When you think of the standard ways of marketing your business and gaining new customers, a podcast might not be among them. However, podcasts can definitely be an asset to your business, no matter its size.

If you’re not sure what a podcast is, it’s an audio or video clip that can be listened to on an iPod, mobile phone, computer, tablet, and more.

I may or may not be known to listen to Grammar Girl’s podcast on my iPod at the gym, which is probably a really nerdy thing to semi-admit to … but, it just goes to show you the vast portability of podcasts.

Once created, your podcast can be listened to anywhere, whether while driving home from work, on a plane, making dinner, working out, etc.

Here are five tips to help you get started with your first podcast:

1. Are you launching a new product or offering a new service? Podcasts are a great way to let your customers know. Demonstrate the product or highlight the service in your podcast, detailing all the benefits and advantages firsthand.

2. Want to be known as the expert of your industry? Post podcasts that offer tips and advice on not only your products and services, but anything that falls within the industry. This will help build credibility in your community and ensure your listeners think of you when they’re ready to make a purchase.

3. Want to take press releases to the next level? Think about creating a video press release. Drum up excitement for the release of your podcast by posting about it on your social media accounts. Allure to the fact that you will be revealing something exciting about your company on the date of your choosing. This will help draw your readers in and make sure they listen (or watch) your podcast when it comes out.

4. Offer enhanced customer service. Podcasts are a great way to encourage customer feedback and interaction. Consider having a weekly or monthly podcast where you read customer suggestions, comments, and feedback aloud. Address your customers’ concerns and thank them for their business. You’ll find that some customers will listen to your podcast regularly to see if their comments are going to be featured.

5. No matter what type of podcast you’re going to do, it’s important to remember that it has to be entertaining, funny, informative (or a combo of all three) or you’re not going to retain listeners. Fill your podcast with quality and engaging dialogue to heighten your chances of it reaching your target audience on a regular basis.

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