Podcasting is a popular and powerful way to share your message, build your brand, and connect with your audience. But with millions of podcasts out there, how can you make sure yours stands out and provides value to your listeners? Here are some tips to help you create a podcast that delivers what your audience wants and needs.
The first step to providing value is to know who you are talking to and what they are interested in. You need to define your niche, your target audience, and your unique selling proposition. What is the main topic or theme of your podcast? Who are the ideal listeners for your podcast? What makes your podcast different from others in your niche? These questions will help you craft a podcast that is relevant, focused, and appealing to your listeners.
Value is the word. You might be incredibly knowledgeable and feel like you have so much to share, but if your approach is "here's what I know" the audience will feel zero affinity with you. Instead, consider what your audience needs - it may very well be the thing you need too - and do what you can to create and share that information. And don't try to "sound like a podcaster", speak naturally and in your own voice, with a deep consideration to clarity and connectivity.
?? There are 8 billion people living on Earth, and even if you wanted to reach out to every single human being with your podcast, this is practically impossible. So, there's no point in setting such an unrealistic goal. I like the Diffusion of Innovations theory, which describes the pattern and speed at which new ideas, practices, or products spread through a population, in our case, our podcast and our voices. The main players in this theory are the innovators and early adopters, as they are the ones who try new podcasts and unique content before it reaches the masses. So, find your niche. It doesn't have to be spot on; eventually, you will identify your ideal target audience. Happy Podcasting!!!
Ensure your podcast provides value by deeply understanding your niche and planning content that addresses your audience's challenges and interests. Offer insights, practical advice, and unique perspectives to foster a loyal listenership.
The next step is to plan your content ahead of time. You need to have a clear idea of what you want to say, how you want to say it, and how long you want to say it. You need to outline your episodes, choose your format, and decide on your frequency and length. You also need to research your topics, prepare your questions, and gather your sources. Planning your content will help you create a podcast that is consistent, structured, and informative.
With how constant the world changes, and how quickly information can be proven or disproven, it's important to plan ahead. I'm not a fan of scripting my podcast episodes, but I never do one without an outline. Firstly, put a time limit on the show and work backwards from there, then you can piece out topics, or questions to fill out the time. I would rather have topics I don't get to than feel like I'm going on endlessly. Finally do your research, find other episodes on the same topic or guest, and try to fill in the gaps Something to keep in mind... while planning episodes months in advance is nice, I think you're leaving the topicality up for other podcasts to build upon. Things change quickly & your topics might not be relevant for long
The third step is to engage your listeners with your content. You need to use your voice, your tone, and your style to capture their attention, interest, and emotion. You need to tell stories, use examples, and ask questions. You also need to invite feedback, encourage participation, and acknowledge your listeners. Engaging your listeners will help you create a podcast that is entertaining, interactive, and memorable.
?? The best way to engage with your listeners is to conduct a live interactive podcast with a Q&A section for the listeners. You can encourage the audience to participate by inviting them to ask questions or contribute to the topics discussed on the show. This approach makes the listeners feel valued and appreciated. You can also give a shout-out to those who actively participate, letting them know that their contributions have made a significant difference. This demonstrates that you prioritize people over the buzz. Personally, I conduct my podcast live on LinkedIn Audio, and this format has truly helped me build deeper, more meaningful relationships with my listeners. Happy Podcasting!!!
Provide plenty of ways for your audience to get in touch with you that are natural to their day to day -DM you on IG, provide your email address in the show notes, send them to your website and answer them everytime! And don't ask them to do too much, they're there to be entertained / informed / educated - not to take a test.
The fourth step is to improve your quality with your equipment, your editing, and your promotion. You need to invest in a good microphone, a sound mixer, and a recording software. You need to edit your audio, remove background noise, and add music and sound effects. You also need to promote your podcast, optimize your title and description, and distribute your episodes. Improving your quality will help you create a podcast that is professional, polished, and accessible.
? There is a myth in the podcasting industry that some creators believe the quality of sound doesn't affect listener retention. The reality, however, is quite different. Sometimes a poorly produced, badly recorded podcast episode might go viral. Several factors could contribute to this phenomenon. For example, it might have a clickbaity title, covers a trending topic, unintentionally provide humor, touch on a controversial subject matter, receive endorsements from companies or influential figures, or ride on a cultural trend, or even simply be a stroke of sheer luck. While people might tune in due to the viral effect, they won't stay long. Unlike videos, where visual quality can be compromised, but poor audio quality truly annoys listeners.
The fifth step is to learn from feedback with your analytics, your reviews, and your surveys. You need to track your downloads, your listens, and your retention. You need to read your reviews, your ratings, and your comments. You also need to survey your listeners, ask for suggestions, and test new ideas. Learning from feedback will help you create a podcast that is relevant, responsive, and adaptive.
Feedback is essential for growth and providing value. But sometimes, the hard part is generating the feedback. In the beginning, you'll need to be proactive about seeking out feedback. I recommend putting together a "focus group" of 5-10 trusted listeners who you ping for feedback on recent episodes from time to time.
To ensure your podcast provides value to listeners, actively seek and incorporate feedback into your content creation process. Engage with your audience through social media, email, or direct communication to understand their interests and pain points. Use surveys or ask for reviews to gather opinions and suggestions. Listen to the feedback carefully—both positive and negative—and use it as a guide to tailor your episodes, addressing the topics and questions that matter most to your listeners. By demonstrating that you value and act on listener feedback, you not only improve the relevance and quality of your content but also foster a loyal community around your podcast.
The final step is to keep growing with your goals, your challenges, and your opportunities. You need to set goals for your podcast, measure your progress, and celebrate your achievements. You need to face challenges, overcome obstacles, and learn from mistakes. You also need to seek opportunities, collaborate with others, and expand your network. Keeping growing will help you create a podcast that is fulfilling, rewarding, and valuable.