Signing out of account, Standby…
Editor’s note: Google isn’t the only way for your business to be discovered online. This is the third in a five-part series looking at alternate sources for search.
Though it can be a great way to promote brands and products, few business owners even think of creating podcasts, which are audio files or video files that are posted online and can be downloaded by others to view or listen to. You can find podcasts to download in online marketplaces such as Apple’s iTunes store.
Take for example the case study shared by Glen Allsopp of the ViperChill blog. In just six days, the first episode of his newly released podcast was downloaded more than 18,000 times, providing tremendous exposure that might’ve been difficult to achieve using any other advertising medium.
So if you’re thinking about launching your own business podcast, how do you get a high ranking in iTunes’ search feature, while maximizing your online exposure? Here are some of the factors that could help drive the best results:
Related Video:
• Long enough to cover a single topic thoroughly (usually at least five to 10 minutes)
• Well-researched and factually correct
• Professionally produced without sound quality issues
• High-quality overall image
If you don’t have the skills needed to turn out a professional looking podcast on your own, consider outsourcing various tasks such as sound editing.
Related: The 3 Most Important Online Marketing Metrics to Monitor
— Number of subscribers versus casual listeners. When listeners tune into your podcast via iTunes, they have two choices — download individual episodes from your series or subscribe to it so that new episodes are automatically added to their digital devices through the iTunes interface.
From iTunes’ standpoint, your podcast’s ratio of “subscribers to casual listeners” matters. A higher percentage of subscribers indicates that your content is valuable enough for people to opt in to receive it automatically. As this ratio goes up, your average position in iTunes’ search results should increase as well.
To increase the number of subscribers to your podcast, don’t be shy. Ask listeners to subscribe from within your podcast episodes, on your website, on your social media profiles or anywhere else you advertise your audio content.
— Number of listener reviews and comments. iTunes also likes to see a high number of reviews and comments left on a podcast. This demonstrates that your content is interesting enough for listeners to actively engage with.
To encourage engagement, invite listeners to leave feedback on your podcast’s listing page. Don’t consider paying for positive reviews. It not only is dishonest, but it is not a sustainable option for long-term iTunes success.
— Age of podcast. The age of your podcast plays a role in determining its place in the iTunes search results. Though the exact weight of this ranking factor isn’t known, older podcasts tend to be higher in iTunes’ listings. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to manipulate this ranking variable.
But this factor is important to keep in mind if you’re thinking of launching a podcast. You should consider releasing a single episode as quickly as possible so you can start the clock running on your content.
Related: 3 Ways to Promote Your Brand Without Facebook
The Day After 9/11, This Family-Owned Jam Company Lost All of Its Airline Business. But One Son’s Strategic Rebrand Has Brought Lasting Success.
The Art of Active Listening Requires Leaving Your Ego Behind
Using This Color in Your Facebook Ads Could Increase Your Click-Through Rate
Almost 3 Decades Ago, I Wrote Myself a Check for $1 Million, When I Had Nothing. Here’s Why.
This Entrepreneur’s Wellness Tech Platform Was Inspired By His Grandma’s Garden
Here Are the 7 Traits You Need to Get Rich in the Restaurant Industry
Yankee Candle Founder’s $23 Million Estate Comes With an Indoor Water Park and Two ‘Car Barns’
Emily Rella
R.L. Adams
Emily Rella
Subscribe to our Newsletter
The latest news, articles, and resources sent to your inbox.
I understand that the data I am submitting will be used to provide me with the above-described products and/or services and communications in connection therewith.
Read our privacy policy for more information.
Copyright © 2022 Entrepreneur Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Entrepreneur® and its related marks are registered trademarks of Entrepreneur Media Inc.
Successfully copied link