Podcasting is on the rise. So much so that there are now over 2 million shows. So whether you are a technology company or accounting firm, a performance talent agency or a charity, if you start a podcast, there will be an audience.
But whilst there’s no denying that there is an audience for everyone, the fear of the unknown often holds people back. We’re here to change that. Whether you are thinking about starting a show or you already have one that you just cannot get off the ground, we have five solutions to help get you over some of the most commonly faced podcasting problems and get you the audience that you deserve.
#1 Getting your show discovered
So, you’ve put in hours of hard work recording, editing and creating the assets for your podcast – great, that’s the easy part out of the way. All jokes aside, one of the most difficult things about podcasting is getting your show discovered.
But fear not, there are several methods you can use to help attract the listeners your show deserves, including:
- Make the most of your digital channels; promote your podcast to your existing audiences via social media, email etcetera
- Convert your audio to a video format & upload it to YouTube
- Leverage your guest’s audience
- Transcribe your interviews & upload them to your website (this is great for SEO)
- Paid advertising (platforms such as Overcast and Spotify are great for promoting podcasts)
- Join relevant groups on platforms like Facebook and Reddit
#2 Creating consistency in podcasting
If you are serious about growing your podcast, you need to be consistent. But that’s often easier said than done. Sticking to a schedule can be difficult – especially if you have other commitments to juggle – but there is a way to remove some of that pressure and make your life slightly easier: be prepared.
If you haven’t yet launched your show, it’s a good idea to pre-record a couple of episodes in advance so that you are confident you have enough to get you up and running. Equally, if you have already launched your podcast, the same still applies; where possible, try and ensure you have at least a couple of interviews recorded in advance so if anything is to go wrong, you still have something to fall back on.
Similarly, having a ‘bank’ of guests can be really beneficial. There will be times when your guests have to cancel or you may face dry patches in your outreach – whatever the reason, it’s likely at one point or another, you will be faced with an obstacle. But the good thing is, if you are prepared with a bank of interviews and guests, many of these obstacles can be overcome.
But of course, consistency doesn’t start and end with your upload schedule – it should apply to your content, too. To gain a loyal audience, your show must follow a clear theme. It’s no good starting with one topic and then changing your mind halfway through; your audience expects to hear
#3 Monetising your podcast
As your podcast grows, you’ll likely be investing more time and resources into making it a success. For this reason, many podcasters choose to monetise their shows to make them sustainable – but getting started can be tricky. If you are struggling to monetise your podcast, you are certainly not alone, but the good news is there are some solutions that will help put you on the path to profit:
- Find your niche: if you try to target the masses, you will struggle to stand out. It really pays to find a niche and become a leader within that space; leverage your knowledge and expertise to help differentiate your show from the rest.
- Include a compelling CTA (call-to-action) at the end of each episode
- Offer premium content such as exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes clips
- If you have a respectable number of listeners, look into advertising and sponsorships
#4 Keeping up with the latest trends
Whether it’s a new platform, changing audience preferences or the latest recording software, keeping up with trends is important to ensure you are at the top of your podcasting game. So, just how do you ensure you stay up-to-date and don’t get left behind?
There are a couple of things you can do to ensure you are kept in the loop when it comes to podcasting. One of the most effective ways is to attend podcasting events. There are both virtual and in-person options available, meaning there really is an option for everyone. Some other ideas include:
- Joining podcasting communities via social media platforms
- Subscribing to podcasting newsletters
- Following podcasting blogs and influencers
#5 Finding guests
Whilst not every podcast features guests, many do. Whether it’s an interview-style podcast – like the Boss To Boss Podcast or the Alan Turing Podcast – that features a new guest every episode or a show that only occasionally brings in guests for fresh insight, finding the right person to feature on your podcast is important. So, how do you do it?
- Use social media to research influencers within your niche
- Take inspiration from similar podcasts within your industry
- Check out keynote speakers at relevant events
- Reach out to your existing contacts for suggestions (or even better, get them on your show)
Sounds easy, right? If you’re ready to kickstart your podcasting career, be sure to check out our top tips for getting started here. Still not convinced? Discover the benefits of podcasting for your business here.
