How to Start a Podcast That Will Have an Impact

We all have something cool to say, a unique gift to share, and our very own message to spread. As entrepreneurs, it's super important to get this, because our success depends on how well we can communicate our ideas and products. We might have the most amazing product ever, but if nobody knows about it, what's the point?

In today's crazy-fast, competitive world, we need to stand out from the crowd. One of the best ways to do that is by starting your own podcast. As you can probably tell, I'm a big fan of podcasts since it's one of my main things, and I truly believe there's so much potential here that we haven't even discovered yet.

I recently had an awesome chat with Candice Bar, a media guru. We talked about everything from nailing down your message to hiring a team, creating top-notch content, and of course - how and why to start a podcast.

This conversation was packed with helpful tips, and it got me pumped to share all the knowledge I've gathered over the years on how to make a podcast that really makes a difference.

So, let's jump right in and get started!

Why Podcasting?

Podcasting is one of the most effective ways to reach and engage with your audience right now. And as an entrepreneur, that’s a huge part of your job.

When it comes to getting your message out there, there are a ton of ways to do it but few of them are as effective and engaging as podcasting.

Whether you're looking to promote your product or service, establish yourself as a thought leader, or simply connect with your target market on a deeper level, podcasting offers an unparalleled opportunity to do just that.

There are a few reasons why podcasting is the hottest choice right now, and I’ll explain them all here.

Become an Expert

First and foremost, podcasting lets you instantly share your unique message and expertise with a massive audience.

Because of the nature of podcasting, you have time to craft a very specific, sophisticated message to your audience. And as you consistently put out top-notch content, you can establish yourself as a true thought leader in your niche and build a fanbase of listeners who are hooked on what you have to say.

This can lead to some serious visibility and recognition for your brand and open up new opportunities for collaborations and partnerships.

Low Barrier to Entry

Let's not forget about how low-cost and accessible podcasting is. All you need is a mic, a computer, and an internet connection, and you're good to go.

There are so many free or cheap hosting platforms available, too. No more spending tons of money on traditional advertising or PR - with podcasting, you get to create and distribute your own content on your own terms.

Convenience

Unlike other forms of media that require your audience to sit down and consume it, such as video or written content, podcasts can be consumed on the go.

Listeners can tune in while commuting to work, working out, or even doing household chores. That means your listeners are completely tuned into your message and not distracted by anything else.

This makes podcasting an ideal platform to reach busy professionals who are constantly on the move and form a connection to their lives.

Build a Community

Speaking of connection, podcasting is the ultimate way to build real connections and foster a sense of community with your listeners.

By featuring guests, answering questions, and getting your audience involved, you can create a two-way dialogue that builds trust and engagement. That's some serious customer loyalty and advocacy right there, my friends.

Create a Niche

In addition to the community it builds, podcasting also offers a level of specificity and intimacy that is difficult to achieve with other forms of media.

Unlike radio or television, which often rely on ads and commercials, podcasts can be personalized to cater to the specific interests and preferences of your audience. You can create content that resonates with your listeners and connects with them on a deeper, emotional level.

This can lead to a more engaged and loyal audience that is more likely to stick with you for the long haul.

As you can see, podcasting is one of the best and most effective ways to reach an audience right now, however so many people I talk to struggle with getting started because of one thing- their mindset.

Mindset Shift

Let me tell you a little secret, when I first started, I was terrified.

It took me two full weeks to release my first episode after I recorded it because I didn’t feel like it was good enough. My mindset wasn’t right and I let the feelings of imposter syndrome and the fear of being judged take over.

So if you feel the same way, don’t worry, you’re not alone. A few mindset shifts can make all the difference.

Imposter Syndrome

Let's get real for a minute, everyone feels a little bit of imposter syndrome when they start something new, especially when it comes to creating content and putting yourself out into the world for people to judge.

Imposter syndrome can show up as that little voice in your head that says "Who am I to have a podcast? Who's going to listen to me? What if I say something stupid?" But here's the thing, everyone has to start somewhere. And that voice is just there because you’re expanding your comfort zone, it doesn’t have to be listened to.

Fear of Being Judged

Once you dissect imposter syndrome a little bit, you will see what is at the root of it- the fear of being judged.

Look, I get it.

Putting yourself and your ideas out there for the world to see can be scary.

