In the next few blogs, I plan to talk about my web radio co-hosting experience.
In 2005, Arbitron, a company that measures the average size of weekly listeners to Internet radio networks reported that about 20 million Americans listened to Internet radio during an average week and that number is growing by nearly 150% a year. The majority of web radio listeners are male (60%), between 18 and 44 years (75%) these listeners earn an average of $55k per year.
I am a co-host on a web radio program, On the Air with Denise Marie. This program airs every Thursday on KTSTfm.com from 3 – 4 pm PST. I am billed as the Goddess of Skin Care the third Thursday of each month. Although we have a bit of a “girly” show, we have a lot of male listeners who think we are quirky, cute, informative and funny.
I was reticent to sign up for this gig. There’s a lot of time involved in preparing for the show, discussing the banter with, Denise Marie and planning a topic. The other thought was “Who listens to web radio?”
Well, let me tell you. All that preparing gets me clear about product and services. After you have explained your product or service on the air without hands, facial expressions, and this past week smells – only the voice, you can be very clear about your message. So the time spent is of value you to me, my clients, and the listeners.
Speaking of listeners, are there any to our show? Surprisingly, yes. Part of it is to believe what you can’t see is there; the audience. Here you are, sitting in a tiny room with padded walls, microphones and all sorts of equipment. You put on a headset, play the music and start talking. Denise Marie and I receive dozens of emails about the show and asking questions. We both get phone calls about the show before, during and after. Of course there is also that big payoff, people who walk into my shop because of the show and make appointments for services or buy product. Some stop by just to say hi and that they enjoyed the show – such a nice feeling that is, just like meeting an old friend.
All of this publicity happens at a cost well below what regular radio advertising costs. This publicity becomes more personal, the audience feels that they are with friends. The ice is already broken on both sides. Before using your product or service people from your audience already know about you. And, you have an appreciation of them because they’ve listened, were interested enough to call or stop by, and they’ve made you a small star.
I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to advertise their product or service on web radio to do so. Whether you co-host, are a guest, do a magazine piece or purchase straight advertising, promoting your business on web radio is well worth your time, effort and money.
