Podcasting has exploded in popularity over the last decade, offering an incredible platform for sharing stories, ideas, and expertise with the world. Podcasting is one of the fastest-growing mediums, offering an unparalleled way to connect with a highly engaged audience, build authority in your niche, and even monetize your content as the industry continues to grow, projected to be worth over $4 billion by the end of 2024. But with over 2 million podcasts available, new podcasters face a challenge: how to stand out and ensure their podcast is successful. Here some things you should do as a new podcaster to increase your chances of success and to sound great doing it!
1. Buy the Right Microphone
One of the most critical investments you can make as a podcaster is in a quality microphone. Audio quality is the first thing listeners notice, and if your podcast sounds like it was recorded in a bathroom with a cheap mic, people will tune out quickly.
You don’t need to break the bank, but you do need a microphone that captures clear, crisp sound without too much background noise. Look for a dynamic cardioid microphone like the Shure SM7B or the Rode PodMic. These are known for their durability, reliability, and the ability to reject unwanted noise while focusing on your voice.
USB mics, like the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB or the Rode NT-USB Mini, are also great for beginners because they’re easy to set up and provide decent audio quality without requiring an external audio interface. Just remember that investing in a good microphone isn’t about having the most expensive gear; it’s about ensuring that your voice sounds professional and that your listeners stay engaged.
2. Forget AI, Hire an Editor
It might be tempting to use AI tools to edit your podcast. They’re fast, cheap, and claim to offer professional-level editing with just a few clicks. However, AI editing tools are still in their infancy and can’t replace the nuanced decisions a human editor makes. Human editors understand context, pacing, and the emotional tone of a conversation. They know when to leave a breath or a pause for dramatic effect or when to cut it out for flow. They catch inconsistencies in sound quality, remove filler words naturally, and make sure that your podcast has a professional polish that AI simply can’t replicate yet.
A skilled editor will save you time, improve the overall quality of your podcast, and help you grow your audience faster. Investing in a human editor from the beginning will set you up for success in the long run. Remember, your audience deserves a clean, engaging listening experience that only a human editor can provide.
According to a study by Podnews, 74% of higher-income podcasters...employ a human editor to ensure quality control, compared to only 57% of lower-income podcasters who either don’t use drafts or rely on general outlines without professional editing".
3. If You Have a Product, You Can Monetize Immediately
One of the biggest misconceptions new podcasters have is that they need thousands of listeners before they can make money. This isn’t true! If you have a product or service to sell, you can start monetizing from day one. Your podcast is a fantastic platform to reach a targeted audience that’s already interested in what you have to offer.
Whether it’s an online course, an ebook, consulting services, or a physical product, your podcast can serve as a powerful marketing tool. Be strategic about how you present your product within your episodes. Rather than coming across as a hard sell, integrate your product into the conversation naturally. Share stories about how you’ve helped customers or why you’re passionate about your product.
You can also monetize by creating exclusive content for listeners who are willing to support you via platforms like Patreon. Remember, the key is to create genuine value for your listeners while offering them something they find helpful, entertaining, or educational.
4. Don’t Soundproof, Noise Proof
Many new podcasters get hung up on soundproofing, believing they need expensive acoustic panels or a studio-quality booth to produce great sound. In reality, what you need is to noise-proof your environment.
Noise-proofing is all about eliminating small, irritating sounds that can ruin an otherwise perfect recording. Start with the basics: make sure the chair you sit in doesn’t squeak, your desk isn’t cluttered with papers that rustle, and your mouse and keyboard are quiet. Move to a room with carpet or lay down rugs to absorb echoes, and use thick curtains or blankets over windows to reduce outside noise.
Also, pay attention to any potential distractions in your recording environment. Turn off fans, close windows, and silence your phone. Small changes can significantly improve your audio quality without requiring a huge investment in soundproofing materials. Remember, the goal is to create a clean, quiet space where your voice is the star of the show.
5. Don’t Stop After 10 Episodes. Aim for 50, at the Very Least
Many new podcasters start strong but fade out after just a few episodes. It’s a common mistake driven by unrealistic expectations. Building a successful podcast takes time and consistency. You might not see huge growth in your first 10 episodes, and that’s okay. Don’t give up! Instead, aim to create at least 50 episodes. This will give you enough time to refine your style, find your voice, and build a loyal audience.
Consistency is key in podcasting. Regularly releasing episodes helps to build momentum and shows your audience that you’re committed. The more episodes you have, the more chances there are for listeners to discover you. Use the first 10 episodes as a learning experience and an opportunity to grow. Analyze what works and what doesn’t, but keep going.
Podnews states, around 44% of podcasters stop producing episodes after just three shows. However, podcasts that reach the milestone of 20 episodes are significantly more likely to continue and eventually find success. Reaching this milestone helps you establish a routine, learn from feedback, and build a consistent audience.
Think of your podcast as a marathon, not a sprint. The longer you stay in the game, the more likely you are to find success.
Conclusion
Podcasting is a journey filled with both challenges and rewards. By investing in the right microphone, hiring a human editor, monetizing from the start, noise-proofing your environment, and committing to a long-term plan of at least 50 episodes, you’re setting yourself up for success. Remember, the key to a great podcast is providing value to your listeners through high-quality content and maintaining consistency. Stick with it, stay dedicated, and you’ll have a far better chance of standing out in the ever-growing podcasting world.
Happy podcasting!
-Kinsmen
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