Think of the last podcast you listened to. Do you remember the host’s name, or do you remember what you learned? Chances are, you don’t know the name of the host off the top of your head, but you can recall key points that you learned while listening to them speak. This is the world of podcasting. It’s going to take a lot more than simply stating your name at the beginning of each episode for your listeners to remember who you are.
It’s no secret that podcasts on nearly every topic are as abundant as there are stars in the sky, which just means that in the world of podcasting, you have to stand out to catch the listener’s attention. Yet, as with any form of art, the great divider is distinction. Anyone can start a podcast, just as anyone can paint, but not everyone can make their work stand out.
For aspiring podcasters, the key to success is consistency. Remember that just because you launch a podcast and post an episode, it doesn’t mean that loyal listeners are guaranteed to tune in.
In order to stand out, you need to find your voice. Being an authentic podcast host is one of the best ways to recruit dedicated listeners because they want to listen to someone they can relate to, who’s well versed in their chosen subject matter, and who has a strong identity in the audio sphere. Before hitting the record button, take the time to introspect and identify who you are and how you want to be perceived across the audio waves.
If finding your voice is something you struggle with, consider your passions, your expertise, your storytelling abilities, your personal experiences, and hone in on what makes your persona unique. What insights can you offer that others cannot? These traits can help you tremendously when it comes to distinguishing your podcast entity from the rest. Many hosts struggle with telling stories or coming across as authentic because they don’t understand the topic at hand or aren’t in tune with their target audience.
Once you launch a podcast, it’s important to expound upon your brand. Define your brand identity, including your podcast’s tone, style, and the values you uphold, then stay consistent across all platforms including your podcast networks and social media accounts. Additionally, your podcast artwork should be a clear representation of the show. For example, if you have a podcast about true crime, your thumbnail image should reflect that; listeners would be thrown off by a true crime podcast having a fishing pole or a tennis ball as its logo. Conflicting imagery can be enough of a reason for listeners to scroll past your podcast.
After establishing your brand identity and choosing an eye-catching cover image and podcast title, it’s time to work the social media angle. You probably read that and thought, “Great, another Instagram account.” Don’t worry! We have guides here to help you understand the different social media platforms podcasters advertise on such as Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Your podcast is more than just audio - it’s an entire resource for exposure waiting to be tapped into. Many of the most successful podcasts leverage social media platforms to amplify their message and to engage with their audience. This is a fantastic tactic for establishing brand recognition and garnering loyalty across multiple platforms. They do this by sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, teaser clips, and exclusive content to build anticipation and audience engagement. The more engaged your audience is, the bigger sense of community your podcast will have.
It’s okay to experiment with different social media strategies and platforms until you find one that suits your podcast brand. The goal here is to have a landing page that curious listeners can find when searching for your podcast online. Think of the possibilities: if you’re trying to sell a product and use a podcast as a form of marketing, you can have a link to that product on your social media account!
Content is king in podcasting and quality reigns supreme. A quality podcast not only has a unique literal and metaphorical voice, a strong social media presence and brand, but it also has excellent content. What’s your favorite podcast? Now think about why it’s your favorite podcast. Is it informative, engaging, and entertaining? Next, think of your podcast and how you, too, can make it informative, engaging, and entertaining.
The ability to craft a story regardless of your episode layout (scripted, interview, or conversational) will help to set you apart from the many mediocre podcasts out there. It’s worth investing your time and effort into creating compelling, well-researched episodes that captivate and engage your audience. Once you master your content flow, it’s important to stay consistent with the format or structure of the episodes, but at the same time, don’t be afraid to experiment and innovate. Variety keeps listeners engaged and eager for more.
Another item to keep in mind is production quality. This is arguably as important as content quality. While content is indeed king, production quality shouldn’t be overlooked. Here’s our guide to achieving superb-sounding podcasts every time.
Being memorable will help your podcast rise through the chart rankings. Finding ways to stand out and explore creative avenues in content creation, storytelling techniques, and branding will distinguish you from the rest! Happy podcasting!