Ready to create a podcast that listeners can’t wait to tune into each week? There are so many podcasts out there, so it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the idea of trying to stand out but what makes your podcast special is you! So as the podcast host, you want to make sure you are not only yourself but that you are engaging and effective. But how do you do that? You need to have these key qualities:
Know your audience
This is the first thing you need to know before you start your podcast. Think about who you want to listen to your show. What are they interested in hearing about? Do you know what keeps them up at night? What problems do they need solved? Understanding your audience will help you deliver your content with empathy and understanding and helps build that “know, like, and trust” factor that is essential for a successful show.
You’re always prepared
This doesn’t mean that you have to script the whole episode out (though if you want to, that’s great!) but knowing what you want to cover and what points you want to hit in each episode will go a long way. Putting some effort into your episodes by researching topics and pain points will show in the episode and your listeners will appreciate you for it.
You’re conversational
If you were talking to a close friend about the topic you’re covering, what would you say? What tone of voice would you have? This is how you should sound! Even if you are the type to script the whole episode out, you can still make sure your tone of voice and the things you say sound friendly and conversational. This will put your guests at ease and make them feel like you are talking directly to them.
You’re engaging
Though you can’t see your audience when you’re recording, to them, it’s going to feel like you’re talking one on one. So try to imagine they are in the room with you and think of it as if you’re talking to one person, not many. This will build trust and connection with each listener and it will keep them coming back for more.
You find the right guests
Have you ever listened to a podcast that you were really loving and then you listen to an episode with a guest that you definitely…don’t love? Maybe their opinions are contrary to the topic of the show, or maybe they feel salesy and inauthentic. Whatever it is, the guests you allow on your show matter. Don’t be afraid to be selective! Choose guests that have a similar audience, a complementary area of expertise to yours, and that can offer value to your audience. Always keep your mission and values at the forefront of your mind when deciding who to have on as a guest.
You’re an effective interviewer
Speaking of guests, you want to be a good interviewer as well. How do you do that, you might ask? Be conversational with your guest and ask questions throughout the episode that deepen the conversation and add more value to your audience. Think about the things that they would want to know from the guest and make sure to cover those topics in the interview. Also, remember to research them ahead of time so that you’re fully prepared to ask the right questions!
You’re authentic
No matter how good your content is, if you’re not being true to yourself or your values, your listeners will be able to tell. Remember, this is your podcast so you can feel free to be your truest, most authentic self! Letting your personality shine in your episodes will only make your listeners love you more.
You’re a confident podcast host
Just like authenticity, when you aren’t confident, people will be able to tell. Always remember that you are the expert on the topic of your show, and your audience is coming to you because of it. Stand strong in your knowledge and you will get more confident with time. This will also help you establish your authority within your niche.
You never forget the CTA
What’s your goal for your podcast? Is it to grow an audience? Sell a product? Help people with an issue? Whatever it is, use it as your call to action in each episode. If you’re not familiar, a call to action is the next step that you ask your listeners to take after they listen. It could be to rate and review so you can grow your show, sign up for your freebie, check out a free resource, follow you on social media, or check out your guests’ website. Don’t forget to use your platform to make it happen. People tune in because they love you, so generally, they are going to be happy to take that next step.
I know this seems like a long list but don’t get too overwhelmed! With time and practice, you’ll soon see it that all of these things will comes naturally to you. You just have to get in the swing of it, and the only way to do that is to dive in and start creating your amazing episodes. You’ve got this!
Want to hear more about what it takes to be a great podcast host? Read more of our favorite posts here:
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