Thinking of starting a podcast in 2022? Here are 3 things I tell new podcasters to consider before pressing that record button:
1️⃣ What do you want to talk about?
So many podcasters think podcasting works like this: they get a mic and start talking about everything and anything, and boom! Ka-ching 🤑🤑🤑
Here's the reality: many podcasts stop producing by episode 7. (This is called Podfade 😉) Why? Because they didn't plan topics and ran out of things to talk about. Or they failed to realize how much time and effort it takes to podcast and it's not just about getting on the mic and talking, and they give up.
So before you invest in starting a podcast to talk to an audience, make sure you know what you’re going to be talking about.
2️⃣ Who is your audience?
If you don't know who it is you're talking to, how are you going to make a podcast for them? Sure, you may know your subject as an expert, but if you're just talking for the sake of talking and sounding smart, you're missing an opportunity to create an interactive experience with your listeners, which benefits both them AND you and can help grow your show.
Next time you're thinking of what to say on the mic, think of the questions your audience is asking you, what they want to hear more about, what their lives are like and how your show fits in.
One thing I like to tell my Podcasting Strategy Session clients is to imagine what their listeners are doing while listening to their show. If your podcast is for busy executives to give them tips to improve their businesses, don’t create a two-hour-long, off-the-cuff podcast talking about what you had for lunch with your cohost for most of it. In that example, your listeners would probably want something short and value-packed they can listen to on their commute or in between meetings.
Glenn Hebert is known in the podcasting world as the guy who created Horse Radio Network, which is a whole grouping of shows specifically for those who own and work with horses. He found out early on that his listeners enjoyed longer podcasts while working on their farms, which inspired him to create an entire network of podcasts for that audience.
Getting to know your audience, whether through online interaction or letting them know how to contact you in your show notes or on the show itself, can help your podcast evolve and maybe even lead you to try new things you may not have considered before for your show.
3️⃣ Why should they care?
Whether you're doing a podcast for fun or for your business, you probably are hoping people will tune in and listen, right? This is also how you get them to subscribe/follow your show, become regular listeners, and share it with others — give them a reason to care.
Know why your audience shows up and bring it. Do they show up because your show helps them in some way? Do they come to be entertained or feel connected to others in some way? Do they gain knowledge, wisdom, or inspiration from your show?
When you’re in the trenches of all the other things podcasting brings with it, like tech issues, imposter syndrome, overdue deadlines, etc., try to remember the value your show brings to the world. And make sure you remind yourself from time to time — it can be easy to forget!
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If you’re looking to start your podcast and not sure where to start, what equipment you need, whether to go DIY or outsource, how a podcast works with your business, and are looking for the next steps to take with your idea, my Podcasting Strategy Sessions are for you.
Choose between a 30- or 60-minute session, plus email support, PDF guides, resources and recommendations, as well as access to my Organize Your Podcast Workbook + Course *and* my Edit Your Podcast Course — New for 2022!
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Check out my latest podcasting blog post here
Check out my Podcasting Microphone and Setup and what gear I recommend for new podcasters
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