What does it really take to have a successful podcast? If you’re new to podcasting, this may be something you’ve been wondering about. There’s so much that goes into podcasting, it’s understandable that you might get a little overwhelmed. If this sounds like you, don’t worry. There are some simple best practices when it comes to your podcast that you can keep in mind to create a show that people actually look forward to listening to each week.
Have the right setup
While it is totally possible to record your podcast episode on your phone using your headphones, that doesn’t mean you should. If you plan to really build a following and successful show, you want to make a good first impression. And a huge part of your first impression is your audio quality. You can find some in-depth tips here, but essentially, you want to record in a quiet, insulated, space free from distractions and outside noise (when possible).
Outline your show
You can have a show that sounds conversational and natural while also being planned out. With each episode, try to outline the key points and takeaways you want to give to your audience. Creating a general outline of your episode before you record will ensure that you hit each topic you want to while also having a show that flows.
Include a call to action
If you aren’t familiar, a call to action, or CTA, is basically you asking listeners at the end of each episode to take action on something. This could mean you ask them to subscribe, review the show, get on your email list, buy your product, follow you on social media, etc. This helps your show and business because it pulls people further into your circle. You don’t want them to be a casual listener, you want them to be raving fans! The more contact and familiarity they have with you, the more likely they are to keep tuning in each week, and hopefully, turn into happy customers.
Be selective about your guests
Guests can be a great way to build your audience and credibility. By bringing on guest experts on a particular topic, you can bring a ton more value to your listeners…if you choose the right guests. While it may sound fun to bring on your cousin to talk about something you both love, it may not make a lot of sense unless your audience would be interested in it too. Try to find guests that have a similar audience to you but complimentary expertise so they can share things with your audience that you wouldn’t be able to. Furthermore, you can even do a podcast swap so you get some exposure to their audience as well! Learn more about finding the right guest here.
Make your show as accessible as possible
One of the best podcast practices to grow your show is to diversify the ways you share it. One of the biggest pros of podcasting is the audio nature of it. Listeners can tune in while grocery shopping, driving, working, or cleaning their house. They are so easily accessible and that’s a huge part of why people love them so much.
However, it’s important to remember that just because it’s accessible to most, doesn’t mean it’s accessible to all. There may be hearing impaired people out there who are very interested in your content and what you have to offer. By offering a transcript of your show on your website, you are ensuring that those people, or anyone who prefers to read their content, can still enjoy your show. Another perk of having your show transcribed? It increases your SEO and makes it easier to repurpose your episode (SEO is another one of our favorite best practices!)
Be authentic
Podcasts are exploding with popularity right now. There’s so much out there! The best way for you to stand out and get people to tune in week after week is to just be yourself. This is one of the most underrated best practices in our opinion. People are craving authenticity in their content now more than ever. They don’t want the same advice they could get in any other business podcast. They are tuning in to your show to hear your take on your topic, so don’t be afraid to let your personality and expertise shine!
This may seem like a lot, but with a little time and practice, all of these podcast best practices will become second nature to you when you are creating your show. Before you know it, you will be a podcasting pro!
Are you interested in learning more about becoming a great podcaster? Read more of our favorite posts here:
9 Podcast Recording Tips Every Great Host Follows
The Best Productivity Tips for Podcasters
How to Create a Podcast CTA That Your Listeners Won’t Be Able to Resist
