As a long-time marketer, I can tell you that a still graphic with your audio is WEAK marketing and promotion. If you want to make an impact for your podcast on social media, show your face and use media that gets numbers – REELs.
“Everyone” might use a particular type of media, but is it working for them meaningfully? Is it genuinely driving traffic and building relationship with listeners? We have a finite amount of time and energy; spend it doing things that work!
Incorporating REEL into your podcast promotion strategy can be a game-changer for several reasons:
Grab Attention in a Short Span:
REEL videos are typically 15 to 60 seconds long, making them perfect for capturing attention in today’s fast-paced digital world. These short, engaging videos allow you to quickly highlight the most compelling aspects of your podcast and pique viewers’ curiosity. By presenting captivating snippets or teasers, you can entice viewers to listen to the full episode.
Visual Storytelling:
Podcasts primarily rely on audio, which limits their ability to convey visuals or captivate viewers visually. However, REEL videos provide an opportunity to visually represent your podcast content. You can use eye-catching visuals, text overlays, and creative editing techniques to tell a visual story that complements your audio content. This can help potential listeners better understand your podcast’s tone, topics, and overall vibe, increasing the likelihood of them subscribing or tuning in.
Reach a Wider Audience:
REEL videos have exploded in popularity and can reach a vast audience, especially on platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok. Leveraging REEL allows you to tap into the massive user bases of these platforms and expose your podcast to a wider demographic. REEL’s algorithmic reach and potential for viral content can significantly amplify your podcast’s visibility and attract new listeners who may not have discovered it through traditional marketing methods.
Shareable and Viral Potential:
REEL videos are highly shareable and have the potential to go viral. Users often share entertaining or informative REELs with their friends, family, or followers, which can exponentially increase your podcast’s exposure. By creating engaging and share-worthy REEL content, you can leverage the power of word-of-mouth marketing and turn your audience into enthusiastic brand advocates who actively promote your podcast.
Diversify Content Format:
Incorporating REEL videos allows you to diversify your content format and meet the preferences of different audience segments. Some people may prefer consuming short, visual content over longer audio episodes. By providing REELs alongside your podcast episodes, you cater to a broader range of preferences and engage with individuals who may be more inclined to consume bite-sized content. This can ultimately lead them to explore your full podcast catalog and become loyal listeners.
Call-to-Action for Podcast Subscription:
REEL videos provide an excellent opportunity to include a clear call-to-action (CTA) for viewers to subscribe to your podcast. Use compelling captions, on-screen text, or voiceovers to invite viewers to follow your podcast, subscribe on their preferred platform, or join your email list for exclusive content. By integrating a CTA seamlessly into your REELs, you make it easy for interested viewers to take the next step and become regular listeners.
Repurposing and Cross-Promotion:
REEL videos can be repurposed across various platforms and channels, allowing you to extend your podcast’s reach beyond audio-only platforms. Share your REELs on social media, embed them in blog posts, or feature them in your email newsletters. By cross-promoting your REEL videos, you generate more visibility for your podcast, attract new listeners, and reinforce your brand across different mediums.
Incorporating REEL into your podcast promotion strategy opens up a world of creative possibilities and audience engagement. By leveraging the visual storytelling capabilities, shareability, and viral potential of REEL videos, you can effectively attract new listeners, diversify your content format, and ultimately grow your podcast’s reach and impact. So, embrace the REEL revolution and watch your podcast soar to new heights!
Here are some tips to help you create better podcast REELs that perform well:
Hook Your Audience Immediately:
Grab your viewers’ attention within the first few seconds of your REEL. Use captivating visuals, intriguing text overlays, or an attention-grabbing hook to entice them to keep watching. Remember, the initial seconds are crucial for retaining viewers and encouraging them to engage with your content further.
Highlight the Best Moments:
REELs should showcase the most exciting, valuable, or entertaining moments from your podcast episodes. Identify the highlights that resonate with your target audience and create snippets that leave them wanting more. It could be an insightful quote, an engaging conversation, or a fascinating story. Edit the audio and visuals to create impactful and memorable moments.
Use Captions and Text Overlays:
Since REELs autoplay without sound on many platforms, captions and text overlays are essential for conveying your message effectively. Add engaging and concise captions that complement the visuals and provide context. Use attention-grabbing fonts, colors, and animations to make the text visually appealing and easy to read.
Keep it Short and Snappy:
REELs thrive on brevity. Aim for concise and focused content that quickly delivers your message and leaves an impact. Keep your REELs within the platform’s recommended time limits (e.g., 15 to 60 seconds) to maintain viewers’ attention and increase the chances of them watching the entire REEL.
Add Music or Sound Effects:
Audio elements can enhance the mood and storytelling in your REELs. Consider adding background music or sound effects that complement the visuals and evoke the desired emotions. Choose music or sound effects that align with your podcast’s tone and resonate with your target audience. Remember, music isn’t more important than your message. If you choose to use music, make sure it enhances your message and doesn’t drown you out.
Create a Strong Call-to-Action:
Always include a clear call-to-action (CTA) in your REELs to guide viewers towards the next step. Whether it’s subscribing to your podcast, following your social media accounts, or visiting a specific webpage, make sure the CTA is prominently displayed. Encourage viewers to take action by using persuasive language and providing a compelling reason to do so.
Test and Analyze Performance:
Pay attention to how your REELs perform by analyzing metrics provided by the platform or using analytics tools. Look at engagement rates, shares, comments, and views to determine which types of content resonate most with your audience. Use these insights to refine your REEL strategy and create content that consistently performs well.
Be Consistent:
Building a strong presence through REELs requires consistency. Regularly create and share REELs to maintain visibility and engagement with your audience. Set a schedule and stick to it, ensuring your REELs become a regular part of your podcast promotion strategy.
Remember, creating better podcast REELs is an iterative process. Continually learn from your audience’s feedback, adapt your content based on performance insights, and stay open to experimenting with different approaches. By honing your REEL creation skills, you’ll be able to create compelling content that drives engagement, attracts new listeners, and elevates your podcast’s reach.
