Matt Bertram, is the lead digital strategist at EWR Digital. He is the co-host of the Best SEO Podcast: Unknown Secrets of Internet Marketing. Currently writes for Search Engine Journal, Forbes and Entrepreneur.
SEO Podcasts vs. SEO Blogs: Which Should You Follow?
Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of SEO, staying updated with the latest SEO trends, strategies, and best practices is crucial. Two popular mediums for learning SEO are podcasts and blogs. Each has its unique advantages and disadvantages. This post compares the benefits and drawbacks of learning SEO through podcasts versus traditional blogs, helping you decide which medium suits your learning style and needs best.
Benefits of SEO Podcasts
1. Convenience and Accessibility
- On-the-Go Learning: Podcasts are mainly audio and can be consumed while commuting, exercising, or doing household chores, making it easy to integrate learning into a busy schedule.
- Hands-Free: Listening to podcasts doesn’t require you to sit in front of a screen, offering a hands-free way to absorb information.
I have a personal rule that if I am on YouTube or listening to a podcast or even a book on tape I have to be “moving” or doing something. I listen to podcasts while working out most frequently.
2. Personal Connection
- Voice and Tone: Hearing the host’s voice can create a more personal and engaging experience compared to reading text. (Good sound quality is more important than you think though! It’s got to be easy to listen too)
- Interviews and Conversations: Many podcasts feature interviews with industry experts, providing insights and perspectives that might not be captured in written form. I love being a “fly on the wall” during some of these conversations. It is amazing the topics and conversations you can listen too in the age of information.
3. Up-to-Date Information
- Timely Updates: Podcasts can quickly address recent changes in SEO algorithms and trends, offering timely insights. People just have to create content on the topics. It usually takes about 24 hours for people to start creating content about a trending topic.
- Regular Episodes: Many podcasts release episodes weekly or bi-weekly, providing a steady stream of current information. I try to do this as best I can about the podcasts that we create. Some podcasts I am expecting them to post daily updates! It just depends the relationship you are looking to have with the with host or hosts.
Drawbacks of SEO Podcasts
1. Lack of Visuals
- No Visual Aids: Complex topics that benefit from visual aids, such as diagrams and charts, can be harder to grasp through audio alone. (YouTube might be better for this if they have a video component with good video production.
- Memory Retention: Without the ability to easily reference back, some information might be harder to retain and recall. This however, differs among the listeners and may not be that big of a issue.
2. Limited Depth
- Time Constraints: Podcasts are often limited by time, potentially leading to less detailed coverage of complex topics.
- General Overviews: Some podcasts might offer more general overviews rather than deep dives into specific subjects.
Benefits of SEO Blogs
1. In-Depth Analysis
- Detailed Content: Blogs can provide comprehensive, step-by-step guides and deep dives into specific topics.
- Visual Aids: Articles often include images, infographics, and charts that enhance understanding and retention.
2. Easy Reference
- Searchable Content: Written content can be easily searched and referenced, making it simple to find specific information when needed.
- Bookmarks and Links: You can bookmark important articles and follow links to additional resources, creating a rich learning ecosystem.
3. Self-Paced Learning
- Read at Your Own Pace: Blogs allow you to read and digest information at your own pace, which can be particularly beneficial for complex subjects.
- Re-readability: You can re-read articles as many times as necessary to fully understand the content.
Drawbacks of SEO Blogs
1. Time-Consuming
- Requires Full Attention: Reading blogs requires dedicated time and attention, which can be challenging to find in a busy schedule.
- Screen Time: Spending too much time in front of a screen can be straining for your eyes and mentally taxing.
2. Engagement
- Less Personal: The lack of a human voice can make blogs feel less personal and engaging compared to podcasts.
- Overload of Information: The vast amount of available blogs can be overwhelming, making it hard to discern which sources are reliable and valuable.
Which Should You Follow?
Personal Learning Style
- Auditory Learners: If you learn better by listening, podcasts might be more effective for you.
- Visual Learners: If you prefer seeing information and visual aids, blogs will likely be more beneficial.
Time Management
- Busy Schedules: If you have a busy schedule and need to multitask, podcasts offer a convenient way to learn on the go.
- Dedicated Study Time: If you can allocate specific times for study, blogs provide a more thorough and detailed learning experience.
Content Needs
- Timely Updates: For the latest news and quick updates, podcasts are excellent.
- In-Depth Learning: For comprehensive guides and detailed explanations, blogs are more suitable.
Conclusion
Both SEO podcasts and blogs offer valuable resources for learning SEO, each with its unique advantages and drawbacks. Your choice depends on your learning style, time management preferences, and content needs. Ideally, incorporating both mediums into your learning strategy can provide a well-rounded understanding of SEO, combining the convenience and personal connection of podcasts with the depth and visual aids of blogs.
How to Choose the Best SEO Podcast for Your Needs
Finding the perfect SEO podcast can be challenging. Our guide offers tips on choosing the right podcast for your expertise level, specific SEO interests, and preferred formats, ensuring you get the most value from your listening experience.
Introduction
Podcasts have become an invaluable resource for learning and staying updated in the fast-evolving field of SEO. However, with so many options available, choosing the right SEO podcast can be overwhelming. This guide will help you select the best SEO podcast based on your expertise level, specific interests, and preferred formats.
1. Determine Your Expertise Level
The first step in choosing the right SEO podcast is to assess your own level of expertise. SEO podcasts vary widely in terms of the depth and complexity of the content they offer.
Beginner Level:
- Look for podcasts that cover SEO basics and foundational concepts.
- These podcasts often include step-by-step guides, beginner-friendly tips, and explanations of fundamental SEO terms and strategies.
Intermediate Level:
- Intermediate podcasts delve deeper into SEO techniques and strategies.
