Podcasting has exploded in popularity. Many people are eager to share stories and connect with others through this medium. However, one common mistake aspiring podcasters make is overlooking what their audience truly wants to hear. They dive in, driven by passion and the desire to share their experiences, but fail to consider whether those experiences resonate with listeners. This often leads to a podcast that lacks the spark needed to capture and retain an audience.

The Allure of Podcasting

The appeal of podcasting is undeniable. Social media is flooded with clips from podcasts and advertisements claiming that podcasting is a get rich quick scheme..(more on that another time). It offers a unique platform for storytelling, allowing individuals to share their insights, experiences, and the narratives of others. Yet, simply wanting to tell stories isn’t enough to create a successful podcast. Many podcasters find themselves grappling with the reality that their stories may not be as interesting or engaging as they initially believed. I can’t even count how many times I’ve been asked, “How can I increase my listeners and my subscribers?” 

Understanding Your Audience

One crucial part of podcasting is really getting to know your target audience. It’s not enough to think that what you find interesting will automatically captivate your listeners. You need to do your research. If you ask friends or family, they’ll likely be supportive and encourage you to follow your passions. But let’s be honest—are they actually going to listen to every episode? Sorry to say it, but in my experience, they often don’t. It is essential to do your own research of the podcast space and your specific niche.Look for others who are doing something similar to what you want to do. Do they have the kind of following you’re hoping to build? What topics are they tackling? Tune into other podcasts in your niche to get a feel for what resonates with your potential audience.

Creating Compelling Content

So, what makes a story compelling? It’s about more than just sharing personal experiences. A great story includes elements like relatability, conflict, resolution, and emotional connection. Successful podcasts often focus on these elements, weaving narratives that keep listeners engaged. Take the time to craft your stories thoughtfully, considering what your audience will find relatable and entertaining. Too often I see hosts invite a guest and let them share their story, but the host isn’t guiding the guest to the topics that will bring value to their audience. The key here is VALUE. Focus on the content that will engage your audience and have them wanting more. You might be thinking, “Well, I don’t want to offend my guests by cutting out their tangents or specific stories…” I say, GET OVER IT. If you want to increase subscribers and listeners, you need to provide the most value and compelling content.

Finding Unique Angles

In a saturated market, it’s essential to find unique angles or themes that differentiate your podcast from others. Explore your niche and think creatively about how to present familiar topics in a fresh light. This approach will not only make your content more interesting but also attract a dedicated audience eager for your unique perspective.

The Importance of Quality

Good production quality and presentation skills are vital for any podcast. Listeners are more likely to stay engaged if they can hear your content clearly and enjoyably. Invest time in improving your audio quality and editing. A polished product shows your audience that you care about their listening experience. This doesn’t mean I’m telling you to rush out and buy all the most expensive, top-quality equipment. Too often, I see people purchasing the best of the best gear just because they see top podcasters using it, but they have no idea how to set it up correctly. As a result, they’re not using their high-end equipment to its full potential and end up with mediocre quality. Use the resources available to you—hire a professional, watch YouTube videos, and take the time to find the information out there.

Iterating and Evolving

Podcasting is an iterative process. Be open to feedback and willing to adapt your content based on your audience’s responses. Pay attention to which episodes resonate most and be ready to evolve your podcast to better meet your listeners’ needs. This adaptability can lead to a more engaged audience and a successful podcast in the long run.

Conclusion

Remember that the key to success in podcasting lies in understanding and catering to your audience. While sharing your stories is essential, it’s equally important to consider what your listeners truly want to hear. By focusing on their interests and continuously improving your content, you can create a podcast that not only shares stories but also captivates and engages.

Looking for help with your podcast or are wanting to get started? Reach out to PodProducer.com to get help today!