Podcasting 101
In the dynamic world of content marketing, podcasting has emerged as a powerful tool for nonprofits and charitable organisations to amplify their voices, share stories, and foster meaningful connections with their audience. Podcasts allow charities to delve deeper into their missions, engage with supporters, and inspire change. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of podcasting for charities, offering guidance on how to start a podcast, select relevant topics, find compelling guests or contributors, and promote your podcast effectively to raise awareness and engage your audience.
Why Podcasting for Charities Matters
Podcasting offers several advantages for charities:
Deep Engagement: Podcasts provide an intimate and long-form medium to connect with your audience.
Storytelling: You can share stories of impact, success stories, and the people behind your charity’s mission.
Accessibility: Podcasts are accessible to a broad audience, including those who prefer audio content.
Getting Started with Podcasting
1. Define Your Podcast’s Purpose
Before you start recording, clarify the purpose of your podcast. What message or stories do you want to share? What change or impact do you hope to achieve through your podcast?
2. Plan Your Podcast
Select Relevant Topics: Choose topics that align with your charity’s mission and resonate with your audience. Your podcast should reflect the issues you address and the solutions you provide.
Format: Decide on the format of your podcast. Will it be interviews, solo episodes, panel discussions, or a combination of formats?
Episode Length: Determine the ideal length for your episodes, considering your audience’s preferences.
3. Finding Compelling Guests or Contributors
Guests and contributors can add depth and diversity to your podcast. Here’s how to find them:
Internal Experts: Start with members of your charity who can provide valuable insights and stories.
Community Partners: Collaborate with other organisations, experts, or influencers who align with your mission.
Supporters and Beneficiaries: Feature the stories and experiences of those who have directly benefited from your charity’s work.
Alzheimer’s Society have a podcast called Dementia Together, where they interview people with dementia to share their stories, experiences in order to provide advice and reassurance to others suffering with the disease.
4. Recording and Production
Invest in quality recording equipment and software to ensure your podcast sounds professional. Create a structured script or outline for your episodes, but allow for authentic conversations to unfold.
5. Editing and Post-Production
Edit your podcast to remove any background noise, interruptions, or mistakes. Add music and intro/outro segments for a polished finish.
Promoting Your Charity Podcast
Once you’ve created your podcast episodes, it’s time to share them with the world:
Publish on Podcast Platforms: Distribute your podcast on popular platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and others.
Leverage Social Media: Promote your podcast episodes on your charity’s social media channels. Create eye-catching visuals and teaser clips to grab attention.
Email Marketing: Notify your email subscribers about new podcast episodes. Encourage them to subscribe and share.
Engage with Listeners: Respond to comments, reviews, and messages from your audience. Building a community around your podcast can foster deeper engagement.
Cross-Promotion: Collaborate with other podcasts or organisations for cross-promotion. Feature guests who have their own following to expand your reach.
Website Integration: Embed your podcast episodes on your charity’s website, making it easy for visitors to discover and listen.
Final Thoughts
Podcasting for charities is not just about broadcasting; it’s about using your voice to inspire change, share stories of impact, and connect with a community that shares your passion for making a difference. By following these steps and consistently delivering valuable content, your charity can become a powerful voice for change through the world of podcasting. Start recording, start inspiring, and start creating a brighter future through the power of audio storytelling.
Contact us today for a free consultation and check out our case studies to discover how we’ve helped other charities like yours build their content marketing strategy.
