What do you do if you struggle to maintain motivation and consistency as a beginner podcaster?

Think of your podcast like a marathon, not a sprint! Break it down into manageable chunks, find a buddy for accountability, and reward yourself with podcast-themed snacks along the way. Remember, slow and steady wins the race to podcasting greatness! ?????♂???

Keep in mind your "why". My show is for families caring for a loved one with dementia. They don't get a break, so I don't take breaks. I was in their shoes for the first 3 years of my show, now I share anything that interests me that I know is relevant. I'm still learning best caregiving practices from my guests, so I know my listeners are too,

No lesson applies better to this than the famous saying "You fall to the level of your systems." It's tempting to be ambitious in the beginning, but never forget that Podcasting is a long game. Whatever you do, you'll have to be doing it once a week indefinitely because audiences are built with consistency. That's the north star you should be following. If that means you need to make shorter episodes, make shorter episodes. If you need to release once every two weeks, release every two weeks. It's all about building confidence in yourself, which is what your audience will ultimately be responding to and engaging with, so start with your absolute base foundation and grow from there.

Setting realistic goals is crucial for maintaining motivation and consistency in podcasting. As the industry evolves, it's important to understand that building a loyal audience takes time and persistence. By focusing on SMART goals, podcasters can avoid common pitfalls and instead create a sustainable growth strategy. Additionally, the podcasting landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, making it essential to celebrate small milestones and continually adapt to listener feedback to stay relevant and engaged.

Definitely know your why and set a realistic publishing schedule for what you think you can actually achieve. Build in regular breaks that you take at the same time every year so you can refresh and renew. Make sure you set qualitative goals, such as learning from your array of upcoming guests and getting to know yourself better through any solo episodes. Don’t worry about the numbers.

Have 5-7 episodes banked before you begin publishing. Shit happens, so it’s always great to have a back up episode. Being consistent is so key with podcasting.

As you delve into podcasting, it's essential to establish a schedule that suits your workflow. If you're starting, take the time to experiment and determine the rhythm that works best for you. Even if you're already in the process of launching your podcast, don't hesitate to pause and refine your schedule. I suggest utilizing a calendar template to map out your podcasting journey monthly. This allows you to visualize and plan each episode's development process effectively.

Think of your podcast like a TV season. How many episodes will you aim to release, how often and when will the season end and when will it start again. This creates a framework for you to work off and also gives you clear milestones for your production cycle. By doing this you should be able to plan far ahead and always keep looking to the future of where the show will go. If you change your release frequency or any other areas do it during a season break so you're not changing midway through because that means your audience will also get used to this same schedule to tune in.

Having fun and keep experimenting is actually the heart and soul of what keeps your show fresh and exciting. There's no one-size-fits-all formula for success in podcasting. So, think outside the box. And if something doesn't work out, it's okay! Every experiment is a learning opportunity that helps you grow as a podcaster. Just keep having fun, keep experimenting, and keep sharing your passion!

Establish specific and achievable goals for your podcast. Define what you want to achieve with each episode. Engage with your listeners. Know that people are listening and benefiting from your podcast. Listen to podcasts in your niche or industry. Engage with other podcasters. If you feel burnt out or stagnant, consider experimenting with new formats or exploring different topics within your niche. Burnout can happen, so it's important to recognize when you need a break. Consider collaborating with other podcasters or industry experts. Establish a regular schedule for releasing episodes and stick to it. Having someone who understands your journey can provide encouragement and support during low engagement or burnout phases.

Part of keeping things going isn't "winging it". When I start a podcast with my customers, I tell them they need to have a guest list of SIXTY FIVE prospective people they can talk to. Many shows run into the trouble of not knowing who they should have on. If you're doing a B2B podcast with the intent of marketing to your customers and guests, you need to be able to establish authority in your space by being consistent. Find 50 great fit guests, 10 guests that if they said "yes" would blow your mind, and 5 folks who you trust to help you launch your show. Don't let your podcast peter out because you didn't find enough guests off the dock.

Think about why you started your podcast. Remember the passion and goals you had. Listening to your favourite episodes or reading positive feedback can remind you of the impact you're making. This can help boost your motivation.