Podcasts are big business and growing every year. In 2021, there were more than 850,000 active podcasts, representing 48 million podcast episodes – a whopping 20% increase from 2020.

 

With so many podcasting options for audiences to choose from, even the most niche topics can thrive in this marketplace. As a promo distributor, you have a unique skillset and knowledge base to share with your audience through podcasting ‒ one of the fastest-growing content channels.

One big question remains: Where do you begin?

In an episode of ASI’s very own podcast, The Social Angle, ASI Media’s Vinnie Driscoll chatted with Ang Hollowell of Ang H. Studio, a small-business owner who – like many in the promo industry – wears many hats, including podcaster.

Over the course of the chat, Hollowell goes into detail on how to create a podcast, including the importance of finding the right balance between your everyday work tasks and podcast producing, as well as how committed you need to be to build it from the ground up and grow an audience. Hollowell also touches on the type of podcasting equipment you need, what type of podcast audience to target and how to engage with them, how often you should produce your podcast, the best ways to distribute it and so much more. You can catch all of Hollowell’s and Driscoll’s advice on the episode, “How to Get Started With Podcasting,” on SoundCloud or YouTube or search for The Social Angle on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Not ready to dive into creating your own podcast but still interested in all the benefits listening to them can provide? Here are some of the top podcasts for promo professionals:

• Promo Marketing – Hosts Sean Norris and Brendan Menapace offer witty and informative takes on promo trends and conduct thought-provoking interviews with some of the industry’s biggest names.
• PromoCorner – As a full-service digital marketing and media company that specializes in helping promo products suppliers and distributors market their brand, PromoCorner’s flagship podcast is a great source for cutting-edge content.
• ASI podcasts – In addition to the aforementioned The Social Angle, ASI also produces Promo Insiders, on which the editorial team for Counselor covers all things promo, from breaking news to challenges and opportunities in the industry.

Do you have any advice on how to start a podcast? Are there any podcasts we didn’t mention (in the promo space or otherwise) that you find valuable for running your business? Let us know in our members-only Facebook group.