Podcasting is a great way to share your thoughts and ideas with the world. However, launching one and promoting growth isn’t always easy. Here are the 10 mistakes people make starting a podcast so you can avoid them.
Your Topic’s Too Broad
To build an audience, you need a specialized topic that resonates with a specific target demographic. Narrowing down the heart of your podcast is crucial. By focusing on a particular subject, you can establish your expertise and cater to an audience that shares your interests. See what podcasts already exist on the topic and find something original for yours.
You Don’t Know Your Audience
You need to know your audience well to produce a show that meets their needs. The proper format, topic, guests, design, and even intro music must suit your audience.
Conduct market research on your target audience and create a profile that describes your ideal listener. Use this profile to make decisions about your show.
You’re Rambling
People want to listen to shows that are focused and useful. This is why you need to stay centered.
It would be best to have a script or outline for each episode with everything you’ll cover. This keeps you on topic and ensures you don’t forget any key points.
The Sound Quality Is Bad
It’s okay if you’re not an audio expert, but you need a basic level of sound quality, or your podcast will be hard to listen to. Poor sound quality is one of the main reasons shows get bad reviews and lose listeners.
Invest in a good microphone and editing equipment. Listen to your shows to make sure there aren’t noises or distractions.
There’s Too Much Housekeeping
“Housekeeping” includes making announcements, thanking listeners, calls to action, etc. These are important, but you shouldn’t have too many. A good practice is to save housekeeping for later in the episode or add it to the show notes.
You’re Promoting Too Much
Having sponsorships or playing ads is okay, but too much promotion is a turn-off for listeners.
Keep promotion to a minimum, and ensure you’re providing value first. Make sure you choose advertisers or offers that are relevant to your listeners.
You’re Obsessing over Metrics
Metrics help you see overall trends and identify which tactics are working and which aren’t. You should review them regularly and use them as feedback to make changes but don’t check every 20 minutes. Instead, pick a few key metrics to determine whether you’re progressing toward your goals. Then check weekly or when you release a new episode.
You’re Inconsistent
Your audience expects new episodes regularly. If your schedule is inconsistent, listeners may stop paying attention.
When planning your podcast, decide on a schedule that provides set shows and matches your schedule.
You’re Not Speaking Clearly
Speak slowly and clearly, taking pauses for breathing at natural places. Avoid the “uh’s” and “ah’s” you make when speaking and other annoying habits.
Listen to your show and compare it to other podcasts you like to find areas to improve.
Podcasting without a Marketing Plan
Getting caught up working on your content and producing high-quality shows for your audience is easy. Remember, your marketing needs your attention too. If you don’t put in the time to promote your show, you won’t grow an audience of engaged listeners.
Create a marketing plan that includes how you’ll grow your listenership, where you’ll promote, how you’ll monetize, and what tactics you’ll use.
You’re Making a Podcast for Yourself
While podcasting is fun, you shouldn’t make it for your own amusement. The focus of your show should be on your listeners, their interests, and their problems. Stay focused on your fans, and they’ll keep listening to you long-term.
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