Is this necessary? Should you consider?
By: Melissa Tijerino
Podcasts
Starting a podcast may or may not have been something that crossed your mind when you first launched your private practice, but is it a good opportunity for your practice? And is it even worth putting your time, money and effort into? LET'S TALK ABOUT IT!
I get it, not many Mental Health Professionals want to take the leap from being a Podcast listener to a Podcast Speaker. However, podcasts have exponentially grown in popularity in the Mental Health Community as more therapists are seeing the value in this area of sharing a snippet of their expertise with a Podcast Audience!
While you may not be ready to take the leap to purchasing a microphone at this moment, there's no reason why you can’t try and balance both!
In this blog post, we’re going to cover all the pro’s, con’s and the possibilities of utilizing your own podcast to grow your Private Practice, let’s get into it!
Let’s talk about the benefits!
Let’s first talk about the benefits of having a podcast and why it would be a valuable use of your time.
Podcasts are easy to create and produce!
One of the biggest reasons people love starting a podcast is the fact that it’s so easy to produce! All you really need is your smartphone with access to Wifi, then viola! You have the basic equipment to create your very own podcast! Podcasts don’t require an extensive amount of tools or equipment, you can literally create a podcast, RIGHT NOW!
Of course, you’d like to make sure you’re producing a high quality podcast show, it’s a great idea to eventually invest in some more high quality equipment such as a stand alone microphone, and a podcast editing software. But don’t think you have to spend a ton of money! You can totally create a DIY podcast that will blow any competition out of the park!
Give your clients + prospective clients some education!
Podcasts are the perfect platform to share information with your listeners, podcasts are a win-win! It’s kind of like a Live, without anyone interrupting you in the comments asking questions (which nothings wrong with that) it just gives you more of an opportunity to fully explain what’s going on in your head. A podcast place where you can share all of your hot topics with your current and prospective clients
For example, creating a series of each area of your specialty! If you provide ADHD counseling, you can direct your clients over to your podcast to learn more about this topic (Episode 21 - Coping with ADHD)
Keep in mind your podcasts won’t replace your 1-1 in person / virtual counseling sessions, it’s a great way for your clients to be able to have that other resource when they need it right away or when they can’t directly speak to you
Another Useful Marketing Tool
Having a podcast will be another way you’ll be able to market your Private Practice
In this last decade, podcasts have exploded with popularity! But what can you take away from all of this?
Podcasting has emerged as one of the more effective ways to attract potential clients. You may or may not know, but people LOVE listening to podcasts when they’re making dinner, on a bike ride, grocery shopping, or even simply going on a drive! (Including myself) So why not be one of the podcasts they listen to as well??
Not only is this a great way to give great advice and educate your audience, but also showcase your Private Practice, I mean it’s YOUR podcast! Show off your Private Practice, you worked hard for it!
But HOW you may ask..
Here are a few things you can entice your audience to do while listening to your podcast is a CALL TO ACTION! .. and here’s some examples of how to persuade your audience
Visit your website and read your blog posts
Sign up for your email list for monthly newsletter
Click the link to book an appointment
Tell others / post about your services for a shoutout on your podcast!
Creates an extra stream of Income
Although it’s not a great idea to hop into podcasting strictly for the money, but it’s very very possible to create an extra stream of income by doing so
You can monetize your podcasts in several ways such as:
Sell ads and promote other businesses on your podcast
Advertise and sell your own services
Donations!
Let’s talk about the Drawbacks
Now that we’ve covered all the positive aspects of starting a podcast, there has to be some downsides to it too, right?
Your TIME!
You always hear that term, “everyone started somewhere” which is true! Which is why a lot of people spend a lot of time figuring out how things work, for no pay! But not everyone wants do make this kind of commitment in the beginning because they expect to see results right off the bat
First, you’ll need to learn the basics, such as how to edit, record and upload an episode. Another tip would be to DEVELOP A STRATEGY!
Plan out your weekly content, what topics will you cover? How many days of the week will you upload? What topics will you cover on certain days?
Consistency is KEY! I know, I know.. Everyone says this! But there's a reason, it’s true and it works if you want to see results!
But trust me, I get it. It can be super difficult to juggle the responsibilities of running your private practice.
Not to mention.. Your MONEY!
Of course, time won’t be the only investment you’ll make as you begin your podcast journey! Investing in the right equipment will be beneficial, especially if you want to stick with this for the long run
Don’t come for me though, there’s nothing wrong with recording a podcast on your phone or computer, but it’s best to invest into a microphone for a premium listening experience for your viewers overtime
You may also want to look into a premium editing service to have a better grip on your sound and recording
In all, you’ll have to find the time to actually sit down and record your podcast. Time is money as a private practice owner. Every minute you spend recording, editing and promoting your podcast could be potentially taking away from your paying clients
Marketing
Your podcast won’t promote itself. Marketing is definitely a job in itself! Getting your podcasts on big name platforms such as iTunes, Soundcloud, etc.. Takes a lot of work to promote your podcast to your target audience!
No shame in needing a helping hand!
GrowingYourPrivatePracticeVirtually.com can really relieve you from the majority of the stressors that come along with creating a podcast, and your Private Practice!
We’re here to help you through it all, literally.
We’re here to help you with all the things you might not have the time to tackle! We’ll come up with a custom plan for you and your business, it could be anything from:
Podcast editing + publishing
Answering phone calls, emails + scheduling appointments
Billing services
Social Media Management
… AND MUCH MORE!!
The list we provided above will already allow you to focus so much more time on the things you love and want to invest in (like your podcast)
Read to start? Have questions?
Book your FREE 15 minute call with me today, let’s get you on the path to success!
If you already have a podcast or any other Mental Health tool that you would like to promote, check out Your Mental Health Today. A platform for therapists to list their offers and promote their practice and earn an extra source of income.