Due to the utility the Internet provides and how technology has advanced, it’s easier than ever to start your own podcast. You’ll also have the freedom to talk about any type of topic you’d like, slowly building your brand in the process.
But, starting a podcast isn’t always as straightforward as it seems, and many people don’t know how to go about it.
Not sure where to start with podcasting? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered on how to be a successful podcaster.
Let’s take a look at the podcasting tips you need to know.
1. Choosing The Right Topic Is Essential
In order to provide interesting conversation, you’re going to need to choose a topic that you’re passionate about. For example, someone with no interest in sports isn’t likely to get very far even though sports will always be a popular topic.
It’s important to keep this fact in mind even if you feel as though your topic’s audience isn’t particularly large. Someone who’s interested in video game mechanics and how they relate to coding will surely have fewer listeners than someone who speaks about politics.
But, those who do tune in will likely share the same level of interest in the topic, making it worthwhile to pursue.
Additionally, you’re going to need to speak for at least 30 minutes on the topic at hand, which will prove to be a difficult or boring task if you’re not immersed in the subject you choose.
2. Plan in Advance
One of the last things you should do (unless you have expert-level knowledge in your niche) is simply sit down and start talking with no plan. This stream-of-consciousness type of presentation often comes off as sloppy and disorganized.
In general, you’ll want your content structure to have the following:
- Established lengths for each subtopic
- Ways to wrap up/transition each of them
- Major points to cover
How thoroughly you plan your content will depend on your ability to work off of notes. Some people do fine with bullet points, while others need to write down entire lines in order to remember them.
To help build your confidence, practice speaking your planned lines or transitions so that they sound more natural when it’s time to record.
3. Quality Is Key
With accessible recording and editing software and equipment, there’s no excuse to not have stellar quality when it comes to making a podcast. This means that your audio (and visuals if you record video) should be clear and crisp.
Whether or not you choose to record video, it’s also essential to use high-quality images for your thumbnails or featured images. Not only will this immediately give the impression that you know what you’re doing, but it will also help your listeners find older episodes that they may not remember the name of.
It’s not uncommon for someone to want to re-listen to a specific podcast but only remember what the featured image/thumbnail looked like.
The quality of your content should also be prioritized just as highly. This means that what you say should always be well-thought-out and interesting, even if your niche isn’t the most exciting topic.
While it can be difficult in the beginning stages to put tons of effort into a high-quality podcast without getting a large payoff, you’ll slowly build a foundation that will help establish your brand.
4. Build a Community
One of the best ways to become successful as a podcaster is to cultivate and build a community surrounding your brand.
This is best done by encouraging engagement with your listeners and acknowledging the fact that they’re tuning in. The more ‘human’ a brand seems the more people will resonate with the brand and its message.
For instance, a podcaster who frequently discusses topics that are submitted by his listeners, accommodates their feedback, etc. will likely find plenty of success in the future. Since he gives his audience a say in how is content is delivered, it’s far more engaging for them to listen.
You should also focus on encouraging people to share your content with others, as this will significantly help drive traffic over time. The same can be said for ‘likes’ or ratings, depending on the platform.
5. Monetize
You can’t expect to make money right away. In fact, it may take years before you see anything other than loose change from your podcast’s monetization.
As your brand grows, you’ll have a few options at your disposal:
- Direct monetization from views or plays
- Promoting products or services during your podcast
- Build and promote your personal brand through your podcast (your website, social media, etc.)
While this bullet point doesn’t directly result in generating cash, it will help increase your revenue from other sources over time. Since it’s your own podcast, you won’t be paying for promotion.
In fact, building an audience with a podcast first is a great way to direct people toward another project of yours. A common scenario might be a professional musician who directs his audience to his online guitar course.
As time goes on, you’ll have the opportunity to both generate money from your podcast itself and also through your other business endeavors by promoting to your audience.
Just make sure that your secondary projects are relevant to your listeners, though.
Even With Podcasting Tips, Starting One Can Seem Difficult
But podcasting doesn’t have to be difficult.
With the above podcasting tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful podcast and building your audience in no time!
Want to learn more about how we can help building your podcast? Feel free to get in touch with us today to see what we can do. Read on for more podcasting tips, radio show ideas, and audio marketing examples.
