A Podcast can go a long way in marketing an author and their work with the greatest success derived from providing compelling content that engages the interest of their intended audience.
Podcasting can be a fantastic form of author marketing. Unfortunately, most authors are unaware of how to get started let alone how to create the ideal podcast for marketing themselves and their book. Rather than starting with the ‘how’ of successful author podcasting it is probably best to start with the ‘why.’
Today, people on the go are engaging convenient ways to enjoy content such as via podcast that they download to iPods, iPads, Smartphones, laptops and other portable devices that can play an mp3. Authors can use podcasting to connect with and grow their audience utilizing storytelling, book excerpts or tutorials based on their own expertise (ideally something other than writing). Every author has an end goal of selling thousands of copies of their book or eBook on Amazon or the hundreds of online outlets for books and eBooks. To create a successful author podcast that starts them on that path, it must start with quality content.
Just as with writing, a podcast is all about compelling content. Although the goal is self-promotion, it is important to first identify the intended audience. It ultimately does not matter whether a book is a work of creative fiction, practical how to, or true story subject matter when it comes to creating a successful author podcast. What is important to remember is that even though at its core, a podcast is all about you, it can’t be all about you.
The author should begin by creating a concept and theme for their podcast and plan several shows. Appealing to a broad audience that they hope to convince to buy and read their book/eBook starts with dissecting their book for the grand themes that lie underneath. For example, if the author writes science fiction, creating podcasts that discusses strange science fact and innovation can draw in listeners that will graduate to the author’s work. Excerpts from the book should also be a part of each podcast.
If the author writes thriller or intrigue adventures, it may have its basis in politics, military, law enforcement or other real-world subjects. Once again, the podcasts can use these subjects as a launching pad to attract like-minded listeners. The concepts may be even more successful when the book’s subject matter is based on any real-world subject or situation. Authors must remember that it is all about creating value for the listeners.
Interviews with interesting experts in different fields that are related to the book and the author’s subject matter can be great ways to take some of the burden off of the author/podcaster while helping to build an audience. These experts don’t have to be household names to be compelling for listeners. Often an impressive resume of accomplishments or their employer will be enough to attract listeners. This can be cross promotional as it can create a way to reach their audience if they post the excerpt on their personal or company website.
While the author may not sound like Orson Welles, practice can help develop a compelling delivery that engages readers. Since every successful author podcast starts on the author’s website, this is the place where you can begin getting the practice in terms of delivery as well as honing subject matter that appeals to listeners.
When it comes to creating the successful author podcast, authors can record their podcasts either on their computer using recording software and a microphone or, alternatively, by phone. A great article to learn about affordable software and microphones is http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/starting-podcast-recording-equipment-platforms/.
Once recorded, the author can utilize a number of one-step publishing tools and create an RSS feed to help potential listeners find the podcast. Just a few of the ways to promote a podcast in addition to the author’s website, blog and/or e-zine are via Facebook page, Twitter, search engines and blog directories. In the end, building an audience means creating an author podcast that reflects the interest of the audience delivered in an original and compelling way.
Erica Ronchetti is a freelance writer with a strong interest in author marketing and the intersections of writing and technology. For more details about author marketing, visit Smithpublicity.com today!
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