Over the years, podcasting has really exploded and has become the go-to method for creators who want to spread their messages to as many people as possible.
However, you shouldn’t simply dive into podcasting without thinking about a few important things ahead of time. After all, even if it will be only a hobby for you at first, odds are you want your show to have the best chance of being successful.
A little planning before you launch can be the difference between a show that has no listeners and one that is on track to have a rabid fanbase. Now let’s get down to the details of what you need to know before you start your podcast.
1. Know Your Audience, Define Your Niche- What is your topic?
The first thing everyone is going to ask when you start promoting your podcast is, “What is it about?” You need to be crystal clear on this answer if you hope to grow a loyal fan base.
You’ll want to choose a topic that you already have some knowledge of and/or interest in. Then ask yourself, what unique insight do you have to offer about it? Before you jump into recording a single episode, understand exactly what your focus is.
2. Create Episode Subjects
Now that you’ve narrowed down your focus to a manageable topic, can you come up with several subjects within your topic to talk about at length? Brainstorm a list of episode subjects to make sure there’s enough to say — and that you’re still interested enough to say it. If you can’t come up with enough material, you may need a moderately broader topic.
3. Pick Your Format and Hosting Style
There are several formats a podcast can have. Your format might be educational, storytelling (nonfiction or fiction), conversational, or interviews. You can host your podcast yourself, or you can have multiple hosts as well. Do you plan on having a steady rotation of guest speakers on your show?
What about live interviews? There are many factors that need to be considered and ultimately you want your listeners to benefit from the show through the amazing and steady content. Think about how you want your show to look, feel and sound and go from there! We suggest creating a mood-board with images that inspire to start out!
What are your thoughts?
Let us know in the comments below!