Should You Add Podcast Advertising to Your Media Mix or Treat It as a Standalone Channel?

#AudioInsights       #Audio ads       #Marketing Strategy

Suzi Kuban

Suzi Kuban

podcast advertising standalone vs in the media mix

You’re likely aware of the rising prominence of podcast advertising. However, a common question arises: Should podcast advertising be integrated into your complete media mix, or should it be treated as a standalone channel?

Let’s weigh up each option to find the answer.


Integrating Podcast Ads into Your Overall Media Mix

A unified approach can enhance the overall effectiveness of a campaign, giving you the opportunity to reach customers at all touchpoints throughout their day. If you have a specific campaign such as an event, sale, or launch, this would be your ideal choice.

Incorporating podcast ads into your broader media mix can enhance the synergy of your campaigns and boost the ROI. It does this by not only extending your reach to audiences who might not be as engaged with traditional media but also by making your entire campaign more effective. Think of doom scrolling, full inboxes, and banner blindness.

According to Statista’s 2024 Consumer Insights survey, video ads on websites are ranked as the most hated form of online advertising. In contrast, podcast audiences are more accepting. Audacy’s 2024 Podcast Playbook reports that 46% of listeners surveyed said podcast ads are “not intrusive at all,” and 80% stay tuned for the entire ad.

By including podcast ads in your mix, you’re enhancing brand awareness, so when audiences see your brand on other channels, they are more likely to take note. This cohesive approach strengthens your brand identity and reinforces your message.

And let’s not forget the data-driven insights. When podcasts are part of your media mix, you can analyse cross-channel performance more effectively. This holistic view allows for better optimisation and resource allocation based on comprehensive data insights.


Treating Podcast Advertising as a Standalone Channel

Alternatively, treating podcast advertising as a standalone channel can offer some distinct advantages.

Podcasts provide a unique, intimate listening experience. By treating them as a standalone channel, you can tailor your messaging specifically for this medium, making your ads more personal and engaging. This approach allows for creative freedom that might not fit into the constraints of a broader media mix, enabling more innovative and contextually relevant ad formats such as host-read ads and dynamic insertions.

Niche targeting is another key advantage. Podcasts often cater to specific niches. By focusing solely on podcast advertising, you can target these niche audiences more effectively, ensuring your message reaches highly engaged listeners.

Podcasts are also a hugely successful always-on channel. Successful brands like BetterHelp, Manscaped, HelloFresh, Athletic Greens, and ZipRecruiter have all used podcasts as a standalone, always-on channel.


The Verdict

Ultimately, the decision depends on your marketing goals and resources. And it can change over time.

If you seek a unified approach with consistent messaging and extended reach, integrating podcasts into your media mix is a great way to go. However, if you want to leverage the unique engagement and creative opportunities of podcasts, treating them as a standalone channel might be more effective.

Whether you integrate podcasts into your media mix or treat them as a standalone channel, the key is to recognise the unique benefits they offer. Podcasts provide an intimate, engaging platform that complements your overall strategy and drives meaningful results.

Want a deeper look at adding podcast ads to your marketing? I dive more into the topic of ‘integrating podcast ads into your media plan’ here

Podcast advertising - standalone vs in the mix. Benefits of each strategy

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