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(By Carey Green) A recent article by Dan over at Pacific Content reveals that the number of new podcasts that hit the earbuds of listeners was greater than ever in 2018. In fact, episodic growth (number of episodes published) has doubled every year, beginning in 2016.
That’s a LOT of podcasts.
That’s a LOT to choose from.
That’s a LOT of competition for your show to contend with.
The reality is simple: You not only have to compete with the podcasts in your niche or industry, you also have to compete with the latest-greatest serialized drama and the funniest new comedy show.
Why? Because they are trying to win new listeners, just like you are.
Think of it this way: There are tons of movies on Netflix you’d love to watch, movies that are exactly the genre or topic that revs your engine. But you never watch them. Why? Because there are so many movies on the Netflix platform you get distracted by other stuff.
Podcasting is becoming very much the same. So what do you do? You have to discover your podcasting superpowers!
These are the things YOU possess that nobody else does:
• Unique perspectives on your topics • Novel approaches to problems in your niche that actually work • Innovative ways of teaching, coaching, describing, and providing genuine value.
And you’ve got to provide all of that in a superhero suit (your podcast) that attracts attention.
That means that for your show, overall:
• Your production value must be high • Your cover art had better be eye-catching • Your use of sound effects, music, and other audio elements had better be helpful, not distracting • Your show format should be more than the typical (and tired) Q/A approach.
No superhero has to go it alone. You probably don’t see clearly how to do all those things. You may not clearly know what is working and what isn’t. You may know that something needs to change. But what? That’s your blind spot showing.
Get help. But be careful. There are lots of “experts” out there who only know their own experience. You want to get advice from people who have worked with hundreds, if not thousands, of podcasters.
People like:
Dave Jackson - www.SchoolOfPodcasting.com Dave has the distinct privilege of being known as “THE Podcast Coach” and he’s also a hall of famer. His superpower is that he’s able to see a bit outside the norm and come up with creative ideas. He’s also a really helpful, nice guy.
Daniel J. Lews - www.TheAudacityToPodcast.com Daniel’s strengths lie along the technical side. If you’ve got issues with your feed, cover art, or the optimization of your show, he’s your man.
**Paul Colligan - **http://www.paulcolligan.com/ Paul approaches podcasting from a “what works” perspective. He’s tapped by many high-profile people to dial in the marketing and ROI part of their shows. If you’re looking to monetize, amplify, or go big, Paul may be able to help.
The point is this: GET HELP.
Once you see the things these incredible people point out, you’ll have a clear way forward – a way to make your show easier to find, more valuable to listeners, and unique so that it stands out.
Go get your tights and cape. It’s time to use those superpowers of yours. OK, the tights and cape bit is a joke. None of us want to see that.
Carey Green is the Client Happiness Guy and founder at www.PodcastFastTrack.com