4 Elements Every Winning Podcast Strategy Has in Common

Like any other marketing campaign, you need a solid podcast strategy in place. Whether it’s attracting new clients, increasing brand awareness, or positioning you as an expert, a strategy will keep you organized so you can meet your goal.

In our experience, a winning strategy has four elements in common.

Podcast format and flow

Each podcast episode should have a consistent format and flow. This makes it easier for you, but it also reassures your listeners – they know they’re listening to your podcast. 

Many podcasts begin with the same music and introduction. Then your podcast format takes over, whether it’s interview-style, a discussion, or just you. Perhaps you include a few other short segments. Then you close the podcast and play exit music.

Once you have the format and flow nailed down, you can use this as a template for each episode. You’ll want to add notes on the sequence of topics/conversation, where to add or play audio clips, who speaks when, etc.

These details are key to a flawless podcast episode. You will sound professional, and your brand will look polished.

Podcast focus

Selecting topics or the main focus of your podcast is one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make. While this defines your entire podcast, it also needs to serve your brand in the best way possible.

You can either choose a niche topic (senior surfing culture in Hawaii) or a broader one that gives you room to explore (surfing in Hawaii).

Not sure what your podcast focus should be? Talk to your best clients. Ask them which topics they would most enjoy learning about.

Marketing plan

In an ideal world, you could publish your podcast and millions of listeners would find it on their own. In the real world, you need to make sure that returning and new listeners can easily find your latest episode.

Your podcast should absolutely have a home on your website. You can highlight new episodes on your home page and keep an archive of previous episodes on a separate podcast page.

Next, put together a plan for announcing new episodes via email and social media. Perhaps you’d like to embed each episode in your blog, offering readers the option of reading the transcript or listening to the episode.

And don’t forget other promotional opportunities, like including a link to your latest podcast episode in your email signature.

Guest list

If you choose to do an interview-style format, who can you invite on your podcast as a guest? What topics will they be most comfortable with?

For example, let’s say your podcast is on the senior surfing culture in Hawaii. You could start with the surfers you already know. Maybe some of them can talk about the breaks that are gentlest on the body, while others can talk about learning how to surf at an, ahem, advanced age or the boards and gear they like the most.

Start talking to people and lining up guests far in advance – a month’s lead time is ideal. If someone can’t make the scheduled interview time, it leaves you some flexibility to move the interview to another day.

Now that you have a strategy, you need a podcast producer

Now that you have a podcast strategy nailed down, you need a fantastic production partner. Our professional equipment and years of audio production expertise will ensure your podcast is not only fun to make but always sounds top-notch. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.