Podcasting: Your Personal Media Footprint As A Personal Brand

Dr Sreeram Gopalkrishnan Jun 26, 2021

The term ‘influencer marketing’ is quite common for young users of social media channels. Many of them may even be fans of leading influencers who promote brands they consume. Some influencers do manage to combine curated opinions and content with such promotion and build a loyal following. They do so by working hard on relevant content and help people even as they continue to endorse brands that may have a role in the process.

In this, the role of Podcasts is quite significant because it helps articulate immersive thoughts and ideas at a personal level in an unbeatable storytelling format that holds attention. The podcast format helps in capturing and holding audience attention far longer than Insta posts and short format videos. Generally, audiences of podcasts tune in to listen and know something current and contemporary with ‘engagement periods’ higher than TV, social media, and online blogs.

Typically, podcasters have an enthusiastic fan base, and actually welcome and appreciate brand partnerships. Podcasts were initially called “audio blogging”, an easy way to showcase your thoughts and feelings to the world through an audio file. It is a powerful tool for expression, and researchers, specialists, music lovers, political experts, foodies, and hobby enthusiasts can build a portfolio that will enhance their confidence and personal branding. Here are few such advantages of podcasting.

A platform for independent voices

A podcast is also a medium that helps young professionals or media students to showcase their talents. Many have converted their passionate hobbies into lucrative professions. Pet experts, grooming advice, mental health professionals, gender equality advocates, voice-over artists, mimicry artists and stand-up comedians, and many more have reached out to mass audiences. Hence the independent voices can be heard through the diverse platform of the podcast. For eg, The Adam Carolla Show, a show which acts out as an extension to Adam’s comedy career. Social Matters, an accumulation of numerous social activists speaking their hearts, and Smartless, an engaging podcast on shared experiences. Podcast Awards by People’s Choice list a staggering line of podcasts from amateurs, professionals, and homemakers that truly fantastic.

Source of Knowledge

Podcasts are diverse, with no such restriction to your topics. The diversity allows the industry to be a hub of new and old information. Students who are in search to consume and share knowledge can get exposure through podcasts. And also helps people to build communities with fellow enthusiasts. For example, Civic 101 is a recent but interesting addition to the industry. As it explores the complexity and details of political acts and happenings of what people are somewhat unaware of.

Hub of New Ideas and Innovation

The podcast is a platform that has high exposure to the world. Media students and young media professionals can use the exposure to spread innovations and ideas. For example, Innovation Hub features the most creative thinkers, from authors to researchers to business leaders. It explores new avenues in education, science, medicine, transportation, and more.

Earn recognition and economic satisfaction

Podcasts can strongly build your presence in your field of interest. Media students are considered to be very opinionated and vastly knowledgeable. So, the recognition of certain brilliant minds is made possible through such platforms. Also, it is financially rewarding due to the current listenership and brand involvement in the podcast industry.

Podcasts are both an opportunity and a challenge for young media aspirants who can hone their skills, engage with audiences and build a portfolio and reputation that will help them carve out their own independent career. All you need is your smartphone and bright ideas to connect with millions out there.