Be a podcast queen (or king): How to build a podcast
Are you looking to start a podcast for your business? You know, when I have asked people what their goals are (content-related) for the next year, loads have said: “to start a podcast.”
I think this is FAB!! But I have also heard the concerns of “the market is saturated.”
This would be incorrect. Did you know there are only 5 million podcasts out there? Really in the scheme of things, that is not a lot of podcasts.
So if you are sitting on the fence and aren’t sure whether to start one - I say GO, do it! But use some of the tips below to help you on your journey.
Becoming your own queen or king of your content (or podcast)
Alright, so how do you actually master your own content, especially your podcast? Well here is some key advice I will give you.
Know your audience, know what they want, know what they need. When you know this, it is EASY to create content for them (as long as you are consistent). How do you do this? Talk to them, look at your stats and measure what works and what doesn’t.
Then, of course, know what YOU love talking about. Know what you love. To create content you need to love creating it and you need to love what you create.
The last thing is, build connections and create a two-way style of communication. Engage your audience, collaborate, and do what you can to build your network. Social media is a social platform - don’t forget that!!
How to start your podcast
Of course, for more step by step and practical steps on podcasting, see my valuable resource below. But here is what you need to know when creating a podcast.
You can do it for free, if you want to, you can do it all for free with no help, platforms and some headphones you use for playing music. For the tech side of a podcast, you can utilise. Google and YouTube.
You don’t have to spend money to start a podcast, but you might want to invest as you get deeper into your episodes.
When you start a podcast, we recommend having content ready to go for your launch. If you have three episodes uploaded, it allows for “binging” from your audience.
You can structure it out like this:
The 1st episode a small intro (who you are and why you are doing it - don’t promise too much early)
The 2nd episode share your story (history - what you wish you knew etc.) the background of you and your life
The 3rd is all about teaching stuff (asking people to engage with you - make it personal)
Don’t stress if you have already started a podcast, you can also add this to your current episodes.
What you need to do to start a podcast
The MOST important thing you need to remember if you are looking to create a podcast is “Just DO it.” I’m sure Nike has trademarked that, but... you are NEVER going to feel like launching it.
There will NEVER be a perfect time and the sooner you get out of this perfectionist mindset, the better.
Ask your audience what they would want in a podcast from you, inform your audience what they can expect from your podcast. It is all about creating the level of engagement before you have even launched it. Then, of course, building the momentum once you are up and running.
Also, please remember, your energy is EVERYTHING!! Show up with your energy, your personality and meet your audience halfway. Your energy will get better the more you create, but it is all about playing on your character and your brand.
One thing you want to have in a podcast, use the three “E’s”
Entertain
Educate
Empower
Entertain your audience with your energy, educate with your knowledge and empower them to take action from what you teach them. Work on the logical and emotional mind to give a balanced podcast.
The final thing you want to note is, there will be episodes where you have background noise, your dog barks or you drop the mic. Some you can edit out, but really it adds to the entertainment of the show. Laugh at yourself and bring in infectious energy.
If you forget to mention something in your podcast, add it to another show! Don’t stress.
How to market your podcast
So what are the BEST platforms to market your podcast? For us at Content Queen, it is all about Instagram. Using Reels (video content), lives, Feed content and stories to really showcase what the podcast has to offer. But we also use TikTok, email marketing and Pinterest.
Create a theme out of your podcast and educate on social media, drawing people back to listen for more information. Create a blog (like this) of the notes from the show.
When people ask you a question and you have a podcast episode on it, send it to people for them to listen and gain knowledge. When you think you have mentioned it enough, mentioned it again!!
Add the podcast into your content marketing strategy and DON’T leave it to sit there with no promotion.
What about rebranding your podcast
Okay, for my fellow already podcasters, what if you want to rebrand? There are a few options for you…
Start again (burn it down leave it and start again)
Ease into it (tell people it is changing and then ease into the new show with artwork and intro)
Have a break (have an extended break and then come back rebranded
Really do what works for you.
For me, I have done two of these. In 2018, I had a podcast “How do you solve a problem like Mariah”, it was about well, nothing and everything.
When I started my business I didn’t want those episodes or audience for the next podcast, so I started again (maybe I will pick up the old poddy again one day).
For my podcast now “The Content Queen Podcast”, it was called “Life as a Freelance Writer.” In early November of 2020, I rebranded. What I did was tell my audience about the rebrand, and eased into the next artwork, music, intro and name.
Final thoughts
How do you feel about starting a podcast? Here are the key points:
Create content you and your audience loves
Remember you will never feel like it is the perfect time
Batch some episodes to begin with
Google will be your best friend for setting it all up (or our guide below)
Market your podcast so people know you have one
It is all about consistency and growth. Continue to create episodes and remember growth takes time! Stick with it and your podcast will continue to educate others.