Worried about taking the plunge as a new podcast host? Don’t be!
Lots of successful podcasts were built on foundations cobbled together by uncertainty and valuable lessons.
Here are some expert tips that can help you get off to a strong start as a new podcast host.
1. Take Notes from Seasoned Podcasters
During the pandemic, a LinkedIn connection of mine shared some insights from his initial podcasting experience.
He highlighted common concerns, like securing guests and defining success metrics.
His journey echoed my own experiences with my podcast, Recruiting Hell, which I launched in 2020.
At the time, I was far from an A/V expert. Here’s the good news, though — you don't need to be an expert. You just need a compelling idea and a commitment to continual learning.
The main reason I regaled you with that story was to emphasize that resources like LinkedIn can be gold mines for new podcast hosts.
Plenty of people have been there before you, and you may be surprised by how much they have to say about their experiences.
2. Focus on Mastering Interviews as a New Podcast Host
Your first few interviews as a podcast host might seem daunting.
You don't need to be the authority in your podcast's niche right out of the gate, but developing strong interviewing skills is key to getting on your target audience’s radar.
Focus on extracting relevant information from your guests and steer clear of covering general news unless it adds significant value to your content.
Consistent practice and reviewing your own recordings will improve your skills over time, much like sports coaches review game footage to hone their teams' strategies.
3. Leverage Video to Enhance Podcast Visibility
As of 2024, about 85% of businesses with B2B podcasting platforms are integrating video into their podcast strategies.
Video has become essential for elevating visibility and engagement in the podcasting space.
Recording video versions of your episodes and providing transcripts can significantly expand your reach and appeal to a broader audience.
Incorporating video does add more time and effort to your production, but the benefits of making your podcast accessible and visible across different platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn are undeniable.
4. Foster a Relationship with Your Producer
Early in your podcasting career, it's beneficial to trust your production team's expertise on which content enhances the narrative and what might detract from it.
Tangential conversations are natural, but a good producer will help maintain focus and ensure that each episode delivers value concisely.
Remember, your listeners’ time is important, too. That’s why a well-edited, tight episode often has more impact than a longer, unfocused one.
5. Refine Your Metrics for Success
Many new podcast hosts overly worry about listener numbers, especially after the first few episodes.
It's important to recognize that initial fluctuations in downloads and play counts are normal and not indicative of future success.
Strategically timing your episodes for release can optimize listenership, like taking advantage of high-traffic times such as early mornings.
After all, lots of fast-movers like to listen to their favorite shows during their commute to work.
Ready to Start Your Journey as a New Podcast Host?
Ultimately, B2B podcasts are about relationships.
So the true measure of a B2B podcast’s success is in the quality of engagement with your guests.
That will lead to a deeper relationship with them, which will, in turn, keep your audience invested because people love real, grounded storytelling.
A loyal, engaged audience is far more valuable than larger, less invested groups.
If you have more questions about how to prepare yourself better as a new podcast host, we’d love to help. Reach out today for a risk-free, zero-obligation consultation!
Comentarios