You want to create a podcasting portfolio. What are the best practices to follow?

Don't just throw everything at the wall. Choose podcast samples that exemplify your expertise in your chosen niche. Numbers add power. Highlight these metrics to showcase your ability to attract and engage a specific audience.

This is important: you should not only know what to say, but also who to say it. If yout niche is only content ideas (I'll talk about X because I know about X) without a audience is not a niche. Do research about the audience (what to they consume, how they consume it, etc.) as well and tailor the content/format to that general public.

Defining your niche is key in podcasting. It's like finding your special corner in a bustling marketplace. You need to know what you're about: what topics you love, what you're good at discussing, and who you're talking to. It's not just about picking something popular; it's about what resonates with you and your audience. Once you've got that down, you can build your portfolio around it, showcasing your best work that highlights your unique style and expertise. And don't forget a catchy tagline - it leaves a lasting impression on potential listeners.

Go beyond the top downloads. Include an episode that challenged you – maybe a complex interview or a technical hurdle overcome. Briefly mention a specific production technique you used for a unique episode. This showcases in-depth knowledge. Client Testimonials Matter! Social proof builds trust and positions you as an expert.

Be brief and direct, if that's an interesting pitch, people will listen to the episode. Make the introduction about something else than the regulars KPI. What was the brief/challenge to solve? Why is this episode/format relevant? Of course you should always put results, but context is (mostly) queen alongisde content.

Make your podcast your personal brand, from the type of content you present to your tone, style and the audio choices you make. It’s going to have your own flair and signature, and your listeners would immediately know it’s you they’re tuning in to. Be you, and be authentic. That’s all you need to develop your own identity.

Showcase your most impactful work! Include an episode that challenged you or a technical hurdle you aced. Briefly mention a unique production technique you used and weave in client testimonials praising specific aspects of your work. This strategic mix goes beyond a highlight reel, transforming your portfolio into a compelling narrative that showcases your versatility, expertise, and ability to deliver exceptional results under any circumstance.

It's very important to build your personal brand. Your portfolio isn't just a bunch of episodes—it's YOU in digital form! Think about it like your online first impression. Use a good photo that shows your personality. Create a catchy name and logo that people remember. Stick to colors that vibe with your style. When you speak, let your tone be clear and engaging. And most importantly, stay real and positive. Your audience will connect with YOU as much as your content!

"Engagement" - there's almost no word more powerful in this industry. If you can highlight and include reviews, comments, even DM's you receive - all of this is important to showcase your influence. Qualitative insights are often just as impactful as quantitative.

The ultimate goal of any piece of content for an audience is to stablish a connection, make use of that conection not only with the testimonials or comments, but also with call to actions that prompt them to share, display and do positive evaluations. Once you have that, you can start scaling the community.

Leverage the power of the industry. If you're looking to have a portfolio for pitching, understand a lot of brands, organizations, etc are still not familiar with the platform. Podcast listeners trust hosts ~3x more than social media influencers. 87% of podcast listeners say they trust podcast hosts more than celebrities. Bridge the platform gap inside of your portfolio.