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Does anyone really listen to podcasts?

by Halcyon
32 replies
I know that everyone says that podcasts are great but does anyone other than their creator and/or their friends listen to them?

Honestly, I've recorded a few podcasts but I don't actively seek them out. Then Caliban Darklock's video on QR codes got me to thinking - just because everyone says it's the next best thing doesn't mean that your target market is actually standing in line to use it.

In fact the only business benefiting from the technology may be the people who created it to sell to other businesses.

So I ask. Do you personally seek out podcasts to listen to? If yes, do you listen to them online or download them to your mp3/ipod?
#listen #podcasts
  • Profile picture of the author davejug1
    Honestly, no. They have a habit of dragging on, and most of the ones I've taken the time to listen to seem to think that longer is better taking an hour to get across one point.

    Webcast reports in my opinion are more worthy, 5 or 10 minute short casts at a time. I simply don't have an hour to waste.

    Good point, well mentioned.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan Allard
    Originally Posted by Halcyon View Post

    So I ask. Do you personally seek out podcasts to listen to? If yes, do you listen to them online or download them to your mp3/ipod?
    I do. Haven't in a while but I've been meaning to add a new one to my iPod. Two good podcasts are "Internet Marketing Mogul" and "The Joe Rogan Experience".

    As far as a traffic source, I think you won't have much success unless you can drive traffic directly to the podcast in order for it to take off. Just putting it out there and waiting for visitors to come won't work.

    And I listen on my iPod touch
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  • Profile picture of the author TryBPO
    Interesting...

    We have some friends that run the LifestyleBusinessPodcast that we listen to regularly. The format's good, the information's interesting, and it's enjoyable in addition to being informative.

    That being said, I've listened to a BUNCH of different podcasts that really didn't do it for me. It seems a bit more difficult to find gems when it comes to podcasts and it's a bit more time consuming to look than just quickly skimming a blog.

    Do people listen to podcasts? Yes, definitely. Our LBP friends convinced us we should start a podcast. We did a few episodes last year, but really started with a weekly format in January. We've just put out our 15th episode and broke 40K downloads today. We're currently at around 15K downloads per month and growing...not too shabby!

    You can take a look at our podcast here:
    Podcast | AdSense Flippers
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  • Profile picture of the author Emily B
    I listen to one occasionally, but it's from a non-profit organization that isn't trying to sell me anything. I personally wouldn't be interested in business-related podcasts, but that's not to say others wouldn't be.

    I usually listen to them on my iPod.
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    • Profile picture of the author fin
      Yep, I do.

      I listen to Lifestyle Business Podcast, Foolish Adventure, and the one over at Social Triggers.
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  • Profile picture of the author RedShifted
    Yes I have listend to about 75% of all the Ilovemarketing podcasts and I will tell you 100% for sure those podcasts helped me sell more than anything I can think of.

    In fact, it wasn't untill I got through most of them that I actually was able to start generating leads for my business.
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    • Profile picture of the author KingOfContentMarketing
      Originally Posted by RedShifted View Post

      Yes I have listend to about 75% of all the Ilovemarketing podcasts and I will tell you 100% for sure those podcasts helped me sell more than anything I can think of.

      In fact, it wasn't untill I got through most of them that I actually was able to start generating leads for my business.
      Yup, these are great. Good value and good fun.

      I also listen to a lot of comedy podcasts.

      So, I vote yes on podcasts!
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  • Profile picture of the author Rod Cortez
    Yep, I sure do, almost daily. I get some from iTunes and get others from people's blogs / websites and podcast directories.

    RoD
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  • Profile picture of the author HappyLuke
    Hi,
    To my last 2 most recent post I started adding mp3 files (podcast), and it generated good feedback from my 'listening' audience.

    I would say YES.

    Hope this helps.
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  • Profile picture of the author Cataclysm1987
    I listen to podcasts, but not for internet marketing. Only for entertainment.
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  • Profile picture of the author DireStraits
    Every now and then ... rarely. I used to listen religiously to Brendan Sinclair's podcast, which I found valuable and entertaining. But unless there's a real need for audio (e.g. conference call or something), I'd normally rather just read an article at my own pace and without comprehension issues that frequently arise as a result of some people's thick, dodgy accents.
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      I used to listen to a handful of podcasts, but they either went dark or turned into audio infomercials. And finding good ones is not the best use of my time.

