How to Start A Successful Podcast in 2024
I’ll be real with you. Although the industry's looking to rake in about $4 billion by 2024 and some podcasters are really cashing in, making hundreds in affiliate sales per episode, standing out in the saturated podcast market can be challenging. So if you’ve been thinking about starting a podcast here’s what you should keep in mind.
Understanding The Podcast Landscape
First, what's your “why”? Why do you feel like you need to start a podcast? If it’s to make money – there’s some hard truths. Podcasting takes a lot of time to make money even if you have a following already. One of my clients had a combined following of about 500,000 on instagram and it took them two years to monetize.
Is it because you like to talk about things that matter to you? Half of podcast listeners are women between the ages of 12 and 34 – who love listening to podcasts by other women. On the top end of the age range, listeners of podcasts have a higher median income in general, are more educated and willing to try new products, trends and trust the recommendations they get from their podcast hosts. So if you’re a woman who has a unique perspective to share and value to give to a niche audience, starting a podcast could be for you!
I always lead with honesty when people ask me about starting a podcast, because consistency over time is the only way to make your mark and eventually bring in some income from your show. Be willing to put in the work, and spend anywhere from 5-8 hours per week on your podcast to start with.There’s a bit of a learning curve as you learn the ropes, but if you can implement some strategies for time management and leverage technology for the editing and promotion process, you can do it!
Launching Your Podcast
Launching a podcast can be an exhilarating venture, and having a structured plan can make all the difference. Check out my blog post with a checklist for launching your podcast for more tips. Here’s what you need to get started:
1. Choose a Name for Your Podcast: The name of your podcast should mirror the essence of your content. It should be concise, easy to remember, and easy to spell. Opt for a timeless name that's also SEO-friendly to help potential listeners find your show easily.
2. Design Your Podcast Cover Image: Your cover image needs to grab attention. Use bold colors and maintain brand consistency to make your podcast stand out. The image should be high-quality, ideally 1400 x 1400 pixels to meet Apple Podcasts' standards. Don’t forget to gather feedback on your design! I use Canva for templates and easy-to-use design tools.
3. Craft a Compelling Podcast Description: Begin with a captivating hook that draws listeners in. Clearly outline what your audience can expect and showcase the unique perspectives of your hosts. Include a call to action (CTA) encouraging listeners to subscribe right from the launch.
4. Select Intro Music: Your intro music sets the tone of your podcast, so choose a tune that aligns with your show’s theme and energy. I use a royalty free website called Soundstripe.
5. Have Multiple Episodes Ready: Launch with at least three episodes. This allows your audience to binge-listen and get hooked. Vary the content and format of these episodes to explore what resonates with your audience. If possible, feature a notable guest to help draw in listeners and promote your podcast. I use Descript for recording and editing podcasts, and it’s super beginner friendly! For hosting your website, there’s a ton of options, but I recommend Captivate.
6. Develop a Promotion Strategy: Prior to launching, prepare a robust promotion plan. Utilize consistent email marketing and an active social media presence to build anticipation and engage potential listeners. Tools like veed.io and Opus Clip can help you select viral-worthy content from your podcasts and create multiple podcast clips to share on social media in minutes using AI.
7. Establish a Recording Schedule: Consistency is key in podcasting. Set a regular schedule for recording—pick the same day and time each week—and establish clear deadlines for when episodes need to be published. It’s more important to be consistent than put out a ton of content only to burn out. Podcasting is a marathon, not a sprint!
8. Analyze and Adapt: After your first 10 episodes, review the feedback and analytics. Be open to adjusting your content and promotional strategies based on what your listeners prefer. You can find this information from your RSS feed on your hosting platform.
By following these steps, you’ll set a solid foundation for your podcast and position it for ongoing success.
Need Support? I got you!
Ultimately, if you have a unique point of view and value to share, you’re wanting to connect with your community and willing to put in the time and effort, working in podcasting can be so rewarding! Wondering if starting a podcast is for you? Check out other shows in your niche and see how you could stand out or what else you can bring to the table.
If you need help starting or optimizing your podcast, I’m here to help! Check out my TikTok for more tips.
