Creating a Kickass and Successful Podcast: 5 Essentials to Keep in Mind

Taking into account how massive it has gotten, there’s no denying podcasting offers benefits other mediums can’t match. Aside from it being something pretty much anyone can easily get into, it’s also a portable, convenient, and on-demand medium anyone can use to effectively connect and engage with listeners.

Nowadays, marketers, bloggers, brands, entrepreneurs, and anyone with a story to tell are using podcasting to amplify their reach and clout.

If podcasting is something you’d like to get into, the following 5 fundamental tips should help ensure you will steer your podcasting efforts in the right direction:

Pick a topic you are truly passionate about

Prior to hitting record, consider it a must to first sit down and figure out your WHY. And no, this is something you can just forego. Starting a podcast will entail more than just hard work and investing in the basic equipment. There will be instances when your patience and persistence will be put to the test. Knowing your why can help you hang in there when the going gets rough and tough.

Think of a topic you can discuss meticulously and endlessly. Oftentimes, that’s something you are passionate about. Can you talk about a topic for 30 to 60 minutes and make it as interesting as possible? If you answered “yes,” then you have found your topic.

Now check iTunes for podcasts that are in your niche. Did you find a lot of shows tackling the same thing? If so, brainstorm how you can offer something unique so you will be a step ahead of the pack.

Work on branding your podcast

Once you’ve decided on a topic, it’s time to start working on your podcast. Akin to creating products or services, branding your podcast show starts with picking a good name.

For starters, opt for something that is both relevant and memorable. For many, descriptive and direct titles work better compared to overly creative and abstract ones. It is unfortunate to note that not to many people know the importance of giving a show the apt name.

Sure, you can have beneficial and groundbreaking content but it will be useless when no one listens to it. However, a good podcast name can grab your target audience’s attention and will make them check out what you have to dish.

Decide on the structure and format

Will you be doing a video or an audio podcast? For many, video podcasts are better at gaining traction since they are deemed more personal. Aside from the opportunity to offer valuable content, you will also need to sell your personality and videos are seen as the most effective and authentic way to accomplish said feat.

When deciding on a structure, ensure you take into account your schedule. Will you be able to comfortably deliver one each week, each month, or daily? Whatever schedule you pick, make sure you deliver on a consistent basis.

Plan your content accordingly

As cliche as it may sound, the adage “content is king” also rings true when it comes to your podcast content. While there are many factors that can contribute to the success of your podcast, content, personality, conversation flow, and overall engagement will play huge roles.

In line with this, it would be a good idea to have a list of possible show topics prepared. Anytime inspiration hits, make sure you have it noted so you can explore it more meticulously later on.

In addition, having some sort of script handy is also a good idea. Make sure everything you think will be of value is covered while making sure it is delivered in a way that is both natural and spontaneous.

If anything, it will all boil down to finding the right balance. The good news is, you’ll eventually strike the right balance as you go along.

Don’t shy away from getting expert help

While many podcasters are experts at the topics they are covering, only very few know how to tackle all the aspects of podcasting. For instance, it is highly likely that you can answer any question that pertains to your niche but you don’t know a single thing about editing. It’s not something to be shy about though. You are not alone.

Fortunately, editing (and other podcasting technicalities) is something you can always leave in the able hands of experts. For instance, the team at Podcast Engineers can help warrant you are able to deliver your message loud and clear sans all the pesky and unnecessary background noises.

Outsourcing the editing will also give you the luxury to focus on the things you are an expert at—creating awesome content. So, it’s a win-win any way you look at it.

What aspects of creating a successful podcast have you covered so far? Let us know in the comments section below!

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