So You Want to Start a Podcast

1. Know Your "Why" and Your Audience

Your voice is a gift. Your story is a gift. Your knowledge, sense of humor, insights, experiences: They're all gifts.

Define your purpose. Understanding why you want to start a podcast is crucial. It's not enough to do it because "everyone is doing it." Your reason should be compelling and unique to you. Consider what value you're bringing to listeners and why a podcast is the best medium for your message.

Identify your ideal listener. Imagine your target audience in detail. What are their interests, demographics, and listening habits? This mental image will guide your content creation and help you connect with your audience more effectively. For example, podcast host Andrea Silenzi imagined a specific person named Jenny when creating content for her show "Why Oh Why."

Key questions to ask:

• Why do you want to start a podcast?
• What unique perspective or value can you offer?
• Who is your ideal listener and what do they care about?

2. Craft a Compelling Structure and Format

Structure is something to be grateful for, not to resent. A structure gives you a road map.

Choose the right format. There are numerous podcast formats to choose from, including interview, roundtable, daily news, list, advice, recap, and more. Select a format that best suits your content and style. Remember, you can also create a unique format that combines elements from different styles.

Develop a consistent structure. A well-defined structure helps both you and your listeners. It provides predictability while allowing for surprises. Create a blueprint for your episodes, including intro, segments, and outro. This structure will make production easier and give listeners a sense of familiarity.

Elements of a good structure:

• Consistent opening and closing
• Clearly defined segments
• Logical flow of content
• Appropriate length (aim for 20-40 minutes for most shows)

3. Master the Art of Hosting and Interviewing

Sound like you. Not like Ira Glass, not like Phoebe Robinson or Terry Gross, or Jenna Wortham. You.

Develop your unique voice. Authenticity is key in podcasting. Embrace your natural speaking style, accent, and personality. Don't try to imitate other hosts; instead, focus on being the best version of yourself. Your unique perspective and way of expressing it are what will set you apart.

Hone your interviewing skills. Good interviews are the backbone of many successful podcasts. Prepare thoroughly, listen actively, and ask follow-up questions. Remember to balance between guiding the conversation and allowing for organic moments. Most importantly, show empathy and genuine interest in your guests' stories.

Tips for better hosting and interviewing:

• Be well-prepared but flexible
• Practice active listening
• Ask open-ended questions
• Show vulnerability and share personal anecdotes when appropriate
• Pivot conversations to relevant topics

4. Develop a Strong Production Process

Editing is a creative process that allows you to pull all the strings in the universe of sound. It allows you to invent worlds and tell stories in a way that no other art or craft does.

Invest in basic equipment. You don't need expensive gear to start. Focus on essentials: a decent microphone, headphones, recording and editing software, and a quiet recording space. Remember, content quality is more important than having the fanciest equipment.

Master the editing process. Editing is where your raw content transforms into a polished product. Focus on storytelling first, then fine-tune details like removing filler words and balancing audio levels. Be ruthless in cutting content that doesn't serve the story or maintain listener interest.

Key editing principles:

• Prioritize story and flow
• Remove unnecessary content
• Maintain natural conversation rhythm
• Ensure consistent audio quality
• Use music and sound effects judiciously

5. Create Engaging Content and Sound Design

Listeners like conclusions and lessons from their content; give it to them!

Provide value in every episode. Whether it's information, entertainment, or inspiration, ensure each episode offers something meaningful to your listeners. Include clear takeaways, reveal aspects of yourself, and balance predictability with surprises.

Pay attention to sound design. While content is king, good sound design enhances the listening experience. Use music, sound effects, and silence intentionally to create atmosphere and emphasize key points. However, be careful not to overdo it – the focus should always be on your content.

Elements of engaging content:

• Clear takeaways or lessons
• Personal anecdotes and vulnerability
• A mix of predictable structure and surprising elements
• Intentional use of music and sound effects
• Consistent audio quality

6. Build a Community and Promote Effectively

Community sounds welcoming. Community says, "We're in this together."

Foster listener engagement. Create opportunities for listeners to interact with your show. This could include Q&A segments, listener challenges, or social media engagement. Respond to feedback and make listeners feel heard and valued.

Promote strategically. Don't shy away from self-promotion. Use social media, guest appearances on other podcasts, and networking to spread the word about your show. Be authentic in your promotion and focus on the value you're offering to potential listeners.

Community-building strategies:

• Create dedicated social media channels
• Respond to listener comments and messages
• Host live events or meetups
• Collaborate with other podcasters
• Encourage and feature listener-generated content

7. Embrace Your Identity as a Podcaster

Adopt the title "podcaster." Say it out loud, internalize it.

Commit to continuous learning. The podcasting landscape is always evolving. Stay updated on industry trends, attend conferences, take classes, and network with other podcasters. This will help you grow your skills and stay relevant in the field.

Take yourself seriously. Embrace your identity as a podcaster. This mindset shift will help you approach your work with professionalism and dedication. It will also make it easier for others to see you as a legitimate content creator.

Ways to embrace your podcaster identity:

• Create professional business cards
• Join podcasting communities and forums
• Attend industry events and conferences
• Reach out to podcasters you admire
• Continuously educate yourself about the craft

Last updated: October 23, 2024