Why You Should Have Your Podcast Transcribed

Podcast hosts are always looking for new ways to bring in subscribers and listeners. Many podcasts also have websites, services and products associated with their shows that could use additional promotion. Not too many podcasts offer typed transcriptions of their shows yet, and are overlooking valuable opportunities for promotion and monetization. Here are 13 ways a podcast could use a transcription of their show.

1. Use the Transcript to Remind yourself what the Show was about
Maybe you need to refer back to what you talked about for a blog post, comment or further research, or to put together show notes. Many speakers focus on staying on track during an interview and may not remember everything that was said. Whatever the case, having a written record of the show will make remembering it much easier.

2. Improve your Speaking and Interviewing Skills
Reading a transcript of the show may help point out grammatical mistakes or help you see how you could improve your interview techniques. Also you can see if your ideas flow in a logical, coherent fashion. Read and figure out what you do well in an interview...and then use those questions and techniques in your future interviews.

3. Use quotes and blurbs for promotion
Cut and Paste pieces of text to use in your marketing materials. Quote a guest for your blog, use segments for comments, use the text to help write descriptions for directories.

4. Sell the Transcript as Premium Content on your Website
Sell the transcripts individually as premium content, as an ebook of premium content or offer it as a bonus for your paid subscribers.

5. Avoid repetition
Reading the transcript will make it easier to avoid repeating subjects and questions in future podcasts. The act of reading may help it sink into your consciousness easier so you don't repeat content that your audience has already heard.

6. Organize your Shows and Audio files
Reading is often faster and easier than opening a sound file and listening to it. If you are organizing shows by topic, guest or in other ways, reading will make it easier.