How can your Podcast Stand Out Among the Rest?

Blogging and podcasting began as a revolution against traditional media giants, allowing the average person to have a voice. It didn't take long however for large media companies to catch up, and now every major news and entertainment entity is distributing content through blogs and podcasts. That means the average podcaster is now competing with ABC, Fox News, and MTV, among others.

So how can you make your podcast stand out among the rest? Here are five tips on how to make your podcast shine.

1. Be Original. If you're copying someone else, you're just adding to the noise. This isn't as hard as it seems. Be yourself and do what you're passionate about, and 99 percent of the time you'll be original.
2. Podcast Video, not just audio. Video online is no longer a commodity. Unless you're Rush Limbaugh or Garrison Keillor, it will become easier and easier for you to be overlooked if you are not using video.
3. Remember that Content is King. The medium is not the message, the message is the message. Quality content is a must. Don't just podcast to podcast. Make sure you have something to say.
4. Have a Quality Presentation. Since you're competing with media giants, make sure your content is professionaly packaged. Audio, Video, and Graphic quality is absolutely necessary to stand out among the rest! I can't emphasize this enough. Hire a designer if you have to. Or a producer. Create an eye catching logo. Build a brand. Think like a marketer.
5. Take Risks. If you have an idea that you think will fly, don't let any naysayers talk you out of it. (Please don't interpret that as a liscense to not listen to reason). Be reasonable, but go with your instincts. Think outside the box, be creative, and don't be afraid to take risks.

If anyone has additional ideas or comments on how a podcast can stand out, please let me know. This is by no means an extensive list.

For further reading, Chris Brogan has a great post about the challenges of starting a business in the world of "new media" which I highly recommend.