      That said, I do still sample podcasts from time to time, but I don't seek them out. Rather, I find out about them via a mention in an article, TV broadcast, etc.

      TryBPO hit ti on the head - a podcast should be fun as well as informative.

      As for how I listen, it depends on what I'm working on. If I'm tied to the computer for something, I listen on the computer. If I'm out and about (shooting photos, etc.), they either go on my iPod or on a CD to play in the car.
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  • Profile picture of the author rooze
    I listen to the Car Talk podcast every week. Life wouldn't be complete without my weekly shot of Click and Clack.
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    • Profile picture of the author fluffythewondercat
      For the longest time, podcasts didn't make sense to me.

      They're SEO-hostile unless you have them transcribed. And why have valuable information in such an inaccessible form that's difficult to search later if you want to go back to refresh your memory?

      Then I found out people are using them to get into iTunes. They broaden their audience and gain more traffic.

      I still don't like podcasts and refuse to listen to them but at least I understand the concept now.

      fLufF
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      • Profile picture of the author TryBPO
        Originally Posted by fluffythewondercat View Post

        For the longest time, podcasts didn't make sense to me.

        They're SEO-hostile unless you have them transcribed. And why have valuable information in such an inaccessible form that's difficult to search later if you want to go back to refresh your memory?

        Then I found out people are using them to get into iTunes. They broaden their audience and gain more traffic.

        I still don't like podcasts and refuse to listen to them but at least I understand the concept now.

        fLufF
        --
        Hey Fluff! You're absolutely right about expanding your reach. I remember listening to Pat Flynn talk about how much it added to his total viewers/listeners and thinking that sounded pretty exciting, but it wasn't until we started chatting with the LifestyleBusinessPodcast guys that we realized the value.

        Aside from broadening your reach (which it definitely does do) it also allows your readers/listeners to get to know you a bit better. Hearing someone's voice as they go through their thoughts and ideas is a much more powerful medium than just reading blog posts. From a trust perspective, I think it's WAY up there and allows your readers/listeners to connect with you in a much closer way.

        And aside from that...it's actually quite fun. It takes about an hour per week for Joe and I to prep our content for the podcast and another 60-75 minutes to record. It doesn't take a ton of time, but it's something we actually enjoy and look forward to each week, which makes it even better, I think.

        I was NEVER a podcast listener, but putting on a podcast gave me a newfound respect for it, heh. For fun, btw, I listen to "This American Life"...really interesting podcast for me with some crazy stories.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    I listen to Suze Orman's podcasts all the time. Takes a long bit to download (about 400MB in size), but it's definitely worth it to go to iTunes and download it.
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    • Profile picture of the author fin
      TryBPO,

      I listened to a few of your podcasts last night. They were pretty good, similar in style to LBP.

      I really like this style - it's almost like a show.

      I'm not really interested in adsense/keyword stuff so I never listened to them all, but I'll definitely check back for topics that interest me.
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      • Profile picture of the author fluffythewondercat
        Hey Fluff! You're absolutely right about expanding your reach.

        Well, of course I am. Who do you think I learned that from?

        fLufF
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      • Profile picture of the author TryBPO
        Originally Posted by fin View Post

        TryBPO,

        I listened to a few of your podcasts last night. They were pretty good, similar in style to LBP.

        I really like this style - it's almost like a show.

        I'm not really interested in adsense/keyword stuff so I never listened to them all, but I'll definitely check back for topics that interest me.
        Thanks! Yeah, we unabashedly snatched the format from the LBP. We really like the way it works for them and thought we'd try something similar.

        We try to mix in some of the niche site stuff (AdUnits, keyword research, etc.) and some more general business stuff (partnerships, monetizing "free", etc.) so that there's a good mix. Do let us know if there's a subject you think would be interesting and we'd love to add it to the list!
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  • Profile picture of the author Cyberkntsean
    Originally Posted by Halcyon View Post

    So I ask. Do you personally seek out podcasts to listen to? If yes, do you listen to them online or download them to your mp3/ipod?
    Love podcasts...

    I'll listen to them using both methods you mention and burn them to Cd's for long drives..