But if you're not willing to take a risk and put yourself out there, you're never going to grow or achieve your goals. Don't let the fear of being judged hold you back from sharing your message with the world.

The key is to shift your mindset from "What if people judge me?" to "What if people love what I have to say?"

Focus on the positive outcomes that could come from sharing your message with the world. Remember, there will always be haters and trolls, but they don't matter. Focus on the people who will connect with your message and find value in what you have to say.

I promise, once you take the first step not only will you realize that the worst-case scenario you built up in your head will never happen, but you will feel more free and confident than you ever have before, and you won’t ever look back.

How To Start

Alright, now that our mindset is right, it’s time to get down to business - how to start your own podcast as an entrepreneur.

The good news is that getting started is easier than you might think, and you don't need a ton of fancy equipment or technical know-how. We can actually break down how to start into a few easy steps.

Plan: First things first, you need to decide on the topic and format of your podcast.

What are you passionate about? What are your areas of expertise? What will resonate with your audience? These are all important questions to consider when choosing your podcast's focus.

And as far as format, will it be a solo show or will you have guests? Will it be interview-style or more of a narrative format?

Equipment: Once you've settled on your topic and format, it's time to choose your equipment. As I mentioned earlier, you don't need a lot of fancy gear to get started.

A decent microphone is a must, but you don't need to break the bank on it. There are plenty of affordable options out there that will do the job just fine. And of course, you'll need a computer and an internet connection to record and upload your episodes.

Yes, that’s seriously all you will need.

Hosting: Next, you'll need to choose your hosting platform. There are a variety of free or low-cost options available, such as Anchor, Buzzsprout, and Podbean.

These platforms will handle the technical side of things, such as hosting your episodes and distributing them to various podcast directories, so you can focus on creating great content.

Schedule:  Speaking of content, it's important to create a consistent schedule and stick to it.

Whether you decide to release new episodes weekly, biweekly, or monthly, it's important to establish a routine so your listeners know what to expect. And when it comes to creating content, don't be afraid to experiment and try new things.

The beauty of podcasting is that you have the freedom to create the kind of show you want, so have fun with it!

Promote: Finally, don't forget to promote your podcast. Share it on social media, reach out to potential guests or collaborators, and ask your listeners for feedback and reviews. The more you put yourself out there, the more your audience will grow.

Advanced Tips

What kind of podcast host would I be if I didn’t go a little more in-depth and share some of my own secret tips for being successful?

As you gain experience and become more comfortable with podcasting, you can start to incorporate some of these advanced techniques that can take your podcast to the next level.

Improve Audio Quality While it's possible to start a podcast with just a computer and a microphone, investing in quality equipment and improving audio quality can make a big difference in your podcast's popularity.

Consider purchasing a good microphone, headphones, soundproof panels, and a pop filter to reduce background noise and improve the overall listening experience.

Collaborate With Other Podcasters: Collaborating with other podcasters in your niche can help you reach a wider audience and build relationships within the podcasting community.

Consider reaching out to other podcasters to guest on each other's shows or do a joint episode. This can help you cross-promote your shows and expand your listenership.

Leverage Social Media: Social media can be a powerful tool to promote your podcast and engage with your audience. Consider creating social media accounts for your podcast and using platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to share behind-the-scenes content, promote new episodes, and interact with your listeners.

Optimize For Search: Search engine optimization (SEO) is not just for written content. You can also optimize your podcast for search engines by including relevant keywords in your episode titles, descriptions, and show notes. This can help your podcast appear higher in search results and attract new listeners.

Wrap-Up

There you have it! Podcasting is one of the hottest and most effective ways to reach and engage with your audience right now, and it's time for you to start creating content that matters.

The low barrier to entry, convenience, and ability to build a community and create a powerful niche make podcasting an unparalleled opportunity for entrepreneurs like you to share your unique message and expertise with a massive audience.

So grab your mic, hit record, and let's go!

With consistency and dedication, you can establish yourself as a true thought leader in your niche, and open up new opportunities for collaborations and partnerships.

If you want to learn more about podcasting or how to build the rest of your media empire, check out my full conversation with Candice.

That’s it for this week; thanks for reading!

I’ll be back next week with more success stories

If you enjoyed this article, I’d love to hear from you.

Reply to this email or tweet at me @ScottDClary and I'll do my best to get back to everyone!

The lead image for this article was generated by HackerNoon's AI Image Generator via the prompt "podcast studio".