It’s still early in the podcasting evolution and listeners are seeing 25-30 new podcasts announced every day. The challenge for any new podcast is to break out of the clutter.

I have five suggestions that every podcaster who wants to build an audience should follow.

1. Get listed in the directories. Digital Podcast has some listed here http://www.digitalpodcast.com/browse-directories-35-1.html you can also find a good list of directories at podcast411.com.

2. Make a podcast that creates a conversation. If no one wants to talk about your podcast – it will be very hard to build word of mouth. The best TV shows on secondary and tertiary TV networks get their audience from people who try it, like it and most importantly talk about it with their friends.

3. Make your core users aware of your podcasts to help build word of mouth. If you run a blog, talk about your podcasts. If you run a magazine, talk about your podcasts. If you run a church, talk about your podcast. Talk about your podcast in whatever forum you can to raise awareness among the people who should try your podcast first.

4. Create some promos for your podcast – 30 second sound bites – there are a few posted herehttp://www.digitalpodcast.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=32 to give you an idea of what people are putting into promos. Send your promo to people who you think are talking to your audience. Send it to podcasters, send it to bloggers – send it to Podfinder. Make the promo and get it out there. Even more, get others to help you make your promo.

5. Get involved. Think of it like marketing by networking. Find podcast meetups in your area and talk to them about your podcast. Wherever you are there are probably other podcasters around – and we can help each other. Take a pay it forward attitude. Offer to play their promos. And they most likely will offer to play your promo. I think getting your promo played on podcasts that listeners already download is one of the best ways to build awareness.