- They often feature case studies, interviews with industry experts, and discussions on more advanced topics like technical SEO, link-building strategies, and content optimization.
Advanced Level:
- Advanced podcasts are geared towards seasoned SEO professionals.
- These podcasts discuss the latest industry trends, algorithm updates, and in-depth analyses of complex SEO challenges.
2. Identify Your Specific SEO Interests
SEO is a broad field with various subtopics. To get the most out of your podcast listening experience, focus on your specific SEO interests.
Technical SEO:
Content SEO:
Local SEO:
- If you’re interested in local search optimization, find podcasts that cover local SEO tactics, Google My Business optimization, and local link building.
E-commerce SEO:
- For those working with online stores, e-commerce SEO podcasts can provide insights on product page optimization, category structuring, and e-commerce-specific SEO tactics.
3. Choose Your Preferred Podcast Format
Podcasts come in various formats, each catering to different listening preferences. Consider what format keeps you engaged and fits your lifestyle.
Interview-Based:
- These podcasts feature interviews with SEO experts, providing diverse perspectives and insights from different industry leaders.
Solo Shows:
- Hosted by a single expert, solo shows often offer in-depth analysis and personal insights on SEO topics.
Panel Discussions:
- Panel discussion podcasts involve multiple experts debating and discussing SEO trends and strategies, providing a well-rounded view of the topic.
Case Studies and Real-Life Examples:
- Some podcasts focus on real-life case studies, showcasing successful SEO strategies and lessons learned from actual experiences.
4. Check the Podcast’s Production Quality
While content is king, production quality also matters. A well-produced podcast with clear audio, good pacing, and engaging delivery will enhance your listening experience. Poor audio quality or disorganized content can detract from the valuable information being shared.
5. Read Reviews and Recommendations
Before committing to a podcast, take some time to read reviews and recommendations from other listeners. Reviews can provide insights into the podcast’s content quality, the expertise of the host, and the overall listening experience. Additionally, recommendations from trusted sources can point you towards high-quality podcasts you might have overlooked.
Conclusion
Choosing the best SEO podcast for your needs involves assessing your expertise level, identifying your specific interests, selecting your preferred format, and considering production quality. By following these tips, you can find the right podcasts that will help you stay informed and improve your SEO skills.
Happy listening!
Marketing Your Podcast
You have engaging, informative podcast content for your business. Now, how do you market your podcast? Starting a podcast and filling it with content that’s valuable to listeners is only one part of the process. To get your brand out to the right audience, you have to take those extra steps to market your podcast. If you are looking for some of the best ways to market your podcast, here are some of our tips on how to market your podcast for small businesses:
Marketing through SEO
Search engine optimization (SEO) is an extremely beneficial way to market your podcast. Creating a podcast website or webpage with relevant keywords can help people find your podcast when searching for similar phrases. Once you have an SEO strategy in place, you can even plan quality podcast topics around certain keywords.
Identify Your Target Audience
Identifying your target audience is the first step when it comes to marketing your podcast. While you may want to increase the number of listeners overall, if the goal is to promote business and leads, you’ll want to specifically target people the podcast is most likely to engage. In addition to identifying your target audience, determine ahead of time the type of content that’s most likely to resonate with them.
Planning your content ahead of time can help you cover topics relevant to your brand and useful to your audience. Tying these topics in with your brand’s sales goals can also help you leverage a digital marketing strategy that works.
Invite Guest Speakers and Leverage Their Audience
Guest speakers can help you generate more content and interest. This also allows you to leverage your guest speaker’s audience, who may become your audience as well. You can also offer to be a guest on other podcasts, which can help you increase your audience. Sometimes, even inviting your own listeners or previous customers to speak is an effective way to develop trust in your brand.
Partner With Other Podcasters
Partnering with other podcasters in similar industries is also a great way to increase your audience. If you’re in the real estate business, for example, partnering with loan officers or home inspectors is also likely to resonate with your audience and provide them with value. Search for well-known podcasts in industries that may align with your own.
Inform Your Followers When You Go Live
A consistent schedule helps followers know when to tune in to your podcast. However, if a set schedule isn’t realistic, informing your followers when you go live is the next best thing. Create a social media following or email subscription list and send out an alert a few hours before you plan on going live. Including a link along with the announcement makes it easier for your followers to attend the podcast.
Repurpose Your Content
Repurposing your podcast content allows you to reach customers on other platforms. For example, you can create a transcript of a recent podcast and turn it into a blog for your website. You can also add snippets of quotes from the podcast to your social media. This allows you to reach other people who may be interested in tuning in to future podcasts.
Create a Batch of Podcasts Before Publishing
Creating a batch of podcasts before publishing your channel gives people more to listen to when they do find your podcast. The longer that listeners engage with your content on your channel, the more likely they are to remember you for future podcasts. Publishing your content at strategic times can also be helpful in gaining an audience. Review your podcast analytics frequently to help you decide the best time to publish.
Submit Your Podcast to Podcast Lists
Submitting your podcast to podcast directories can help increase your listeners. Podcast directories, like Apple Podcasts and Google Play, help listeners find your channel by searching for keywords relevant to your content. Other great podcast directors include Spotify or Google Podcasts. You can also enlist the services of a professional digital marketing company to do this for you.
Benefits of a Small Business Podcast
There are many benefits that come with using a podcast for small businesses. Small business podcasts can help you establish your brand as an industry leader, which helps to establish customer trust. Podcasts also give you the opportunity to engage and interact with customers on a more personal level, which can increase their trust in you. A podcast for small businesses can also help improve your SEO strategy.If you follow these steps and get your podcast up and moving in the right direction, why not increase your market value by working with a SEO Podcast team? To learn more, get in touch today, and we’ll set up a consultation to see how we can help with your marketing.
