I had published this audio in February 2016, nearly 9 years later, the content still remains relevant.

The podcast episode “How can Businesses Benefit by launching podcasts” features Amar Vyas, a podcaster and author, and his co-host Kiruba Shankar, a social media consultant and professor of digital marketing. They discuss the multifaceted benefits of podcasting for businesses, particularly focusing on its applications in education, startups, small businesses, and large corporations.

Key Takeaways:

1. Educational Benefits: Podcasts serve as excellent reference materials for students and professionals requiring continuing education. They offer a flexible learning medium that can be accessed anytime, enhancing engagement and understanding.
2. Startups and Small Businesses: For startups and small businesses with limited marketing budgets, podcasts provide a cost-effective way to reach niche audiences, build brand recognition, and establish authority in their fields. Examples include niche podcasts like those by Websheen and Gimlet Media’s “Startup.”
3. Large Corporations: Podcasts can help large companies overcome language barriers and reach broader audiences, especially in regions where vernacular languages dominate. They can also serve as a tool for internal communication and brand building.
4. Personal Branding: Individuals can leverage podcasts to build personal brands, as demonstrated by figures like Sanjay Thumma, the “Vah Chef,” who gained significant recognition through his cooking shows on YouTube.
5. Vernacular Language and Accessibility: The shift towards vernacular content is crucial for reaching new internet users in India, who primarily access content via smartphones. Podcasts can cater to these audiences by providing content in their preferred languages.
6. Podcasting as a Marketing Tool: Podcasts can be used as a marketing tool to generate leads and promote products or services subtly, without overt sales pitches, thus enhancing brand value.

Amar Vyas and Kiruba Shankar emphasize the transformative potential of podcasts in the digital age, encouraging businesses and individuals to explore this medium for its diverse benefits. They also highlight the importance of starting and iterating to improve podcast quality and reach.