Small Business Podcast

Starting a small business podcast can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs. Podcasts are a fantastic way to connect with your audience, share valuable insights, and establish yourself as an authority in your industry. If you're a business owner looking to expand your reach and engage with your customers on a deeper level, then podcasting is a must-consider tool.

But why exactly should you start or be a guest in a small business podcast? Let's dive in and find out!

What is a Small Business Podcast?

A small business podcast is a series of audio episodes focused on topics related to your business, industry, or area of expertise.

It's a platform where you can share your knowledge, interview experts, discuss industry trends, and offer tips and advice to your listeners. Think of it as a radio show specifically tailored for your target audience. Podcasts are accessible to anyone with an internet connection, making them an excellent medium to reach a wider audience.

Benefits of Starting a Small Business Podcast

There are numerous benefits to starting a podcast for your small business. First, it helps in building a personal connection with your audience. Hearing your voice regularly helps listeners feel like they know you, fostering trust and loyalty. Additionally, podcasts are a great way to establish your authority in your field. By consistently sharing valuable content, you position yourself as an expert, which can attract new customers and opportunities.

Moreover, podcasts are highly convenient for listeners. They can tune in while driving, working out, or doing household chores, making your content more accessible than traditional blog posts or videos. Lastly, podcasting can help improve your search optimisation (SEO).

Each episode can be accompanied by a blog post or show notes, creating more content for search engines to index. 

Improving your social media feed. By repurposing podcast content you'll fill your social media posts with relevant and informative content that your audience wants.

How to Choose a Niche for Your Small Business Podcast

Choosing the right niche is crucial for the success of your podcast. Start by considering your business's core focus and the topics you are passionate about. Your niche should align with your expertise and the interests of your target audience. Research popular podcasts in your industry to identify gaps or unique angles you can explore. Remember, a well-defined niche helps attract a loyal and engaged audience.

If you get stuck on choosing your niche (or you might be  a multi-passionate entrepreneur) consider combining 2 subjects you enjoy talking about.

You may not yet be interested in learning about your target audience or analyzing the market, and you don't have to be. Just start and as you explore ideas and different areas of your niche, you'll start aquiring this knowledge.

Just press record and publish consistently.

Equipment Needed for a Small Business Podcast

You don't need to break the bank to start a podcast, in facet, you can use your phone, computer or ipad.

You can invest in quality equipment later down the tract and this can can significantly improve the audio experience for your listeners. At a minimum, you'll need a good microphone, headphones, and a computer with audio editing software.

Popular microphones for beginners include the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB and the Blue Yeti. Personally, I recommend Shure MV7. It's got the full bodied sound and sounds oh so professional.

You can spend a significant investment in equipment but remember, you just need something to record your voice. Here are some of the microphones I recommend:

You can plug these right into your computer and don't require anything else (except software for editing).

For editing, software like Audacity (free) or Adobe Audition (paid) can get the job done. There are many free apps. Have a play and see which suits you.

Planning Your Small Business Podcast Episodes

Planning is essential to ensure your podcast runs smoothly. Start by outlining your podcast's format – will it be solo episodes, interviews, or a mix of both?

Create a content calendar with episode topics and guest invitations (if applicable). Planning ahead helps you stay organised and consistent, which is key to building and retaining your audience.

One great way to knock out podcasts is to schedule your recording in one full day and invite your guests throughout the day. This way, you can interview a range of people and have content ready to go.

Recording Your Small Business Podcast

When it comes to recording, find a quiet space to minimise background noise. Use your microphone and headphones to ensure clear audio quality. Practice speaking clearly and at a steady pace. It's a good idea to record a few test episodes to get comfortable with the process before launching your podcast officially.

If you can hear noise in your headphones, you'll definitly be able to hear it on the podcast. 

If recording in small office spaces, you'll often get a echo. Place your microphone close to your mouth and try to fill your space with furniture or thick blankets to stop the echo and get a clean sound.

Editing Tips for Your Small Business Podcast

Editing can make or break your podcast. Remove any long pauses, filler words, or mistakes to keep the content engaging.

Add an intro and outro with music to give your podcast a professional feel. You can also include sound effects or transition music between segments. Remember, good editing enhances the listener's experience. Too much can break the engagment.

How to Publish Your Small Business Podcast

Once your episode is edited and ready, it's time to publish. Choose a podcast hosting platform like Libsyn, Podbean, or Anchor to upload your episodes. These platforms distribute your podcast to major directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Make sure to write compelling episode titles and descriptions to attract listeners.

Promoting Your Small Business Podcast

Promotion is key to growing your podcast audience. Share your episodes on your business's social media channels, website, and email newsletters. Collaborate with other podcasters or influencers in your industry to reach a wider audience. Consider running ads or sponsoring events related to your podcast's niche. The more you promote, the more listeners you'll attract.

Monetising Your Small Business Podcast

Once you have a steady listener base, you can start monetising your podcast. Common methods include sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and offering premium content or merchandise. You can also use your podcast to promote your products or services, driving traffic to your business. Monetisation takes time, so focus on building a loyal audience first.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Podcasting, like any venture, comes with its challenges. One common issue is maintaining consistency. It's crucial to stick to a regular publishing schedule to keep your audience engaged. Another challenge is content creation – running out of ideas can stall your podcast. Keep a running list of topics and be open to listener suggestions to keep the content fresh.

Success Stories: Small Business Podcasts That Made It

Hearing about successful small business podcasts can be incredibly motivating.

Here are a few great business related podcasts

• The Tim Ferriss Show
• BizChix
• Australian Business Podcast
• Small Business Big Marketing

They offers business advice and has built a strong community of entrepreneurs.

These podcasts started small but grew through consistency and delivering valuable content.