to tune in and watch your influence grow as you share your passion with the world.
Start Your Podcast With fatBuzz
Feeling inspired? Making a podcast could be a great move for your business, but it can also be a lot of work. fatBuzz can help you with creating and marketing a great podcast that is relevant to your brand. Get in touch to discuss your podcasting possibilities with our team.