How to build a profitable podcast.
Still on the fence about starting a podcast? We've debunked common myths about podcasting you need to be aware of.
Podcasting has become an increasingly popular medium for people to share their ideas, stories, and expertise. At least 62% of all U.S. consumers listen to podcasts. A quick look at this rosy podcasting statistic will get you excited and enamored that you think about giving it a shot.
However, with its rise in popularity, several misconceptions about podcasting have emerged.
“You want to start podcasting? Everyone is doing it now, there are no audiences left for you”
“Isn’t it cost, like, a lot of bucks?”
“It may be fun at first until it’s not”
These misconceptions can prevent people from starting their own podcasts or can lead to misunderstandings about the podcasting industry. While this can be a considerable setback, you’re not alone in thinking this.
In this article, we will debunk some of the most common podcasting myths and shed light on the truth behind this exciting and dynamic medium.
Whether you are a seasoned podcaster or just getting started, this article will provide you with valuable insights and help you better understand the world of podcasting.
It’s okay to conduct some due diligence and be quite skeptical before diving headfirst into podcasting. You just want to make sure that you want to get it right from the very beginning.
That said, distinguishing between reducing risk and needlessly worrying about unfavorable outcomes becomes important, particularly if you've been deceived by partial truths or complete falsehoods.
That’s why we will focus on debunking podcasting myths to sort facts from fiction.
Talking like a podcast host is one thing. Preparing all the equipment and utilizing them is another. This is what leads to a common misconception that podcasts are complicated and only tech-savvy people can nail them.
While podcasts require some basic knowledge of technology, anyone with a smartphone or computer can easily access and listen to podcasts. Thanks to the internet and robust tools out there.
There are also many user-friendly platforms and apps that make it simple to start and distribute your own podcast. You can easily find tutorials and reviews of all the equipment you need shared by fellow podcasters.
So, as long as you are eager to learn, setting up your own podcasts isn’t as complicated as many people think.
While it is true that many podcasts are created with the intention of entertaining listeners, it is also important to note that there is a wide range of podcasts on various topics that are designed for educational, informative, and thought-provoking purposes.
In fact, podcasts can be an excellent source of information and learning for listeners. For example, many podcasts focus on business and finance, providing listeners with valuable insights and advice on how to manage their money and investments.
There are also podcasts that focus on science and technology, politics and current events, history, and more.
Many universities and educational institutions are now creating podcasts to supplement their course materials and provide additional learning resources for students.
These podcasts can cover topics ranging from literature to science, providing students with additional perspectives and insights into their coursework.
Like any other type of content, the amount you spend on your show depends on how high-quality you want it to be. If cost is a primary concern for you, there are many ways to create a podcast without breaking the bank.
For example, you can use your smartphone or computer to record audio instead of investing in professional equipment. You can also edit and distribute your podcast on an affordable platform like bCast.
If you want to create a more professional-sounding show, there are affordable options for recording equipment and editing software. There are also paid podcast platforms and software that offer more features and support than their free counterparts.
For idea brainstorming about what topic you should cover in an episode, there are tons of AI tools available. There’s always a way for every budget.
Many podcasters believe that they need to have a large number of listeners before they can start making money from their shows.
While it is true that a larger audience will give you more opportunities to generate revenue, it is important to note that there are many ways to monetize your podcast regardless of your audience size.
You can sell advertising space on your show to companies or businesses that are relevant to your niche. You can also charge for premium content, such as bonus episodes or exclusive access to a private Facebook group.
If you have a large audience, you may be able to attract sponsored deals from brands looking to reach your listener base. Your audience size can be a factor for your podcast popularity and authority, but they don’t directly translate to podcasting income.
However, one thing to bear in mind here is that podcasting isn't a quick way to pay your bills. It's not as simple as just creating content and waiting for the cash to roll in. Monetizing a podcast often requires a lot of hard work, marketing, and building a loyal audience first.
This is another common misconception about podcasts. Many people believe that you need to be a well-known celebrity or have a large social media following in order to start a successful podcast. However, this is not the case.
While it can certainly help to have a large audience or be well-connected in your industry, there are many successful podcasters who have neither of these things.
The key to starting a successful podcast is to find a niche topic that you are passionate about and have something valuable to share with your listeners.
It is also important to note that fame is not a prerequisite for success in podcasting. In fact, many celebrities and influencers who have tried their hand at podcasting have failed because they did not understand what it takes to create a successful show. It’s a lot different from creating social media content, after all.
Younger generations are certainly a big part of the podcast audience. But they're not the only ones tuning in. In fact, the podcast audience is quite diverse, with listeners of all ages and from all walks of life.
According to Buzzsprout, 50% of U.S podcast listeners are between the ages of 12-34, about half of listeners are between ages 35-44, and 22% are between ages 55 and over.
This shows that podcasts are not just for millennials. In fact, they are becoming increasingly popular among people of all ages.
While featuring guests on your show can be a great way to add value and create interest, it is not a requirement for all podcasts.
A lot of podcasts are hosted by a single individual who shares their thoughts, opinions, and experiences on various topics. Or, you can feature a panel of hosts who discuss different topics and issues without the need for guests.
The decision to feature guests or not depends on the goals and objectives of the podcast. If the podcast aims to provide in-depth interviews with experts in a particular field, featuring guests may be a good strategy.
On the other hand, featuring guests may not be necessary if the podcast aims to share personal stories or opinions.
After all, the key to creating a successful podcast is to provide content that is engaging, informative, and entertaining for your audience.
Whether or not you feature guests is just one of the many factors that can contribute to the success of your podcast.
Some podcasts are longer than others, but there are no hard and fast rules about podcast length. In fact, many successful podcasts are only 30 minutes or less.
The key to determining the right length for your podcast is to consider the attention span of your audience and the content you plan to share.
If you are planning to feature interviews with guests, a longer format may be necessary in order to allow for sufficient discussion. And if you are planning to share personal stories or provide tips and advice, a shorter format may be more appropriate.
Now that we have debunked some of the most common misconceptions about podcasting, it's time to start thinking about how you can use this exciting and dynamic medium to your advantage.
If you're thinking about being a podcaster, don't let these myths hold you back. There are many opportunities for success in podcasting, regardless of your experience level or audience size.
And if you're already a podcaster, keep these myths in mind when planning your show. Remember that there are no hard and fast rules about what makes a successful podcast. The key is to find your own niche and create content that is engaging, informative, and entertaining for your audience.
