2019 is the year of the podcast; high value and low competition means the opportunity for first-mover advantage is hot right now. But how does one avoid being just another voice with nothing to say? In episode 045 of Social Minds, we’re joined by Social Chain audio executive Charlie Perry. Charlie played a crucial role in getting PrettyLittleThing’s podcast, PLT: Behind Closed Doors, to number one in the top podcast charts in just 24 hours. In this episode, she reveals how to rank in the top charts, why downloads are a weak metric and why discoverability is key. We also discuss the importance of audio quality, effective promotion and the lucrative qualities unique to podcast listeners. Finally we explain where brands fit into the mix—and why branded podcasts are proving to be a life line for those seeking diversification, intimate consumer relationships and a home for long-form, value-rich content.