As of 2019, there were more than 800,000 active podcasts, and we can confidently predict that the number will only increase in years to come. Podcasts are so popular because they generate a lot of money.
Research shows that almost a third of Americans listen to one podcast every month, and brands have taken notice. Back in 2018, marketers spent almost half a million dollars on podcast advertising. Podcasts can grow your brand’s audience and also boost its credibility. It’s a lot easier now to launch a podcast than it was in the beginning, and here’s how to go about it.
Get Good Equipment
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on state-of-the-art recording equipment or software, but it’s important to have a decent microphone, headset, and audio editing software. Poor audio quality will greatly hamper your chances of success. People listen to podcasts for entertainment and they don’t want to strain just to hear what’s being said.
Good equipment can make you sound like a true professional and determine your success as a podcaster. High-quality podcasting equipment might cost about $500-$1000, and you’ll also need $30-$50 per month for software subscriptions and hosting. If you don’t have the money, you can borrow money from friends or search for bad credit title loans online. The investment is small compared to the rewards.
Choose a Great Theme
Your podcast’s theme will greatly determine its success. But this doesn’t mean you choose a topic with the sole reason of attracting a large audience. Choose a theme you can commit to. If you choose a topic you’re passionate about, you’ll attract people who share the same passion with you.
People don’t want to listen to an amateur talk about a topic they know nothing about. You should be very conversant with your topic to keep your audience engaged. And if people love your content, they will share it with others.
Create Quality Podcasts
Many new podcasters focus on the title, artwork, and launch and forget about the podcast itself. Unless you are a media veteran, your first podcast episodes probably won’t be good.
As the old adage goes, “practice makes perfect.” It took Joe Rogan 10 years to get where he is today. He kept learning and practicing. Only a good podcaster can create a popular podcast. Keep practicing until you become one.
Get Great Guests
Guests can determine the success of your podcast. Experts will have interesting things to share and will also bring in their own followers. Even if you’re an expert on your podcast topic, it’s always great to hear a different perspective than yours.
If you are lucky enough to get great guests for your podcast, treat them with respect. Don’t stick to the script you wrote for the podcast, also allow them to explore their own topics. And if you get the opportunity to appear on another podcast, go for it. You may gain a whole new audience. Utilize every opportunity to promote your show.
