If you’re an entrepreneur, you’ve most likely heard about the benefits of podcasting for your business. Whether you have a podcast or want to start a podcast, one question you’ve considered is whether audio only podcasts or video podcasts are best for growing your business. There’s a widely held belief that audio only podcasts are dead or that people prefer video podcasts over audio only podcasts. A recent survey found that 58% of podcast listeners prefer audio only podcasts over video podcasts. Audio only podcasts are alive and thriving. So, which podcast format is best for lead generation and sales?
Which Podcast Format is Best?
Audio only podcasts and video podcasts are equally effective. One is not better than the other. The reality is that any visibility and marketing platform can work. It’s all about choosing the right one for you. Both audio only podcasts and video podcasts on YouTube can leverage SEO for visibility and lead generation. With the right strategy, you can grow your audience with both podcast formats.
How to Choose the Best Podcast Format for You
Consider Your Audience
If you want to grow your podcast audience with your dream clients, you need to create it in the format they like to consume podcasts. Not everyone is a fan of video podcasts, and vice versa. Do market research to learn more about your audience and how they prefer to consume podcast content.
Honor Your Current Capacity
Podcasting is a time commitment and can be a learning curve if you are new to podcast production. Starting and maintaining an audio only podcast is easier if you are new to podcasting. You don’t have to worry about getting camera ready, purchasing the best video recording equipment, or figuring out how to edit your video. With audio only podcasts, you can do minimal editing or publish your raw audio. However, if you already have experience creating video content, starting with a video podcast may be easy. Choose the option that is the path of least resistance. If it causes so much overwhelm to the point that you don’t take action, it is not your best option. And if your capacity is not limited, you can choose to do a video and audio podcast.
Benefits of Audio Only Podcasts
You Can Easily Launch Your Podcast Today
Audio only podcasts are easy to start because they don’t require much equipment. You only need a microphone or your phone, headphones, recording and editing software, and a podcast hosting platform. You don’t need an expensive setup to get quality audio, either. You can learn more about the best podcasting tools here.
Flexibility for Podcast Hosts and Listeners
Audio only podcasts allow for more flexibility for the host and listeners. As a podcast host, you can record your episodes on your phone. This is a nice option when you have a stream of consciousness that can make a great podcast episode, or you need the ease of recording on the go. For podcast listeners, audio only podcasts allow them the freedom to listen on the go or while they are engaging in other tasks. As a mom, I love to listen to podcasts when driving to and from my son’s school, washing dishes, or doing the laundry. Your listeners aren’t required to look at a video, which allows them to have their podcast going while doing other things.
Build a Deeper Relationship with Your Listeners
With an audio only podcast, you are in your listeners’ ears in each new episode. This creates a deeper level of intimacy, which builds trust. They will soon associate your voice with a positive emotion as they continue to listen to your podcast. Your listeners will get to know you deeper and feel a deeper connection to you. People buy from businesses that they know, like, and trust. Your audio only podcast can help you do just that.
Expand Your Reach
Video podcasts are available on YouTube and Spotify. Audio only podcasts are available on all podcast listening apps (e.g., Apple, Spotify, Amazon, etc.). With an audio only podcast, you have a wider reach and are able to connect with more of your people.
Are Audio Only Podcasts or Video Podcasts Best for Business Growth?
Both audio only podcasts and video podcasts are equally effective for business growth. However, each requires a different strategy to yield results. At the end of the day, you have to choose the option that makes the most sense for your audience and you. If you start your podcast in a format that you can’t realistically commit to or feels overwhelming, you either won’t start or won’t stick with it. If you’re ready to start an audio only podcast, you can download my free podcast launch guide or book a free consultation with me to see how I can best support you.
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