How To Start A Podcast With No Audience
Thinking about starting a podcast but worried about not having an audience? Don’t worry. Building an audience from scratch is totally doable with the right strategy. Let’s talk about how you can lay the foundation for a successful podcast, even with zero listeners to start.
1. Plan, plan, plan!
Before you even think about recording, take a considerable amount of time to plan your podcast. What will it look like? What topics will you cover? Who might you feature? At this stage, pin down your tone of voice and identify exactly who you will be speaking to. Proper planning here sets the stage for everything that follows.
2. Decide on Your Niche
Choosing a niche makes it easier to market your show and generate organic momentum. While it's tempting to jump into popular topics, consider a specific angle or a topic that can really resonate with a targeted audience. This focus helps in creating content that provides unique value and stands out from the crowd.
3. Target Audience
Who are you talking to? Focus on a specific profile or demographic to direct your content creation. This could involve creating a persona based on demographic data, habits, and pain points—possibly even using insights from your existing data or competitor analysis. This targeted approach will guide your content and promotional efforts, which will make them much more effective.
4. Invest in High-Quality Recording and Editing
Producing high-quality content is essential, and this is where my team at the Podcast Boutique can help. Don’t let poor audio or awkward edits turn away potential listeners. Invest in good recording tools and take the time to edit your content for a professional finish. At the Podcast Boutique, we offer "done for you" services that handle EVERYTHING for you so you don’t need to question if your episodes are high quality. All you need to do is record and send it off to us, and we do the rest..
5. Branding Is Key
Your podcast needs to be instantly recognisable. This encompasses everything from your podcast's tone and cover art to your social media presence. Strong branding creates a cohesive identity that attracts and retains listeners. If you're unsure where to start, you can get in touch with our team!
6. Invite High-Profile Guests
Boost your visibility by leveraging the clout of well-known guests within your niche. These guests bring their own audiences, which can significantly boost your listener base. You don’t need celebrities, just respected individuals who can add value to your discussions.
7. Engage with Communities and Social Media
Don’t wait for an audience to come to you—go to them. Engage with existing communities on platforms like Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram, where your target audience will be. Share snippets of your content, engage in discussions, and use social media to build anticipation and excitement around your episodes.
8. Stay Consistent and Keep the Passion Alive
Consistency is key in podcasting. Decide on a publishing schedule and stick to it. This regularity helps build a habit among your listeners and improves your visibility on podcast platforms. Most importantly, keep your passion at the forefront. If you're enthusiastic about your content, your audience will feel it.
9. The Power of List Building
Even without an initial audience, podcasts are a powerful tool for building your email list. Offer your listeners valuable freebies such as checklists, PDFs, or exclusive content in exchange for their email addresses. Utilise your show notes to link to these freebies, making it easy for listeners to sign up and stay connected. This strategy not only grows your podcast audience but also builds your overall online presence.
10. Gear Up
Invest in quality equipment. You don't need the most expensive setup, but good quality microphones can make a significant difference in audio quality, which can heavily impact listener retention.
11. Keep Improving
Use analytics to understand what works and what doesn’t. Don’t be afraid to tweak your format or content as you grow and learn more about your audience’s preferences.
Starting a podcast with no initial audience might seem daunting, but with thoughtful planning, targeted content, and a bit of strategic outreach, you can grow your listener base from the ground up. Remember, every big podcast started small.
For more detailed guidance on launching your podcast, consider joining our Start Your Podcast Blueprint course to get started. Or, if you’re looking for a done for you option, book your call HERE to chat.
We’re here to help you succeed in the podcasting world! Happy podcasting!
Want to know more? Book a call HERE
Podcasting for Business Community
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY
Make it stand out