3 Expert Tips to Succeed at Podcasting

Take it from me; podcasting takes work. Sometimes, it can feel like an uphill battle, and it’s one of the loneliest online platforms. But, do it right—and you might just have yourself a rewarding new stream of income AND a way to build connections and a knowledge base. 

The harsh reality is 80% of podcasts die after 7 episodes. Why is that? Well, podcasting comes with unique challenges that few people realize would be there. For example, over-saturation, lack of feedback, and running out of content ideas are just a few of the many. 

So with that said, how do we come out on top of the 20% who make it? What’s the secret sauce that pushes them forward? After our illuminating episode with Eden Kendall, host of the Uncluttered and Unfiltered podcast, I believe 3 major takeaways can blast off your podcasting career/side hustle. 

Find Your Niche

It’s no secret that the podcasting space is heavily saturated and cluttered. While many podcasts are inactive, there’s still the challenge of getting discovered and downloaded. The only way to stand out in a busy market is to find your niche and become the authority on it. 

Eden gave a wild example of a woman who found success in podcasting by talking exclusively about Doodles (yes, the dogs). Nothing is off limits, and your creativity will spark interest in listeners. 

Choosing a topic you are passionate about and have expertise in (or even something you want to learn about) is essential. Doing so will ensure that you have an endless supply of topics to discuss and that you can provide valuable insights to your listeners.

When choosing your niche, you need to consider your target audience. Who are you trying to reach, and what are their interests? How old are they? Where are they? Understanding your target audience will help you create content that resonates with them and builds a loyal following.

Treat Your Podcast Like a Business

It’s noble to set out and talk about something you’re passionate about, even without the promise of someone listening. But, let’s be honest, of course, you want at least someone to hear and respond to what you have to say. Otherwise, who needs the microphone? 

If you want your podcast to grow, you must treat it like running a business. This means you need to invest time, effort, and resources into producing quality content, promoting your podcast, and engaging with your audience.

One way to treat your podcast like a business is to develop a plan. Set specific goals and timelines for your podcast, create a content calendar, and establish a promotional strategy. Consider your podcast's branding, including your podcast name, artwork, and intro music.

Another important aspect of treating your podcast like a business is to monetize it. This can include sponsorships, advertising, and merchandise sales. However, it's crucial to maintain authenticity and avoid promoting products or services that don't align with your values or your audience's interests.

Build a Community

The unique opportunity you have as an aspiring (or existing) podcaster is that you are in one of the most intimate mediums in new media. You are in the ears of people who want to hear what you have to say. That opens up a beautiful opportunity: building a community.

Your listeners are the lifeblood of your podcast, and engaging with them is critical to building a loyal following. I love what Eden Kendall spoke about in the episode. She explains how she built a safe place for women who are 50+ and looking for others to share their unique experiences and find support from others who are just like them. 

One way to build a community is to encourage listener feedback. Ask your listeners for their opinions and feedback on your episodes, and respond to their comments and questions. Engage with your listeners on social media, and create opportunities for them to connect.

You can even collaborate with other podcasters in, or close to, your niche. This can include guest appearances on each other's podcasts or cross-promoting each other's content.

Bottom Line 

Podcasting may not be as simple as getting in front of a mic and talking about what comes to your mind, but with some planning and consideration, it can be a rewarding experience that you would never have had without it. 

Find what you’re passionate about, create a detailed and organized plan, and work to build a like-minded community around it. It may not explode overnight, but with some time, you’ll see this medium's incredible benefits. 

Be sure to tune into the episode and get a more in-depth, and real-world take on how Eden Kendall found success in podcasting and her journey in the radio scene.