There is a whole lot of difference between “how do I start a podcast” and “how do I start a successful podcast.” In this blog post, we’ll be focusing on the latter. We believe there’s a thick line between a podcast that struggles to get listeners and one that make the most of their podcast.
As easy as it may appear to start a podcast, not many have been able to make the most of it. Only a minute percentage have been able to make the most of their podcast. That’s why we are interested in seeing podcasts that go from just surviving to thriving.
While there may not be a defined metric to measure a podcast’s success, we’ll rely on; the velocity of downloads, number of 4-5 star reviews, and the frequency of 5-star reviews as a yardstick. In essence, we hope to see these yardsticks improving and help many podcasters make the most of their podcast.
Here’s what you need to do to make the most of your podcast;
1. Define What Success Means to You
Not to sound cliché, but success does not connote the same meaning to everyone. For some people, a successful podcast may mean having thousands of downloads with every episode. A successful podcast may also mean earning a living from their podcast.
Your idea of success might be limited to having a platform to tell your stories or being able to sell advert slots on your show.
There’s a need to have your version of success. Identifying what will assure you that all of your efforts and hard work is yielding results.
Please don’t make a mistake many make with their podcast due to the low barrier of entry. That mistake is not having a goal in sight hindering them from making the most of their podcast.
2. Commit to a Long-Term Growth Plan
You may not like to hear this, but it might take years to build an audience. There is rarely a case of overnight success; even if it occurs, it may not be sustainable.
Embrace patience as a watchword if you desire to see your podcast amounting to something. That’s the only way you won’t be part of the growing number of podcasts that get abandoned in few months.
That’s not to say you cannot look forward to short-term goals. To be on the safe side, you have to play the long game.
That’s why you have to enjoy your podcast, the only way anyone will enjoy listening to you talking.
3. Know Why Podcasts Fail
The current podcast trend won’t end soon, but many podcasts will fail, and new ones will sprung up. Most podcasts fail, but the failure may not be immediate. There are about 1.75 million podcasts out there, and below half of this number are active.
There are many reasons why podcasts fail, and topping the list will be podcasters sabotaging themselves. What does that mean? You’ll see podcasters making content that she thinks she should make rather than what she wants to make.
That’s why you’ll feel that the podcast lacks any form of inspiration.
Sabotage is just one of the many reasons podcasts fail; you should strive to know why they and avoid the pitfalls.
4. Take Charge of The Show
Yes, it’s okay to consult with your audience for feedback. That’s only when you have an established audience.
What of the early days of your show? Who will you be relying on since you don’t have a known audience yet? That’s why you have to be decisive and follow your guts. The early days are where the work is; once you get it right, you’ll see your listeners growing.
That’s the place of your research at the start, knowing what your target audience wants. Later on, your metrics will reveal which part of your content appeals more to them.
Design a show that is going to serve your target audience right from the early days.
5. Have a Reason For Podcasting
Where most podcasters get it wrong is starting a show without any driving motivation. That’s why they quit when things don’t go according to plan.
Usually, things will not go according to your plan. A lot of things will test your patience and give you reasons why you should stop the show.
Life will happen to you and will make you want to throw your podcast show into a bin. Know why you are doing this, ask yourself often and respond to the question; then that will keep you going.
