Tuesday, October 31, 2023

Podcast Advertising Requires Patience


Today, I want to talk about the importance of patience and the power of effective strategies in podcast advertising. My podcast, Host Read Ads, aims to guide brands and agencies on how to get the most out of their podcast ad placements. I will take you through a journey of understanding the importance of patience in podcast advertising and how it may take up to 12 touchpoints to convert a lead into a sale.

It's common for advertisers to cancel their ad placements prematurely, often not giving the ads a chance to leave a lasting impression. This is a huge mistake. The sphere of podcast advertising is unique and requires a different approach than TV or radio ads. We're dealing with on-demand content, and not every listener tunes in simultaneously.

In the current advertising landscape, it's estimated that it can take at least 12 touchpoints to convert a lead into a sale. For those unfamiliar with the term, 'touchpoints' refer to the various interactions a potential customer has with your brand or product before they make a purchasing decision. This means that brands must exercise patience and persistence in their advertising strategy.

However, too many agencies are not only canceling ad placements prematurely but are also failing to educate their clients about the unique demands of podcast advertising. I've seen agencies cancel contracts two weeks after the first ad drop, citing ineffective results. This premature cancellation doesn't just fail to give the ad enough time to make an impact. It's also a waste of resources.

To combat this, I suggest implementing five essential tools to measure the impact of your podcast ad campaign effectively:
1. Create a dedicated landing page or offer code unique to the podcast you're advertising on.
2. Use ad tech to track who downloaded the podcast containing your ad and how many visitors ended up on your website.
3. Measure the increased traffic to your website. Some podcast fans use VPNs to opt out of tracking, so this metric can give you an indirect measure of your ad's reach.
4. Review downloads regularly. Podcast ads take time to deliver all advertising impressions, and listeners need time to act.
5. Use post-purchase surveys. Especially for B2B products or services, the person hearing the ad may not be making the purchase.

Finally, the key to successful podcast advertising is patience. It's all about fostering trust with the audience and setting clear expectations. So let's revolutionize your podcast advertising strategy together, and remember - podcast advertising isn't just about immediate returns; it's a long-term investment with the right audience.

By revolutionizing your podcast advertising strategy, you can maximize your reach, engage your target audience, and convert listeners into loyal customers. Remember, the key to success in podcast advertising lies in understanding its unique dynamics and leveraging them effectively. Happy advertising!