Whether you’re a podcast fan or have never listened to one in your life, becoming a podcast guest is an incredible way to expand your audience and influence. Podcasts have made the leap from trend to necessity in the dynamic realm of public relations (PR), and embracing new platforms has become imperative. Today, we'll delve into the top five reasons why podcast guesting should be a pivotal component of your PR strategy.
1. Highly Engaged and Action-Oriented Listeners
One of the best parts of being a podcast guest is adding podcast listeners to your community. What sets them apart is their unparalleled level of engagement and responsiveness. Studies reported by Pew Research have shown that podcast audiences actively translate their listening experiences into tangible actions.
60% of podcast listeners watched a movie or read a book because of a podcast’s influence
36% said they’d try a lifestyle change (a certain workout, recipe-making, or journaling, for example)
28% of respondents bought something because of a podcast they’ve listened to
This active engagement gives podcast guests a great chance to use podcasts as a powerful tool for driving real results and conversions.
2. Podcast Guests Get In Front of A Rapidly Growing Audience
In recent years, the podcasting landscape has witnessed explosive growth. According to PR News Online, the number of weekly podcast listeners now surpasses that of Netflix subscribers.
Statistics reveal that half of Americans tuned in to a podcast in the past year, with one in five respondents engaging with podcasts on a weekly basis. The proof is in the stats; podcast audiences are on the upswing, growing year after year. These numbers show how quickly podcast audiences are growing, making them a must-have platform to connect with all kinds of listeners.
3. Create Deeper Connections with Extended Interviews
Never underestimate the power of a good story.
Unlike traditional media formats constrained by time limitations, podcasts offer extended interview durations often ranging from 30 minutes to an hour, and sometimes more! This gives clients the chance to unpack their stories in detail, fostering a deeper connection with the audience. It's a more intimate chat, allowing them to go beyond the surface and really resonate with listeners.
This means the audience has the chance to see the heart behind your product, service, or book.
4. Niche Audiences Resulting In Targeted Messaging
Podcasts are all about versatility, covering a wide range of interests and niches. This variety helps our PR team find podcasts that perfectly match a client’s message, giving them direct access to an engaged and interested audience.
By tailoring content to fit what certain listeners care about, podcasts become a powerful way to deliver messages that really connect. For example, we’ve placed clients on podcasts focused on prepping for college, cooking, running a beauty business, and news-based shows like the Fox News Rundown. The possibilities are endless.
5. Long-term Perks: Boosting Reach and SEO Power
The impact of being a podcast guest goes way beyond just the interview. New listeners often “binge-listen” past episodes, keeping the door open for more exposure and discovery, long after the podcast first airs. Plus, adding backlinks to the client’s website helps improve their SEO, making them easier to find online.
On top of that, hosts usually share interviews with their podcast guests through their email lists, giving the client even more visibility and strengthening their brand presence.
While print, TV, radio, and digital media are still going strong, there's no denying the special role podcasts play in a PR strategy. At Cleary Strategies, we know how to make each of these channels work to meet our client’s goals.
Sure, appearing on a morning show makes a splash, but podcasts offer lasting impact and long-term benefits that make them a key part of a modern PR strategy. Embracing podcasting is a smart move for anyone looking to boost their brand’s visibility in today’s competitive world.
