🚀 How to (smartly) launch a podcast from nothing 🚀

Plus, 52 weeks of podcast growth

Alrighty, folks! It’s that time of the year when everyone’s bubbling with creative ideas (especially since Mars is not retrograding Gemini anymore and Mercury is going to be out of retrograde too, finally). Podcast events and workshops about launching and marketing your shows are everywhere. Today we’re starting the conversation on how to launch a podcast from nothing. However, this is a long conversation so it will span three issues. 

With words of encouragement peppered throughout, this part includes: 

• How to plan your podcast better? 

• How to choose the tools that support efficient creation? 

If you’re in a rush we’ve come up with a quick fill in the blank that you can customize as needed: 

My podcast is of the ____ genre, similar to shows like ____ and ____. Over a season of ____ episodes spread across ____ weeks/months, we cover the story of ____ through conversations with ____ OR a narrative centered around ____. I am creating this podcast for those who enjoy ____. 

Wait wait, we’ve got something shiny and new for you! 🌟 Meet: 52 Weeks of Podcast Growth. 

There’s a LOT of ways to go about podcast promotion & growth. Truth be told – they can feel overwhelming at times. So, to make it easier for you every week we’ll be recommending a simple and actionable thing for you to do to grow your podcast. Our hope is that if you were to implement these 52 simple tips, by the end of the year you might find that your podcast has achieved organic and sustainable growth. 

Psst…since we’re starting this week instead of last, you’ll see two tips instead of one. Scroll to the bottom to read this (and last week’s) tip! 

▶️ Now, let’s get that idea out of your head and into the mic! 

✅ Define your box. 

A common folly among new creators is this need to be “out of the box.” There’s definitely nothing wrong with being unique but before you start worrying about being out of the box, define what that box is to you. 

Earlier we shared the fill in the blank tool to help you define the box. Here’s some ways to help you fill in those blanks: 

💡 Know your why. 

This one’s pretty straightforward – know why you want to make your podcast. It could be just for fun, as a sales tool for your business, for a cause you believe in, a story you want to tell, or even all of the above. Only you can define this and you need to define it well. 

💡 What existing podcasts or combination thereof is your concept most like? 

No matter how fantastic your box is, there’s probably a similar one out there. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Podcasts are a blessed space where, we believe, there’s always room for one more great show. Do some research to find out what other podcasts like yours exist. 

This helps: 

• Create a template for your show. 

• Pitch your initial idea easily. 

• You understand what an existing show could have done better, that yours can potentially improve upon. 

💡 Who is your podcast for? 

I know it’s been said enough times but it’s important enough to repeat: know your audience and know them well. 

When you’re thinking about your podcast audience, it’s crucial to remember: it’s not your job to convert non-listeners into listeners, only to target current podcast listeners.

Start by defining who you’re creating this show for in the first place. Basic questions to help you get clear on that definition are: 

1. What does my audience listen to? (Probably the podcasts that we identified in the previous step tbh.) 

2. What does my audience want more of? 

   1. A quick way to do this is to search for the podcasts and genres similar to yours on the subreddit r/podcasts. Discussions will help you understand how your podcast can shine. 

   2. Join this Podcasts’ Discord channel to hear what folks want to hear more of. 

3. Apart from my genre, what other genres do they enjoy? 

It bears repeating: create your box without worrying about thinking out of it. A box created with intention is sure to be unique. 

➡️ I also recommend checking out The Podcast Host’s Personalized Podcast Planner to help get a jumpstart on podcast creation.  

✅ Choose your tools.

Now that the metaphorical box has been defined, let’s get you set up with tools to work on your box.  

Unintimidating options for USB mics under $100: 

• Audio-Technica’s ATR2100.

• Rode NT-USB.

• Samson Q2U. 

• Razer Seiren USB Mic. 

Easy-to-use editing softwares: 

• Audacity. 

• Alitu.

Recording softwares that reduce your work: 

Instead of recording on Zoom, we highly recommend these softwares: 

• Squadcast. 

• Riverside. 

• Descript. 

These softwares have specially been created to make podcast recording and editing easier. 

Podcast hosting platforms to help your show take off: 

We are blessed with many a hosting platform for a creator to choose from. I recommend checking out this guide on choosing podcast hosting platforms, complete with pros and cons. One of our favorites (who we are lucky enough to work with) is Ausha, for its awesome marketing and growth features all-in-one!

🚀 With that, you’re ready to start planning your podcast with intention!  

In the next part (which we plan to release next month) we cover: resources on production & editing. 

From the desk of Tink 

Midnight Public Radio is an improvised, absurdist comedy show from DC-based comedy Troupe The Midnight Gardeners League. Each episode parodies popular public radio shows by exploring different aspects of our planet, the universe, and beyond hosted by the fictional, and overly self-important, Ari Wood. They deliver the funniest, most-made up stories that audiophiles could ask for.

52 Weeks of podcast growth 

Whether you’re starting a show from scratch or if you already have one that you’re looking to grow, audience growth is likely on your mind. 

🥁🥁🥁 This week’s (and last week’s) tips are: 

Make a list of 10 podcasts similar to yours.

Find them on social media and give them a follow.

See? It’s just that simple! Stay tuned for more tips on podcast growth.

⭐ More magic: 

• Our very own Devin has released a deliciously good podcast recommendation newsletter - Podstack. 

• 2023 Podcast Marketing Insights from industry professionals. 

•  ICYMI: Eight tips we stole from the internet.