Creating your first video podcast episode can be pretty daunting, especially if you’re completely new to it. First, you come up with an idea, then when your script is ready comes the most difficult part — recording yourself.
Once you’ve edited and launched your new show, it’s time to sit back and let the viewers come to you! Unfortunately the work doesn’t end when your podcast is published; instead the hard work of promoting your podcast begins.
But don’t worry. We’re here to help you make all that effort worth it. We’ve gathered some tips and tricks you need to know to promote your show and attract your target audience.
So, let’s get started.
How to Promote Your Video Podcast Episode
Start by recording a short trailer.
How did Barbie instantly break box office records? Thanks to its PR and promotion. Before Barbie was even launched, half of the world was waiting for it. Almost everyone, even those who didn’t end up watching the movie, knew that July 21 was going to be the day of its big release.
That’s why when the movie was finally out, it instantly became a trend. Of course, we understand that you probably don’t have the budget nor the huge PR team that Barbie had, but you can learn a key lesson from the movie industry — you need to promote your show before it’s even ready.
One of the easiest ways to do it is to create a short-yet-catchy podcast trailer. Do you have some important guests coming to your show? Or maybe you’re going to give your listeners some exclusive insights on a specific topic. Whatever it is, make your viewers anticipate your new episode, or your new show, even while it’s still in post-production.
Your podcast trailer doesn’t even have to include actual parts from your podcast. It can be just a short video animation that somehow intrigues your audience.
Share the best parts through podcast clips.
Have you ever scrolled through your TikTok feed or Instagram reels and come upon short videos from podcasters discussing a juicy topic? With the rise of video podcasts, these short podcast clips have become more and more popular.
Moreover, many potential viewers start off by watching these short clips before they decide to become long-term listeners of the show. The best part is that making these short podcast clips takes almost no time. All you need is to cut your video with a simple video trimmer and then share it online.
Here is an example of a brilliant short clip from Soph and Rach’s podcast that went viral.
There are a couple of reasons why this short clip was successful. First of all, it can function on its own. It covers the “five honest questions” you should ask yourself if you’re feeling unsure about your relationship. This part of the podcast grabs attention, provides information and leaves you with questions to consider.
But the chances are that you’ll also want to see how they analyzed these questions and what possible solutions they offered. Which will, eventually, lead you to their Instagram page and then, hopefully, also their podcast website.
Another thing that makes this clip so powerful is the music playing in the background. Not only does Billie Eilish’s latest song perfectly match the topic of the podcast, but it’s also one of the trendiest music tracks of the year, which increases the allure of the reel.
Use Email Marketing
You want to send truly engaging and informative emails that won’t end up in the spam folder. Try to create an email list and regularly send out newsletters to your subscribers as it grows, highlighting your latest episodes and any special insights or content they can only find through your emails.
Emails provide a direct connection to your audience, and those who subscribe to your list are likely to be your most dedicated fans. Use this channel to update them on new episodes, share exciting updates about your podcast journey, and even offer exclusive content or discounts to show your appreciation.
Promoting your video podcast requires dedication, creativity, and consistency. Remember that building an audience takes time, so be patient and keep refining your promotional strategies based on what works best for your content and target audience.
Upload Your Video Podcast to YouTube with Relevant Keywords
YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world, so optimizing your content for search is essential. Conduct keyword research to identify phrases and terms relevant to your podcast’s niche. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your video’s title and description, making it easier for potential viewers to discover your content.
When crafting your video’s description, provide a brief summary of the episode’s content, highlighting key takeaways or interesting points. This not only helps with search visibility but also entices viewers to click and watch.
Remember that YouTube’s algorithm rewards engagement, so encourage viewers to like, comment, and subscribe to your channel. Interacting with your audience in the comments section can further boost your video’s visibility and engagement.
Tailor Your Content to Trending Topics
Staying relevant in the ever-evolving world of online content is essential for podcast success. To keep your video podcast on the radar of potential viewers, tailor your content to trending topics within your niche.
Tools like Google Trends or platforms like Exploding Topics can help you identify what people are currently talking about. Analyze these trends and create content that relates to or piggybacks on these discussions. This approach ensures that your podcast remains timely and captures the interest of a broader audience.
By addressing trending topics, you position your podcast as a source of up-to-date and valuable information, attracting viewers who are actively searching for content on these subjects.
Respond/React to Popular Content in Your Niche
Engaging with popular content and influencers within your niche can significantly boost your podcast’s visibility and credibility. When influential figures in your field release content or express opinions, consider responding with your own take.
This strategy can involve creating response videos, podcast episodes, or blog posts that provide additional insights, alternative viewpoints, or complementary information. By doing so, you tap into the existing audience of these influencers, potentially redirecting some of their followers to your podcast.
However, ensure that your responses are respectful and well-reasoned. Constructive engagement can lead to productive discussions and collaborations, while overly negative or confrontational responses may harm your podcast’s reputation.
Explore Hotly Debated Topics on Reddit
Reddit is a treasure trove of discussions and debates on various topics, making it an excellent resource for finding hotly debated subjects within your niche. By participating in these discussions and creating content that resonates with Reddit’s community, you can generate interest and drive traffic to your video podcast.
When sharing your podcast episodes on Reddit, make sure they provide valuable insights and contribute to the ongoing discussion. Reddit users appreciate genuine engagement and are more likely to check out your podcast if they perceive it as a valuable resource.
By incorporating these additional strategies into your video podcast promotion efforts, you’ll enhance your chances of making your podcast go viral and attracting a dedicated audience. Remember that consistency and creativity in your promotional endeavors are key to long-term success.
Invite guests (so they can share your episode)
We know that some of you out there are solo podcasters. And that’s great! But from time to time, it’s a good idea to be a little more open and invite guests to your podcast. Not only will it diversify your show, but it will also help you attract more listeners.
If your guest has a reputation in a specific industry and a following of their own, it opens up a whole new avenue for promoting your video podcast episode. Once the episode is live, your guest is likely to share it with their audience, extending your reach to a wider group of potential listeners. This cross-promotion can significantly boost your visibility and credibility in the podcasting community.
Furthermore, guests often bring fresh perspectives and insights to your podcast, which can captivate your existing audience and intrigue new listeners.
Cover image via Freepik.
Looking for filmmaking tips and tricks? Check out our YouTube channel for tutorials like this . . .
