Considering producing a real estate podcast? Real estate is all about standing out from the crowd. And while most real estate agents today have a social media presence, far fewer have ventured into podcasting. That doesn’t mean it’s not a popular medium. In 2024 there are around three million active podcast channels to listen to. During the pandemic, it might have even seemed like everyone you knew was ordering a microphone and audio software to get their own channel going.
Although peak podcast production may have waned, it’s still a very popular source of entertainment and information, one that has become a fixture in the lives of many Americans. While social media remains a powerful tool, a well-crafted podcast can be a game-changer, allowing you to build trust, establish yourself as a local expert, and ultimately generate leads.
Standing out from the crowd in your local real estate market requires creativity and consistent engagement with potential clients. But before you jump into the world of microphones and editing software, consider if a podcast is worth the commitment and the potential impact a podcast may have on your real estate business.
The Power of Podcasting: Building Relationships and Authority
Podcasts offer a unique advantage over other marketing methods: fostering a sense of intimacy and connection with listeners. Unlike a static website or a social media post, a podcast allows you to engage in conversations, share your expertise, and showcase your personality. This intimacy builds trust, making listeners feel like they “know” you, which is crucial when it comes to choosing a real estate agent.
Here are some key benefits of starting a real estate podcast:
- Establish yourself as a local expert: Regularly discussing local market trends, neighborhoods, and the homebuying/selling process positions you as a go-to resource for potential clients.
- Increase brand awareness: Your podcast expands your reach beyond your immediate network, attracting listeners who might not have found you otherwise.
- Generate leads: By providing valuable insights and showcasing your knowledge, listeners are more likely to reach out to you for their real estate needs.
- Network with industry professionals: Inviting guests like lenders, attorneys, or home inspectors allows you to connect with other professionals and offer valuable joint content.
- Humanize your brand: Podcasts allow you to showcase your personality, passion for real estate, and even inject some humor, making you more relatable to potential clients.
Considering the Technical Side: Equipment, Platforms, and Frequency
While you don’t necessarily need a high-end studio to launch a successful podcast, some basic equipment is essential. A decent quality microphone for both yourself and your guest (if any) is crucial for clear sound. You’ll also need recording software and editing tools, many of which are readily available for free or at a reasonable cost. There are also numerous online resources and tutorials to guide you through the technical aspects of podcasting.
Choosing Your Platform:
Once you have your recording setup in place, consider where you’ll host your podcast. Popular platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts are a must. Many website hosting services also offer podcast hosting options.
Frequency & Consistency:
There’s no magic number when it comes to podcast frequency. Some agents opt for weekly episodes, while others release them bi-weekly or even monthly. The key is to choose a schedule you can commit to consistently. Regular episodes keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.
Creating Compelling Content: Best Practices for Your Real Estate Podcast
Planning Your Content:
Developing a theme or format for your podcast helps with consistency and audience expectations. Here are some content ideas to get you started:
- Market Updates: Discuss local trends, new developments, and insights into the buying/selling process.
- Interviews: Talk with industry professionals like lenders, mortgage brokers, or home inspectors to offer well-rounded information.
- Client Stories: Feature past clients discussing their positive experiences working with you.
- Q&A Sessions: Dedicate episodes to answering commonly asked questions from potential buyers and sellers.
- Local Focus: Highlight unique neighborhoods, hidden gems, and things to love about your local area.
Pro Tips for Creating Compelling Episodes:
- Know your audience: Tailor your content to the needs and interests of your ideal client.
- Quality over Quantity: Focus on creating informative and engaging episodes, even if it means releasing them less frequently.
- Be Yourself: Let your personality shine through to build trust and connection with listeners.
- Promote Your Podcast: Share your podcast across your social media platforms, website, and local networking events.
- Engage with your Audience: Respond to listener comments and questions on social media or dedicate segments to address them directly.
Podcast Formats to Consider
There’s no right or wrong way to podcast. The best advice is to find the type of podcast that is the most sustainable and attainable for you to produce. Consider these type of podcast formats:
- Solo-cast: The simplest format to produce and a good way to get your feet wet in podcasting, going it alone means you can give it a try and see if it’s a good fit for you. The downside to being by yourself is that you’ll need to play all roles in each episode, providing the questions and the answers.
- Partnering Up: Maybe it’s another real estate agent or maybe it is another professional who wants to gain similar exposure to a similar market. Some natural fits for agents might be lawyers, mortgage advisors, or financial advisors. The best match however is one that has great chemistry so that the conversations will flow and people will stay interested.
- Interview: Probably the most labor-intensive type of format, an interview-based podcast will mean finding, booking and hosting guests. The benefit however is that you’ll always have a new audience being introduced to your podcast as your guest shares your content.
Exploring Successful Real Estate Podcasts: Inspiration for Your Journey
Ready to delve deeper into the world of real estate podcasts? Here are a few examples to inspire you:
- The BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast: Renowned for its practical advice and interviews with industry experts.
- Investing in Real Estate: Focuses on the investment side of real estate, offering insights for those looking to build wealth through property ownership.
- The Ellie Show: Ellie Stutz discusses all things real estate in a fun and informative way, specifically catering to female listeners.
- MarketScale: Interviews top agents and dives deep
Questions to Ask Before Diving In to Real Estate Podcasting
How much time do you have each week to work on the podcast? Estimate your time invested with a 1:4 ratio. In other words, for a 15-minute podcast, you’ll need to invest at least an hour of production time.
Do you enjoy talking to the public and recording your audio? You’ll need to be ready to listen to many hours of your own voice.
Are you interested in learning how to edit your podcast audio or are you willing to invest in outsourcing this process?
Do you have an interest in a variety of topics to discuss?
How long do you plan to commit to a podcast in the long-term? It may take around a year before you see real traction in your podcast.