    Sean
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  • Profile picture of the author AmandaT
    I love podcasts. I listen to a lot of health or gaming related ones. I would love some good IM related podcasts if anyone can suggest some.
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  • Profile picture of the author Amy Harrop
    I like podcasts, but I def. prefer the ones that are structured, as opposed to people rambling on and trying to be entertaining or hypey.

    I don't currently listen regularly to business podcasts, but I like: This American Life, Filmspotting, The Tobolowsky Files, and The Moth. I think the resurgence of audio storytelling works great with podcasts-tell a good story.
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  • Profile picture of the author tylerherman
    I listen to them when I have time to waste surfing the internet or doing research
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  • Profile picture of the author FrankJohnson
    I'm currently listening to the Smart Passive Income podcast during my daily commute to my day job - it's been a valuable experience for me. When I'm caught up on Pat's podcast, I'll probably switch over to a Lost podcast I heard about (never watched Lost when it was running, but started watching on Netflix through about Season 5 - but now I want to start over). Also iTunes University has some great stuff - there's one on astronomy from Yale I may start listening to (my day job is at an astronomy company) and one on the American Revolution from Yale as well (I'm a bit of a history buff). As far as business podcasts, I'll probably find something else once I'm caught up with Pat's.

    Again, very valuable for me.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan Bennett
    Freedom Ocean remains my favourite IM podcast.
    I can't stand hype, arrogance and bull**** in the IM world, but James Schramko's podcast is one of those 'no ego, no hype, just 100% info and 100% help' type of deals that is becoming so rare in this style of business. Proves a point - honesty stands the test of time, and hype without help will only result in you being called a dickhead.
    If you're after a good foundation in IM, access to some quality products, and join a community of honest folks looking to do their best in IM, you can't go past this podcast.
    The zero hype approach is refreshing as well.
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  • Profile picture of the author Usmile
    honestly, me myself I hate listening to dragging thing especially long podcast, but it depends on my mode especially when the topic is absolutely awesome
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    • Profile picture of the author Christopher Fox
      I do, but not from people selling things, except advertising spots to advertisers. I would suggest that perhaps one of the reasons IMers use and may have some success with podcasts is that it helps them gain credibility and authority versus being a podcast filled with must have info, i.e., wow, person A has a podcast, now that is professional, s/he must be the real deal.
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  • Profile picture of the author johnes4th
    I love listening to podcasts while I am writing, but I can't say I pay too much attention to them. If something catches my attention then I try to give the transcript a closer read later on.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gelo30
    Banned
    not much, I listen often rather go to Matts vids to learn few SEO styles.
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  • Profile picture of the author MaggieDavid
    Sure do also so does my Hubby. He downloads heaps each week from Itunes on various subjects and loads his Ipod and listens to many each day.

    So do not think Podcasts are not worth it.
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  • Profile picture of the author kevkos30
    Originally Posted by Halcyon View Post

    I know that everyone says that podcasts are great but does anyone other than their creator and/or their friends listen to them?

    Honestly, I've recorded a few podcasts but I don't actively seek them out. Then Caliban Darklock's video on QR codes got me to thinking - just because everyone says it's the next best thing doesn't mean that your target market is actually standing in line to use it.

    In fact the only business benefiting from the technology may be the people who created it to sell to other businesses.

    So I ask. Do you personally seek out podcasts to listen to? If yes, do you listen to them online or download them to your mp3/ipod?
    I host 2 podcasts and would say that the answer is a definitive 'yes', I have several thousand subscribers on one and over 1000 on the other.

    However, the next question should be "Do podcast listeners actually buy anything?"

    And I would say, it REALLY depends on the niche. Podcasts about IM or how to make money have a lot of ready-made buyers. However, a sports niche like what I'm in, they are just looking for free content- and are not online savvy and therefore, not big buyers.

    Podcast listenership is certainly growing in general, but you have to be clear about what you want to get out of your podcasts- your brand exposed, money from ad revenue, or to actual sell products? Or is it just a hobby?
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  • Profile picture of the author celente
    Google viper chill, he has an awesome blog post a few weeks ago on how to set up a successful podcast, and built one from scratch that got him thousands of extra visitors to his site.

    These days, I still find video and audio very very good to get more traffic and subscribers.
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