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You’ve got podcasting questions, and PBJ‘s Traci Long DeForge is here to answer them. Traci is the founder of Produce Your Podcast, and a consultant, speaker, and strategist. In our third installment of this special feature, Traci answers reader questions about building an audience, getting guests and using podcasting to build your business
Question: How can I add value for guests on my podcast when I’m just starting to build an audience. Traci: Everyone has to start somewhere. Your first step in recruiting a guest is to first look at your overall fans, followers and database. Speak to your audience reach as a whole and not just silo it into your podcast listeners. Offer to also have them participate in a Facebook Live or convert the transcription into a Q and A and post it on your website. You can also find quality guests who are experts in your show’s topic who may be interested in being on your show so they can share the interview with their audience or perhaps they are in the process of building a following of their own and appreciate the opportunity to be a guest and have their show promoted.
Question: How do you build an audience when you’re starting from or close to zero? Traci: Podcasting can be a great asset to your already existing market strategy. Your show becomes the hub where you generate your content there first and then re-purpose that content by having it transcribed and extract social media posts and blog posts from the transcription. Put the release into your newsletter if you send one out. Be patient if you’re just starting out with your podcast and your marketing efforts at the same time. Add your episodes to your website and create a place for people visiting the site to sign up for a newsletter. Join content related Facebook groups and posts links to your episodes to the groups. There are three things to remember… Be consistent, Be focused and Don’t give up. Your audience will build and as it grows so will the momentum around all of your marketing efforts.
Question: Why is podcasting essential to building your business? Traci: An engaged listener leads to a loyal customer. Hosting your own podcast opens up possibilities for your customers to feel closer to you and your business. They develop a more personal relationship with you and are more likely to want to do business as a result. Podcasting can be used as a way to open up a line of communication between you and your target market. Get feedback, speak directly to customer service issues, offer behind the scenes insights and build stronger relationships with those who are doing business with you.
Send questions to Traci at traci@produceyourpodcast.com and remember to check back each week!
_Traci Long DeForge is the founder of Produce Your Podcast, and a consultant, speaker, and strategist. She can be contacted at _traci@produceyourpodcast.com_ or 912.223.9525. Visit her websites at _TraciDeForge.com_ and _ProduceYourPodcast.com_. _