Ever been caught in the whirlwind of podcasting and wondered why it isn’t turning out as expected? We’ve all been there, right? Join us, Justin and Celine, as we unravel these mysteries, diving right into the heart of common mistakes new podcasters make. In a world where traditional media rules, podcasting is refreshingly different. But oftentimes, we treat it the same, overlooking its core – authenticity.
As a newcomer to the podcasting industry, you may feel overwhelmed with all the technicalities and nuances that come with it. In this blog post, we’ll discuss 11 Common Podcasting Mistakes that beginners often make and how you can avoid them.
1. Over-Producing Your Show
The podcasting world values authenticity over production quality. As Justin and Celine point out, podcasting should be the most personal form of content available. Unlike traditional media sources such as radio or TV, podcasting allows for a more personal connection with the audience. We urged new podcasters to be themselves, embrace their mistakes, and choose music that truly represents their message.
It’s essential to create a personal connection with your listeners, and sometimes, this means allowing for small errors and organic sounds that make your podcast sound more natural and relatable!
2. Thinking You Need Podcast Sponsors From The Start
Many new podcasters fall into the trap of focusing on sponsors from the get-go. While sponsorships can be a source of income for podcasters, it’s important not to prioritize them from the beginning.
Justin and Celine explained that sponsorship is not the primary source of income for most podcasters, especially those with smaller audiences. However, as the hosts reveal, sponsorships are not a realistic income source for a new podcast. Instead, focus on creating quality content and exploring other monetization avenues such as affiliate marketing, merchandise sales, and listener donations, or premium content.
3. Production Quality Over Content Quality
Another common mistake we highlighted was an excessive focus on production quality at the expense of content. While it’s important to maintain a certain level of production quality, the essence of a podcast lies in the ideas it presents and the topics it addresses. Even with rough audio, a good message will keep the audience engaged.
4. Not Staying Ahead with Recording Schedule
Another common mistake is not staying ahead of your recording schedule. This can lead to rushed episodes and can ultimately affect the quality of your podcast. Aim to be at least a month ahead in your episodes to avoid feeling overwhelmed and rushed. This will give you more time to focus on creating high-quality content.
5. Quitting Before the 20-Episode Mark
It takes time to build an audience and establish your podcast. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. It’s often said that the 20-episode mark is a significant milestone for podcasters. If you’re not ready to commit to at least 20 episodes, you might want to reconsider starting a podcast.Justin and Celine encourage podcasters to view podcasting as a marathon, not a sprint, and to commit to at least 20 episodes before considering giving up.
6. Limiting Yourself to a Specific Podcast Format
Don’t feel restricted to only doing solo episodes or interview-based shows. Your podcast is your platform, and you should do what feels right for you. Mix it up and experiment with different formats to keep your content fresh and engaging.
7. Ignoring the Power of Video
In our modern digital era, video content reigns supreme. Neglecting the potential of video could hold back your influence and reach. Video is an excellent tool for expanding your reach and engaging with your audience. Consider recording video alongside your audio and repurposing it for social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram. Think about the awesome tool we’re using right now – Riverside.fm! It’s like a magic wand for podcasters and media folks. It lets you do super cool stuff, like recording interviews with people far away, but it sounds like you’re all in the same room! Isn’t that just mind-blowing? So, if you’re a podcaster or work with media, Riverside is like your secret weapon for making top-notch recordings, even when you’re not actually together. How cool is that, right?
It might seem like extra work, but the benefits far outweigh the effort. Plus, with technological advancements, recording and editing video content is easier than ever!
8. Trying to Do Everything Yourself
While it’s admirable to want to handle every aspect of your podcast, it’s not always the most efficient approach. Podcasting involves various tasks, from recording and editing to promoting and managing social media. Outsourcing some tasks can save you time and energy that you can invest in other important aspects of your podcasting journey. It also prevents burnout and ensures you maintain consistency in your content production.
Outsourcing tasks to us proved to be a game-changer and it saves approximately 6 to 8 hours every week! This time saved is essentially money saved, and you can redirect your efforts toward other important tasks.
9. Not Creating Enough Content From Each Podcast Episode
Not leveraging your podcast episodes to create more content is a common mistake. Each episode can generate blog posts, social media posts, quotes, clips, and other forms of content that can help increase your reach and engagement.
10. Not Encouraging Guests to Share Their Episodes
Imagine this: you have an amazing guest on your podcast, and the conversation flows like a river. But, here’s the catch – if you don’t prompt your guest to share the episode with their audience, you’re missing out on a golden opportunity. Your guest brings their community to the table, offering a chance to expand your reach. So, before you wrap up that insightful conversation, don’t forget to encourage your guests to spread the word. A simple request can go a long way in growing your podcast’s listenership.
By providing them with easy-to-share links and engaging content snippets, you’re fostering a collaborative environment where everyone benefits. Remember, your guests have a vested interest in the episode’s success too, so empower them to be part of its promotion.
11. Not Being Patient Enough
Podcasting is more like a marathon than a sprint. Building a loyal audience and establishing your podcast’s presence takes time. Patience is the secret ingredient here! You’ve got to believe in the process, trust your content, and consistently deliver value. Just like nurturing a plant, you can’t rush growth. Embrace the journey and keep refining your skills with each episode.
So, don’t be disheartened if you’re not an overnight sensation. Great things take time – remember that!
In conclusion, podcasting is a journey that goes beyond sponsorships and production quality. It’s about creating a personal connection with your listeners, providing valuable content, and being patient with your growth. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can set yourself up for success and create a podcast that resonates with your audience.
Remember, success in podcasting, just like in any other venture, requires patience, consistency, authenticity, and a keen understanding of your audience. Happy podcasting!
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