YouTube, which has over 2 billion users, doubles as a social media platform and search engine. Podcasts, on the other hand, attract 62% of customers. 

It goes without saying that video and audio content are effective ways to increase sales in your business. But how can you deliver content that wows your audience and helps you meet your business goals?

Great question – and we have answers! 

Because we know a thing or two about creating content that delivers tangible results for our clients (aka moolah baby!).

So today, we’re sharing nine content marketing tips for creating effective audio and video content to help you grow your business.

Tip #1: Talk naturally

Remember when Threads launched? The initial vibe was sassy and sort of “in your face.” 

Many creators jumped on the bandwagon trying the same type of voice – and it epically backfired. Like painful, second-hand-embarrassment. It was so obvious they were trying to copy someone else’s voice.

The moral of the story here is that you shouldn’t try to be sassy (or energetic, chill, whatever) if that’s not really you. It’ll feel and sound forced, and will probably turn off your audience. 

Besides, if we all sounded the same, it would be that much harder to stand out. 

Writing like you talk is solid advice to follow. Your brand voice is part of what makes your company unique – so embrace it, and use it everywhere.

Tip #2: Practice makes perfect (enough) 

You know how your favorite podcast and social media creators look or sound so great on the fly? We’ll let you in on the big secret – it really isn’t on the fly!

If you want your audio episodes or videos to look perfect, you have to practice first! Doing a few dry runs will help you identify any hiccups.  Practicing a TikTok first can help you nail down the timing of the dance or lip-sync you’re doing.

Practice is also a great way to discover changes that will help you improve your content. Maybe the phrase you wanted to use actually sounds odd when you say it out loud. Or you’ll realize you need better transitions between certain themes.

You’ll look and sound better in anything you create just with a little practice. 

Tip #3: Create a script or outline

After you come up with your great idea, you need to figure out what you’re going to say and/or do to keep your audience interested. This type of planning is another thing that your favorite creators do before creating their actual content.

Outlining your content piece will help you understand what key points to cover and when to tie them in to your audio or video. It will prevent you from rambling or otherwise discussing unnecessary ideas.

A script or outline can also help you keep your listeners or viewers interested AND achieve your content goals – whatever that means for you.

Just don’t forget to do a few dry runs to iron out the details!

Tip #4: Edit like a pro

Editing is like the underdog of content creation. Nobody pays attention to it, but it’s the one thing between glory (kickass content) and your nemesis (crap content).

When you don’t take time to edit your podcasts or your videos, it shows. Your episodes feel awkward with poor voice quality, weird pauses, and distracting interruptions or transitions. Your audience can tell you were rushing to get it published.

A simple fix is to add enough time to your content schedule for editing. Try to be realistic about how much time you’ll need for the editing process…and then double it. And if you don’t have time to edit it yourself, maybe that’s something to delegate to another team member or a contractor.

If you want your content to really be the king (or queen *flips hair*), edit it like royalty should be treated.

Tip #5: “Good enough” trumps “perfect”

Your content doesn’t have to be “perfect”. We don’t mean that it shouldn’t be well-planned and created. But if you waited until everything you made was perfect, we’re betting you’d hardly ever (or worse, never) publish your content.

Waiting for “perfect” slows down or stops your content creation process. This directly translates to less visibility and reach for your business and its products or services.

Remember that content marketing is far more effective than traditional tactics for attracting leads (and is 62% less expensive by comparison). So don’t quit on your content! Write those stats down, print them out, and put them on your vision board so you can use them as your motivation. Whatever works to remind you to keep going.

Just don’t let perfection derail your content marketing goal. Publishing your “good enough” content will attract clients or customers to your business.

Tip #6: Make what you want to make

Content trends come and go. But when it comes to audio or video content, you have two main types – there’s short-form (think TikToks and Reels) versus long-form content (like 20-minute vlogs). 

If there’s a type of content you hate creating (so much that you’ve stopped making content) – why not focus on what you really love?!

If Reels and TikToks make you happy, then make them. If you love waxing poetic with a mic only, then create more podcast episodes. Your genuine interest in what you’re doing will reflect in your content, which makes it easier and more fun for your audience to engage with.

You can also delegate the work to someone who enjoys creating a certain type of content. For example, you can make a video and then have someone repurpose it into Reels. 

At the end of the day, there are so many ways to deliver that content your ideal clients or customers love to consume and that you also enjoy creating.

Tip #7: Don’t live by trends

Trends can be a great thing! They can help you get more eyes on your content or can just be fun to participate in. But sometimes it’s exhausting to try and keep up with every single one.

The good news is that you don’t have to! 

There’s really no need for you to spend each day looking for the most trending audio or to try doing what everyone else is doing. Also, not every trend will work well for your industry, and focusing on them can put you in a sticky situation – where you’re increasing views that don’t translate to sales. 

Instead, create a strategic and data-driven content calendar that will appeal to your audience. You can keep some room in there to accommodate a few trends. That way, you can continue publishing content that resonates with your audience without living at the whims of fickle trends. 

We don’t know about you, but sustainable, effective content planning sounds like music to our ears.

Tip #8: Start a new trend

You know what’s better than creating content following a trend (or not following it)? It’s creating your own!

Add some personality to your content by sharing your own interests. OK, we already hear you asking how to do it in a way that your audience cares about. Don’t worry, it’s way simpler than you think!

You can share a quote from your favorite ‘90s movie, like using Schwarzenegger’s Terminator line (“I’ll be back”) before your ad plug or at the end of your episode. You could also add music from your favorite ‘60s song if you wanted to (Beach Boys anybody?!). 

OK, we’ll come clean – the real goal here is to humanize your content. But who knows… maybe you’ll really start a new trend!

Tip #9: Always keep your eye on the prize

We do want to emphasize this key bit – always be sure to stay on brand and stay focused. 

No matter what you throw into the mix, make sure the meat of your content matches your brand. Unless you’re planning a brand refresh or transition, switching it up completely will confuse or even turn off your audience. (Remember that Threads example we gave at tip #1? Yea, like that.)

Also, since you’ve wisely made a plan for your content, you’ll also know the answers to a few questions –

• Why should the audience care about your YouTube video or podcast episode? 
• How do you want your audience to think and feel about your content?
• What do you want them to do after watching or listening to your content?

These answers are what you should keep an eye on while developing your content. Answering them is an easy way to figure out if you’re going off map — and not in a fun, adventurous way.

Make kickass YouTube & podcast content

We know that you know how effective good content is at helping you grow your business. It’s comparatively cost-effective and can provide you with a high ROI (return on investment)… once you do it well.

Can it be a lot of work? Why yes, yes it is. But if you ask us if it’s worth it, you’ll also get a resounding yes from the Uncanny crew.

Now take a deep breath, jot down your favorite tips, and start implementing them today for content that reaches more of your ideal clients or customers. 

But, if it sounds overwhelming AF, and you need help creating or implementing a strategy to get more audio or video content in the world – we’ve got you covered. 

Our Strategy Intensives are your one-stop shop for a customized 3-month plan for creating content (on any platform) to drive engagement and conversions. Go grab your spot and let’s help you level up your content marketing plans.