A podcast is a great way to engage customers and create a thought-leadership position for yourself. We discuss 5 great reasons to start your own business podcast studio.

Starting a podcast can be a daunting task, but can have significant value for your business. We spoke to the podcast founders from Business Over Drinks – a podcast about business, entrepreneurship and more (with alcohol) – was started and the reasons behind it.

Co-hosts Terng shares why he started this podcast and how it helped him promote his own company SYNC PR and his co-host’s new book (title NSFW). While for brands, it might be different, though the benefits and value of the podcast are definitely worth exploring.

Here’s why a podcast would make sense for your business.

It is a growing format around the world
Being an early adopter is not a bad thing. This is like the early days of music or video streaming, everyone’s doing it, but why not you. Podcasts are enjoying that same groundswell and developing a community of dedicated early adopters.

Though still in its infancy in the region, it is growing in popularity and gaining a following. This provides you with the opportunity to get in on the ground floor and be the pioneers for podcasts in the region.

Using data from the US, the number one market in terms of podcast consumption, we can see strong to exponential growth in the number of podcasts and listeners. The question isn’t if it will happen in Asia, but when it will.

Selling yourself and your brand is easier
Some call it shameless self-promotion, but the platform lends itself to being open to your listeners and selling your brand as part of the content. Do not produce 25-minute advertisements but do not be averse to promoting your brands or products.

Podcasts are easier to consume wherever you are
The audio format makes it easier to digest when driving or provides you either a learning or entertainment option when you’re taking public transport and more. It is an easy and low-data usage option for most people.

Podcasts create communities
One of the hardest things for brands to do is to create a community. From their experience, it helps you connect better to your audience, while at the same time gives you an avenue to really let your personality or values shine through.

However, what we have come to understand is that through podcasts, the rate of engagement is a lot higher than written content. You can develop a closer relationship with your listeners through the fact that they feel you are engaging them directly through your podcasts because they can hear your voices and the conversational tone of your content.

There is a similar trend to how social commerce is becoming a growth industry in the region as consumers want to create a connection with brands and sellers.

It is a ton of fun
Everyone wants to have fun. While this might not be the most professional or essential reason to start a podcast but is a really good one. If you have a passion for your industry or even just your brand, then you need to be shouting it from the metaphorical rooftops and letting people know what you got going on. Use it as an outlet to share it with the world.

So if you’re still not convinced, listen to a few podcasts that suit your interests to see how you feel. It might help you better understand the medium and it benefits it can have on your business.