Amplify your PR and marketing efforts with podcasts

Podcasts are becoming a fundamental tool in PR and marketing strategies and it’s no secret that attention is currency; podcasts offer a golden opportunity for brands to stand out, connect and engage. With more than 464 million listeners globally (Statista, 2023), podcasting has evolved from a niche medium to a strategic powerhouse and provides an untapped resource toward amplifying your messaging.

At AOE, we’ve seen firsthand how podcasting can boost visibility, build trust and most importantly support thought leadership. Our own Advancing Excellence podcast is proof that when done right, podcasting can fuel engagement and elevate your brand. Undecided if launching your own podcast is right for your organization? Use the following framework to understand why podcasts are a powerful marketing tool—and how to leverage them effectively.

Why podcasts belong in your PR and marketing strategy

Unlike traditional channels like press releases or digital ads, podcasts create long-form, authentic conversations that captivate audiences. Here's why they deserve a place in your marketing mix:

Direct engagement with target audiences: Podcast listeners are intentional—they opt in. That means you're not interrupting; you're invited. The format allows brands to align messages with audience values, building stronger emotional connections.

Platform for thought leadership: Whether hosting or attending as a guest, podcasts allow your team to share insights, discuss trends and offer real solutions. This positions your organization as a trusted authority in the field—an essential advantage for staying ahead of the competition.

Cost-effective and scalable: No massive studio is needed. With minimal investment in basic equipment and planning, brands can produce high-quality, engaging episodes that reach thousands—and keep reaching new ears long after the initial release.

Perfect for niche markets: A podcast lets you speak directly to a niche audience with shared interests—something broad media campaigns often struggle to do. Whether you're a trade association or a B2B service provider, podcasting helps you reach exactly who you want to reach.

Fuel for multichannel campaigns: Each episode can be repurposed into social media content, blog posts, email newsletters and more—maximizing ROI and aligning with omnichannel marketing strategies.

Lessons from the AOE podcast: Advancing Excellence

As a marketing agency specializing in the AEC industry and beyond, we at AOE wanted a podcast that brought practical insight to professionals while showcasing our clients and industry connections. The result: Advancing Excellence, a podcast designed to inform, inspire and drive strategic discussions.

Here’s what we’ve learned—and tips for you to apply these insights:

Lesson 1: Content depth builds loyalty

Advancing Excellence episodes dig into industry challenges, marketing tactics, leadership development and safety initiatives. By focusing on relevant, timely topics, we’ve built a base of highly engaged listeners.

Tip: Focus on real problems your audience faces. Interview internal experts or industry leaders who can offer solutions and spark new thinking.

Lesson 2: Education over promotion

Each episode delivers value—whether it’s understanding how FAQs can improve SEO or exploring new safety standards in construction. The key is teaching, not pitching.

Tip: Let your expertise speak for itself. When you educate first, listeners are more likely to see your brand as trustworthy and relevant.

Lesson 3: Consistency builds trust

Advancing Excellence is published on a weekly basis, so our audience knows when to expect fresh content. This predictability keeps engagement strong and builds trust over time.

Tip: Set a realistic publishing schedule and stick to it—monthly, bi-weekly or weekly. Consistency matters more than frequency.

Lesson 4: Promote across channels

Each episode of the Advancing Excellence podcast is shared via social media, our website, or included in our monthly newsletter and on YouTube. Cross-promotion extends the reach and brings in new listeners.

Tip: Use teaser clips, audiograms, pull quotes and blog recaps to promote your podcast. Turn one episode into a dozen pieces of content; options for promotion are endless.

Lesson 5: Use analytics to improve

We track episode downloads, listening time and topic performance to continuously refine our strategy.

Tip: Leverage the analytics tools that are offered on YouTube, Spotify for Podcasters and Apple Podcasts to see what’s working—and adjust accordingly.

Ready to launch a podcast that supports your brand?

Now you are ready to launch your own podcast. Here are a few practical steps to keep in mind when developing your podcast:

1. Define your purpose – Clarify your goals. Is your podcast for brand awareness, lead generation, education or customer retention?

2. Know your audience – Build episodes around your target market’s pain points. Use personas to guide your tone and topics.

3. Create a content plan – Outline 6–10 episodes in advance. Mix solo episodes, interviews and panel discussions to keep it fresh.

4. Invest in quality – You don’t need a studio, but clear audio is non-negotiable. Use a decent mic and basic editing software.

5. Leverage partnerships – Invite guests who expand your reach. Industry leaders or clients can offer credibility and audience crossover.

6. Promote widely – Use every available channel: email blasts, social media posts, your website, newsletters—even press releases.

7. Measure and adapt – Track what resonates. Double down on top-performing topics and learn from underperformers.

Podcasting is more than a marketing trend—it’s a conversation. A place to educate, connect and grow trust. For brands that want to humanize their message and offer real value, podcasting opens a door to deeper engagement. Take it from us: the Advancing Excellence podcast doesn’t just share AOE’s voice—it amplifies it.

If you are ready to join the podcasting revolution, don’t hesitate to start planning your first episode today. Need more tips or guidance? Learn from the AOE podcast or reach out so we can help you elevate your strategy.