So how do you make your pod cast provide value? I've already covered some ideas to help you to provide value but in addition to those know that people are looking for interesting and engaging entertainment, as well as information, and instruction to listen to at their convenience.
And that's what pod casting is all about.
I don't think I had previously broached the "Entertainment factor", so to do my work justice, the three things are: (1)Interest and engagement.
(Is the format varied and easy to listen to? No monotone voice or mundane diatribes.
) (2)Entertainment, information, instruction.
(Is the content of high quality? A little humor can be a good thing.
Don't be afraid to be human and crack a little funny with a guest.
) (3)Convenience.
(Is it an appropriate length and updated with appropriate frequency?) That is the best test to ensure that your pod cast provides value.
If it does not to fulfill all three things than you'll find your listener-ship will dwindle over time.
Here is another exercise that will help you determine your value to your subscribers.
Now that I have re-defined value in your show's pod casts, keep the following exercise in mind when you are posting your show notes on our blog.
If you have spent any time in sales or as an entrepreneur you're probably already familiar with this, but it is a good exercise to do nonetheless, since it is often overlooked in the audio information industry.
Grab a pencil and paper.
Let's do a little work here.
Knowing Your Features and Selling The Benefits 1.
On one side of your piece of paper, list the features of your pod cast.
Leave plenty of lines under each feature.
What are features? The topic is a feature, the length is a feature, the frequency you update it is a feature, it's a feature if two people host the show, the format can be a feature, and your variety and quality of content is a feature.
2.
On the other side of the paper, list the benefits: what it is about those features that subscribers to your podcast will find helpful.
For example, Joanne Quinn-Smith on her Positively Pittsburgh show interviews guests and talks about anything going on in Pittsburgh, PA that is positive.
That is a feature.
The benefit for anyone living in or around Pittsburgh knows there is a place they can go and hear good news about what's going on in Pittsburgh instead of bad news.
3.
Determine if there is one or two of those benefits that set you apart from other talk shows or pod casts in a similar niche .
For example, perhaps you can provide the same depth of coverage on a sports team as another pod cast, but you can do it with greater frequency or with more expert analysis.
(Of course those are the features, but the benefits are that your subscriber can save time and increase knowledge by becoming better informed and more frequently).
4.
Now promote those benefits not only in your show notes on your blog, but in an article you submit to article directories, in your MySpace or Facebook blog and so on.