Launching a podcast can feel overwhelming if you're doing it by yourself, but you don't have to do it alone.
Since 2009, Buzzsprout has helped over 300,000 podcasters launch their podcast, and we've used everything we've learned to create this guide.
We broke this guide into 10 easy steps that give you everything you need to confidently create, launch, and grow a great podcast!
Choosing the right podcast concept for your new podcast is a big part of attracting the right listeners and staying committed to your show.
Follow these tips to narrow your niche and clarify your message.
Why do you want to start a podcast? It’s important to know your why, even if it’s to have fun with friends.
Some good reasons for starting a podcast are:
Podcasting has a lot of benefits for brands and businesses, but it’s important to be realistic about your goals.
While some podcasters shoot to fame, most have a small target audience that they build over time.
You should feel excited to regularly discuss and research your podcast topic. The more you enjoy your topic, the less likely you'll experience podfade.
Once you have some ideas, do some market research to survey the competition in your genre.
Search your show's topic in Apple Podcasts. Listen to a few episodes and ask yourself what you could do differently.
There’s always a unique angle or perspective to offer.
To make your podcast niche, focus on a sub-category or sub-demographic.
Drill down on what makes your podcast different. What unique perspective can you bring to your podcast’s topic?
EXAMPLES OF FINDING A NICHE
“The medium of podcasting and the personal nature of it, the relationship you build with your listeners and the relationship they have with you — they could be just sitting there, chuckling and listening… there’s nothing like that.”
When it’s time to launch your podcast, you have two options. Choose whichever one feels best to you.
A grand opening is when you build hype for your show before its launch. This is the approach used by most podcasters with an existing following.
Pick a launch date a few weeks away and reach out to people who might be interested.
You can pay for ads, submit to Apple Podcasts’ New and Noteworthy, or reach out to publications.
A soft open is more discreet. With this method, you publish episodes as if people are listening but wait on the promotion.
This strategy lets you get comfortable, iron out kinks, and overcome imposter syndrome.
When you see your podcast succeed in a lower-pressure environment, it's easier to promote it more confidently.
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