It’s estimated that over 1 in 4 people listens to podcasts on a daily basis. Maybe you are one of the millions of listeners who love the podcast format…and now you want to start a podcast of your own. This is great!
It has never been easier to record and upload your podcast for the world to discover. There are tens of thousands of different podcasts out there, from broad news compilations to niche fandoms to specific financial topics, like the Ari Betof Podcast which focuses on financial sustainability.
Whatever your passion is, you’re sure to find other people eager to tune in to what you have to say. But before you dive into podcasting, there are a couple of things to consider.
1. Know Your Audience
Who are you podcasting for? With all the potential podcasts available to download and listen to online, standing out in the competition can be tough at first. That’s why knowing your audience is crucial. Not only does this help you focus your content, but it also helps you cater to the fans who want to hear what you have to say.
It’d be nice if you could just upload your podcast and fans would immediately find your show. But unless you’re already well-known and have an established fanbase, it can take some time to grow your listener base. Marketing works best when you know who you want to engage with your content, so know your audience before you begin.
2. Know Your Content
Broad topics can seem like an easy source of content, but too broad and you might lose focus on what your message is, or you could get drowned out by the hundreds or thousands of other podcasts who are doing the same thing.
Deciding on a specific topic, or a narrower range of interests, can help keep your podcast fresh and your audience engaged. Just make sure you pick something that genuinely interests you or that you’re passionate about so you don’t burn out or get bored with your own show.
3. Know Yourself
Podcasts are a hefty time commitment. Sure, you may only be putting out 15-minute episodes, but each one can take hours to record, edit, produce and process so it’s ready to upload for your audience. Do you have the time each week or month to do all the prep work, record the audio, and either prepare the episode in post-production yourself or hire someone to do it for you?
Knowing your own time commitments and whether or not you can add recording a podcast regularly to your schedule is important to consider before you start.
4. Know Your Equipment
Even if you plan to have someone else master the final audio tracks and handle the technical side of the podcast, it helps to know your equipment. Learn how to properly use the microphone, invest in a pop filter for your mics, and take care of your voice. After all, your voice is part of your podcast — so take care of yourself!
Podcasts continue to be a hugely popular and lucrative market, so be prepared before you dive in and it will go a long way towards your future success.