Masterclass Competition
7 January 2025
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Our experience has taught us that getting started is the hardest part.
Some people can talk the life out of a project, leaving no energy to get it going.
Others will procrastinate and find all sorts of excuses not to get started.
Starting a podcast can seem daunting, especially if it is something you haven’t done before.
It is not that difficult, though, all you need is a little bit of guidance.
Anyone can create a successful podcast.
Here are our top five tips for getting started:
To make it a success, one has to approach a podcast like a business.
Start with a proper business plan and clearly work out the reasons for making this investment.
What are your long-term goals?
Is it to make a name for yourself so that you can sell your books?
Or do you want to help people solve their problems through a product or service you provide?
Perhaps you’re just doing it for fun because you are passionate about a hobby or some topic?
The podcaster with clear objectives and a workable plan with defined deliverables will be the one who will stand out above the rest.
One of the most important aspects of creating a successful podcast is finding your niche.
This means identifying a specific topic or theme that you’re passionate about and that will appeal to your target audience.
It’s important to choose a niche that you’re knowledgeable about and that you can speak about with authority.
This will help you create content that is engaging and informative for your listeners who are interested in that niched topic.
Always niche as deep as you can into your niche, becoming even more specific.
In Hendrik’s book Become a Podmaster there is an example of how to drill down into the “new moms” genre and end up with a podcast about “postpartum depression in new dads.”
This really narrows the niche all the way down, giving it a sharp focus.
You might think you are excluding people when niching so far down, and you’d be right.
But this is a good thing.
You will end up with avid fans who are loyal to you, as long as you are authentically you in the process.
Think in terms of seasons, each made up of a specified number of episodes.
Plan the season first, so that your episodes can follow the story arcs.
Carefully consider how each three act episode will be structured to tell its individual story, yet still linking with the overall theme of the show.
The better the planning, the easier the production process becomes.
Working from a script will help you stay on track during your recording sessions and ensure that your content is structured and well-organized.
It’s also important to create a publishing schedule so that your listeners know when to expect new episodes.
It is always easier to promote amazing content than mediocre ones.
Great content will promote itself through word-of-mouth.
This is free promotion, solely because of the quality and usefulness of your podcast.
Word-of-mouth is worth its weight in gold, so always strive to produce excellent content first.
Social media is the next logical place to share information about your podcast, made up of repurposed content.
You can also reach out to other podcasters in your niche and collaborate on cross-promotion.
Always make sure that all the meta descriptions and relevant information blocks are filled in, as detailed information combined with keywords will strengthen your SEO.
Interacting with your fans and followers on social media can be time consuming, but it is an excellent way to engage with them and get them to talk about your podcast.
Establish two-way communication with your audience by for instance responding to listener feedback and questions.
Always encourage them to leave comments and reviews on your podcast.
This will help you build a community of loyal listeners who feel invested in your podcast and are more likely to recommend it to others.
As with everything worthwhile doing, it all starts with a plan.
Approach your podcast in a professional manner and chances are you will be producing a professional podcast.
One can be tempted to simply get started, and while you should experiment practically in the beginning, it is always best to empower yourself to some degree.
Using a business plan approach for your podcast, will help you figure out a lot of things before the time, increasing your chances of success.
When you are ready to start your own podcast, join the Baird Media Mentorship program, and let Ethan and Hendrik give you all the help and support to start your own podcast.
You can also read Hendrik’s book, “Become a Podmaster: Everything You Need to Know to Master the Art of Podcasting” to help you understand what you are letting yourself in for.
Baird Media’s “Become A Podmaster” podcast offers valuable insights, tips, and inspiration from experienced podcasters. Whether you’re a hobbyist seeking artistic expression or an entrepreneur looking to amplify your business, this podcast has something for you. Join the adventure and unlock the secrets of podcasting success!
