How to Name Your Podcast

Choosing a name for your podcast is very important. It not only reflects your business and your brand identity, but it also must inspire people to download it, listen to it, and to then come back for more. Choose a name for your podcast that matches your content topic. People generally search for a particular subject when they visit podcast sites, like “meditation”, “marketing”, “investing” etc. For example, one of my podcasts is called ‘Online Marketing Tips’.

Like any other online content, publicity is all about using the right keywords. Your podcast can have your company name on it but you should also consider having a secondary name. Dating the podcasts is also suggested, because it helps subscribers organize them and know what is new content and what is old content.

For customers that download onto their iPod or other MP3 player, they will see a 255 character id tag that scrolls across their screen. Be sure to include your URL (and possibly your phone number as well) in that title.

Podcast Scripts:

Always script your podcast before you record it. Make sure to outline your point or points first. What message do you want to get across to your subscribers? Make sure you are able to address this point accurately and completely in the time that you have allowed. Make notes of where you want to add inflection. Podcasts that are without inflection or a range of vocal emphasis are not interesting to listen to. Add emotion to your voice; if you are excited about your material show it, and if you are discussing something serious or sad, let your voice demonstrate that too.

Don’t forget to plan pauses and breaths into your script and where you’re going to place your advertisements. Advertisements work best when you can easily transition into them.

For example, “Speaking of making money online, head to our website now and save 10% on our new book 101 Ways to Save Money.”

Here’s a sample format outline:

• Introductory music (this is optional, of course)
  
• Introduction of host or hosts
• Host introduces topic (with an appealing title and teaser)
• Couple of minutes of content
• Advertisement
• More content
• Promotional mention of an upcoming seminar, sale or new product
• Teaser for next podcast topic
• Closing music

Advertising During Your Podcast:

Make sure that your audio or video includes an easy to remember phone number, because many people will be listening to your offers while they’re driving or working out. They won’t be able to simply click through to your website. That being said, make sure you also include your URL in your call to action so that those that are listening on their computer can immediately visit your site.

Keep your advertisements short. Listeners can easily ”fast forward” and not listen to your advertisements. If you keep them to 10-15 seconds they won’t make the effort to skip over them. Additionally, you should transition into them as you’re speaking so that the listeners aren’t immediately aware that they’re listening to an ad.

Make sure that you keep the ads free of time constraints. Due to the nature of a podcast, a person can listen to it today or six months from now. If your advertisements have a “limited time offer” call to action, then you’ll miss out on a lot of potential customers.

Hook your audience with interesting content before you insert your ads. Placing your ads in the beginning of your podcast can cause some listeners to tune out; however, if you’ve already hooked them with interesting information, they’ll listen to a quick plug to hear the rest of your information.

Podcasting Formats:

The use of a podcast or the format of your content is virtually limitless. You can podcast on the following topics:

• Instructions or training manuals of your products
• Company news
• Commentary on your industry or industry analysis
• Creative endeavors like singing, reading poetry, reading fiction
• Behind the scenes information
• Interviews with experts
• Seminars or workshops
• Reviews on products or services
• “How to” guides
• From the field information
• Lessons
• Inspirations
• Meetings or mastermind group discussions
• Call in shows
• Monologues
• Dialogues or conversations
• Quiz shows
• News magazine format

Podcast Content:

Like any online tool, content is king. In your podcast you absolutely must provide content that offers a benefit to your customers and target market. A podcast that is simply an advertisement for your services may get listened to once but it won’t be revisited, and it won’t be forwarded to friends, family and associates. However, a podcast that entertains and informs will grow and build your sales and your online presence.

Make sure that the content that you offer via your podcast differs from the content that you offer via your blog, newsletter or on your website.