Thinking of Starting a Podcast? These 5 Tips Can Help. Podcasts can be powerful -- if used correctly.

Should your business start a podcast? Yes, if you have a strong idea, a quality host and a high level of commitment, says Jay Baer, best-selling author, marketing consultant and cohost of the popular Social Pros podcast.

Podcast listening in the U.S. shot up 23 percent last year, to 57 million people. That means more Americans now listen to podcasts than actively use Twitter -- a huge potential audience to help market your business, says Baer. In fact, a recent survey found that nearly two-thirds of listeners are more willing to consider products and services after hearing about them on a podcast.

If you think you'd make a great host, keep these 5 tips in mind.