QUESTION: Blair, wouldn’t it be easier to start my own podcast to market my book? I could even invite guests who have their own podcast and reciprocate by being a guest on theirs. Seems like the ultimate network and marketing tool.
BLAIR: No, it would not be easier. Yes, it is one of the best marketing approaches out there.
Let me unpack.
Part 1 - Why starting a podcast is harder:
About 2 years ago I took a podcasting course to start a podcast. It was a passion podcast to interview Christian authors. I got some big names on and got to about 12 episodes before calling it quits.
Time commitment:
Not only did I need 8 hours of post production.
But I also needed about 2 hours for the call (prep, tech setup, interview, off-air chat).
Another 4 hours for speed reading the book. Basically, I purchased the audible version and put it on 2x speed while reading the kindle version.
One more hour for writing an intro and “good” Barbara Walters questions.
And an hour for just reaching out to get guests.
Finally, 2 hours of posting it on social midia.
Doing the math, I needed 18 hours per epsisod. Bascially a part-time job.
(I even added fun stories from my life at the very end, like Marvel credits, to boost personal connection with the listeners - 3 hours)
Even if I had a team for the post production and social media. I would have needed 8 hours minimum.
You are better off spending 8 hours a week trying to become a guest on a podcast or two.
Part 2 - Why it is the ultimate network and marketing tool.
You get to talk to a host who is connected to tons of thought leaders and other podcast hosts for free.
You get to leverage their audience and marketing engine for free.
And if you have a great free offer for their audience (like an education email course), you can grow your email list quickly for free.
Now it is not easy getting on podcasts and creating a good freebie. Just offering a free chapter won’t cut it. You can get that on kindle. What you need is something that makes the listeners risk their lives whild driving on the interstate by trying to put in their email to gain access to your offer.
I can help you with both. Not helping listeners kill themselves while driving, but helping you get on podcasts and creating a great freebie.
Check out my educational email course offer for starters.
https://blairjohnlee.substack.com/p/done-for-you-email-course
Blair
P.S. I hope to do a reboot of the podcast someday. Alas, the shame is still there for not being able to keep it up. It’s called “Bibleworthy”. Search my substack and find.