The best thing about podcasting is that there's no gatekeeper. Anyone can start a podcast and build an audience.
-John Lee Dumas, host of Entrepreneurs on Fire
Did you know there are over 400 million people across the world who love listening to podcasts? And, there are over 2 million podcasts out there with tons of episodes to listen to.
It's amazing how much content is out there for us!
Podcasting has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With the evolving creator economy and an increasing demand for online content, now is the perfect time to jump into the world of podcasting!
First things first, let's start with the basics.
What is a podcast?
Podcasting is a way to have meaningful conversations with others that can then be shared with a target audience. It’s a fun, unique way to ask questions of interesting people and learn more about them through their answers. And they’re not just people; they are experts, influencers and thought leaders in their respective fields.
-Nancy Marshall, Host and Producer, The PR Maven Podcast
Starting a podcast is an excellent way to engage with your followers, build your brand, and share your ideas with the world. Podcasts can cover a wide range of topics from business to sports to pop culture.
And the best part? Anyone and everyone can start a podcast!
We spoke to Harry Morton, the founder of Lower Street Media. He said, "The beauty of podcasting is that even if you are terrified of public speaking, you get to hide behind the microphone where no one can see you. You could do it in the dark in your bedroom and pretend no one's listening, and then share it later. But for anyone who's interested in speaking and talking, everyone is really suitable for this medium, and the way you succeed is by truly trying to be yourself.”
Watch the full conversation here👇🏻:
Does that make you wonder what it takes to start your own podcast? In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know to get started, from choosing a topic and format to promoting your podcast and building a loyal audience.
Here's how:
Figure out the ‘What’ and ‘Why’
In a conversation with the podcast expert Arielle Nissenblatt, she said, "The most important thing to do when you are thinking about what you want your podcast to be about is to determine your goal for the show. It could be that you want a chance to chat with people around the world about your subject matter, and that could make a really great podcast for you and your listeners. Even if you don't have the highest sound quality, the most pointed episode, or the most polished production, if you are accomplishing your goals, then that could be a great podcast.”
Watch the full video here 👇🏻
Choose a topic you're passionate about. You'll be spending a lot of time researching and recording your episodes, so it's important to choose a topic you're genuinely interested in.
Additionally, you should consider the format of your podcast. Will it be a solo show, or will you have guests? Will it be an interview-style show, or will you focus on storytelling or education? The possibilities are endless, so take some time to think about what format and structure will work best for you and your audience.
Invest in the Right Equipment
Having a good quality audio is one of the most important aspects in a podcast.
And to produce high-quality podcasts, you'll need to invest in the right equipment. This includes a good microphone, headphones, and a computer or laptop with editing software.
You don't need to spend a fortune on equipment, but it's IMPORTANT to have a setup that will produce clear, professional-sounding audio.
You might want to pick a podcast hosting platform too (because that's where your lives!). Eventually, you will need a website too.
Related article: Best Podcast Equipment & Setup for Beginners & Pros Alike
Prioritize on Providing Value to your Audience
Once you have your topic, format, and equipment, it's time to get creating.
As a new podcaster, you may be tempted to focus the podcast solely on yourself or the topic that interests you. But hey, do not assume that something is universally interesting simply because you find it so.
Give a reason for your audience to care.
This means researching your topic thoroughly, planning out your episodes, and scripting or outlining your content if need be. It's important to strike a balance between being informative and entertaining.
You want your listeners to learn something new or gain a new perspective, but you also want to keep them engaged and entertained.
Promote and Grow your Podcast
One of the biggest challenges of starting a podcast is building an audience.
To promote your podcast, you should leverage social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, collaborate with other podcasters in your niche, and submit your podcast to directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Additionally, you can reach out to your existing audience and encourage them to share your podcast with their friends and family. Distributing your podcast to more directories will increase your potential audience.
Have a Feedback Loop but don't let it consume you
Bottom line: You can't please everyone.
Although listeners can provide useful feedback to tailor your podcast to their needs, not all of their reviews are valuable.
It's important to read them and take constructive criticism into account, but it's best to ignore negative messages.
If your goal is to become a millionaire overnight, you'll likely be disappointed.
It is difficult it is to make an income as a podcaster until you’ve built up a solid listener base.
One of the most common ways to monetize your podcast is to land sponsors using the CPM (cost per mille) pricing model. Read about it here.
You can also register on platforms like Buy me a Coffee and ask your listeners to support your work.
If you believe podcasting is suitable for you, there is no reason to hesitate. Seize the opportunity while it is still hot, as podcasts allow thought leaders to reach audiences they never thought possible.
Besides, who knows? Your next idea may become the next great podcast. By creating good content for the right people, greatness is achievable for podcasters everywhere.
So, why not give it a try and see where podcasting can take you?
