How to Start a Successful Podcast

Want to speak your mind and make your voice heard? Starting your own podcast is the perfect way to share your thoughts and insights, as well as promote your business (if you have one). About 32% of UK adults are monthly podcast listeners, and forward-thinking creators are taking advantage of the “audio renaissance” by tapping into this growing audience.

 

So, how do you start a successful podcast? The good news is, it’s easier than you might think. And with Huckletree’s dedicated podcasting spaces in London and Manchester, it’s never been easier for members to make their voices heard.

 

Here are the steps you need to follow to start a successful podcast:

1. 1. Choose your niche
2. 2. Identify your target audience
3. 3. Confirm demand
4. 4. Start promoting before launch
5. 5. Stick to a schedule
6. 6. Look for opportunities to collaborate

How to Start a Podcast with No Audience

How do you get your podcast out there and grow your audience? Here are a few tips:

 

1. Choose your niche

Decide on a topic for your podcast. Talk about something you’re knowledgeable and passionate about. Decide on your format – will you be doing solo monologues, co-host discussions or guest interviews? And what will set you apart from other podcasts covering the same topic? You should also select a popular, reliable podcast hosting platform to be your podcast’s “virtual home”.

 

2. Identify your target audience

Who is your ideal listener? Think about who you want to attract, and write up a listener persona. This is who you’ll be speaking to when you record your podcast. Having a solid listener persona in mind will help you to tailor your content to the right audience, and market your podcast more effectively.

 

3. Confirm demand

Make sure that your listeners want to hear what you’ve got to say. Do some research on your target audience – what are they posting about online? What are their needs and aspirations? What topics do they want to know more about? And what topics are they tired of hearing about? Answering these questions will help you to attract (and keep) the listeners you want. Something as simple as a Facebook poll can give you the insights you need.

 

4. Start promoting before launch

Write a clear, compelling description of your podcast and use it to promote the show before your first episode goes live. Attractive podcast artwork is also a must. (Use online tools that let you design your own podcast imagery.) Post on social media, pitch to podcast newsletters and apps, and make sure your target audience knows when to tune in to catch your first episode.

 

5. Stick to a schedule

Make sure you post content regularly and consistently. An inconsistent podcast will lose listeners and get negative reviews. Set a schedule and stick to it, to build a loyal following of listeners.

 

6. Look for opportunities to collaborate

Reach out to other podcasters in your niche, and pitch ideas for collaboration like feed swaps, guest spots and podcast parties. This will help you to grow your audience, and will also open doors for you to network with fellow podcasters.

 

 

 

How to Record a Podcast

Recording a quality podcast today is simple – all you need is a quiet space, microphone, a laptop or tablet, and some audio editing software.

 

Dynamic microphones are ideal for podcasting because they pick up lower frequencies and have less sensitivity to background noise. A dynamic mic with a USB connection will plug directly into your laptop and is generally more affordable and practical than an XLR connection.

 

After recording your audio, use the editing software to structure the podcast episode and optimize the audio quality. There are plenty of free and affordable editing tools available online.

 

Of course, if you’re new to podcasting, you might not want to invest in all the necessary tech right away. If you’re looking for a one-stop podcasting solution that handles all the tech specs for you, Huckletree’s podcasting studios are the answer.

 

Huckletree’s Cutting-Edge Podcasting Spaces

Test out your latest content in Huckletree’s custom-built podcasting studios, available in London and Manchester. These sound-proof spaces seat two, and are fully equipped with all the tech you’ll need to record your podcast – all you need to bring is your voice!