Should You Start a Podcast?

As your following grows on social media, you might start to wonder what the next steps are. How can you reach more people? How do you want to evolve as a Creator? Should you start a podcast?

If you are looking for a medium to round out your social media strategy, a podcast might be the perfect choice.

Podcasts allow you to dive deeper into topics that are interesting and important to you and your followers. Podcasts give you the opportunity to have guests and explore thoughts and ideas that might not be suitable on other social media platforms where you have less time to grab someone’s attention.

In terms of cost and investment, it’s pretty low. You really just need a good microphone and a computer to record and edit some audio files. There are dozens of free sites that will host your podcasts as well. Still, the idea of jumping into an entirely new medium and finding audiences looking for more than just a giggle on TikTok might be daunting, but we have a few tips to get started.

1. Come up with a format

Choosing a format is important to give your podcast an identity and some structure. Audiences will tune in because they expect a certain kind of show, and your choice of format is the first step in that process.

There are many different types of existing formats, but you can combine formats into a hybrid or even customize your own. Some popular formats are:

• Interview –  Interview podcasts star you as the host and each episode brings on a new guest. Interview formats are great because they explore a wide range of topics that open up discussions with your listeners. This format also brings in a new audience as the guest will promote the podcast on their channels. On the flip side, interviewing is definitely a skill that can take some time to master. It can also be time consuming to find an interesting guest for each episode.
• Solo/Monologue – This format is just you talking about whatever you want to talk about. This is the easiest format to get started with because you don’t need a co-host or guests. It can be challenging because you are the only one talking for the entire episode so it might take some practice.
• Co-hosted/Conversational – A co-hosted format works best when you find a partner you have good chemistry with. You can bounce ideas off one another or challenge each other with differing points of view. This format is great for free-flowing conversation that listeners might like more than a scripted monologue. The trick here is to identify the perfect co-host.

2. Mistakes are okay

It’s okay to make mistakes on your podcast. It shows your listeners that you are human and don’t have to use edits to make yourself seem perfect.

3. Be personable and funny

A podcast is an opportunity to let your audience really get to know you or see a different side of your personality. Share stories about yourself that put your sense of humor on display. Your listeners should feel like they are having a conversation with a trusted friend.

4. Be natural and casual

You should have some notes on general structure or points you want to make during the episode but don’t script out everything you say. Listeners will know if they are hearing a script and they would rather hear the real you, not an actor going through the motions. Be vulnerable and inviting and discuss topics that you have personal experience with. Sharing stories from your life will add authenticity to your material. Remember, you need your podcast to feel like a conversation. If you are natural and casual, it will be more inviting for others to join in.

5. Have a point to make

This is something you might want to figure out after you decide on a format. Your podcast should have some kind of central theme or point to tie it all together. This can also be important in finding a compelling title for your podcast. Your main point or theme should be something that runs through every episode. It should have something to do with what you are known for so it will have more validity and you can talk with some authority about it. This is important for listeners who either want to have their opinion validated or for listeners who want to hear an opposing point of view. Either way, the more listeners, the better.

6. Don’t expect to make a fortune

Unless you are Joe Rogan, it’s hard to get rich with a podcast. You can earn money through advertising but it’s usually a modest return. Think of your podcast as a part of your overall personal brand strategy. It’s another tool for you to use to engage with your followers and reach a new audience. It’s a good way to cross-promote your other channels as well.

If you are thinking about starting a podcast, doing some research on the gear and tech you’ll need is a good first step.

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