9 Things You Should Do Before Starting a Podcast
Do you want to launch a podcast that succeeds quickly? Here are 9 things you should do before releasing your first episode that will help you a lot.
Get Your “Why” and Avatar Right
To thrive in podcasting from day one, you must clearly define your why and your ideal listener avatar. Craft your why by answering 3 questions: “Why am I starting a podcast?” “Who will it serve?” and “How will it serve?” Then, create and align your avatar based on the why you formed from these answers. Before recording, ask yourself, “Does this content serve [avatar’s name]?” Your avatar becomes your compass, keeping your content focused and impactful!
Attract More Podcast Listeners
The average podcast only receives {{free_pageload.data.output_avg_epi_download_first_7_days.default('30')}} downloads per episode in the first 7 days. This number is easy to surpass almost immediately! It’s all about positioning to be discovered organically by your ideal listeners and building community among them. Most podcasters think growth comes strictly from posting on social media, but it’s really about discoverability on podcast listening apps. Less is more when it comes to growing listenership!
Make Money with Your Podcast
Did you know that the average podcast only earns {{free_pageload.data.output_avg_monthly_income_industry.toNumber().formatCurrency('$', '.', ',', 2)}} per month? This is because mainstream media and big podcasts precondition us to believe advertisements and sponsorships are the solution to making money through podcasting. It’s not. In fact, podcasters who use PodMatch alone make {{(free_pageload.data.output_avg_monthly_income_podmatch.toNumber() - free_pageload.data.output_avg_monthly_income_industry.toNumber()).formatCurrency('$', '.', ',', 2)}} per month more than the average podcaster, with no extra work involved! There are better options for your podcast; be creative!
Save Time on Podcast Production
The one thing every successful podcaster has in common is this: they have a production workflow, process, and checklist to ensure they never miss an episode release or experience burnout. By developing and organizing your podcast production checklist, you’re making room for more creativity and ensuring that you don’t quit podcasting. Once you’ve created a checklist, find a software solution to help you stay on track.
Learn the Reality of Podcasting
New podcasters fear they’re entering a saturated market, but that couldn’t be further from reality. Only {{free_pageload.data.output_making_it_success_percent_8_epi}}% of podcasts reach 8 episodes. Another misconception is that you need millions of listeners to be successful, which isn’t true. (See download averages in the following report.) Understanding the realities of podcasting is crucial for new podcasters to set realistic expectations. Review the Independent Podcasters Report monthly so you stay informed!
Invest in the Tools Pro Podcasters Use
Over {{free_pageload.data.output_making_it_fail_percent_100_epi}}% of podcasters quit before achieving any meaningful results. Thankfully, there’s a quick hack you can use to stick with it longer while getting results faster. Here it is: Use the same tools the best podcasters use! Success leaves clues! The best podcasters use the same tools/platforms to run their podcasts. By using the same toolset that the best podcasters use, you’re positioning yourself for accelerated success!
Stay Up-to-Date with the Trends
Two quick ways to fail as a new podcaster: thinking you don’t need help and believing you know it all. Podcasting evolves rapidly, and the best hosts devote themselves to continuous learning. No matter their success, they remain students, staying ahead and sparking their creativity. Humility is key. The best podcasters never stop learning about podcasting. Subscribe to Podcasting Made Simple and listen weekly to stay informed and ahead in podcasting!
Join a Successful Podcast Network Today
Being part of a podcast network provides you with a like-minded community. A network enables you to learn and grow with other podcasters seeking similar results. Podcasters in networks go further faster because they’re collectively able to share best practices and opportunities. Additionally, being in a network gives your show extra exposure you wouldn’t otherwise have, which can propel your podcast forward and grow your listenership!
Take the Quiz to Level Up Faster
It takes most podcasters 2 years to achieve meaningful results, but only {{free_pageload.data.output_making_it_success_percent_100_epi}}% reach that milestone. But that milestone is still no guarantee. Time alone isn’t enough; proper positioning is key! Take the podcasters quiz to ensure you reach your podcasting goals as fast and accurately as possible. It provides a snapshot of exactly where you are and what you need to work on next to ensure you achieve your podcasting goals!
