Many people start podcasting with passion and enthusiasm, only to lose interest a short time later and abandon their channel. Or, they work really hard, but can’t seem to grow their audience. Here are some of the most common podcasting mistakes to avoid if you want to create a popular and successful podcast.
1. Not knowing your niche
If you don’t know your target audience, you won’t be able to create content that really speaks to their problems and interests.
2. Not scripting your podcasts
Some people think they can just hit the record button and rant about anything. NO. You need a beginning, middle and end to your program. At the beginning, you will have an introduction and a few warm-up statements and information. The middle of the program will be the meat in the sandwich, so to speak. The end of the program will be a summary, closing statements, and at least one call to action (CTA).
3. Not having a call to action (CTA)
Tell your audience what you want them to do after hearing the podcast. It could be “like” on Facebook, share, subscribe, take advantage of your great special offer at “this URL”, and so on.
4. Not setting a goal for each podcast
One of the main reasons why many podcasters don’t include a CTA is because they have not set a goal for the podcast in the first place. What do you want to achieve? More traffic, subscribers on your podcast channel, in your email marketing list, sales, something else? You can’t create a clear CTA and measure your results if you don’t set a goal from the outset.
5. Trying to do it all yourself
Some people want to be a one-man band and do everything themselves, but this will put a lot of pressure on you and eventually make it boring for listeners. Try to ask people who know about podcasting to help with the technology side. Make a list of people you would love to have on the show as a guest to chat with or to interview.
6. Not preparing the interview questions ahead of time
If you have a great guest coming on, make the most of it by writing the questions out in advance and giving them a copy prior to the podcast. In this way, everyone will feel less nervous and the interview will flow more smoothly.
7. Not having the right equipment
You need a high-quality microphone, such as a USB one that can record through your computer. If you are going to have guests in your studio area, you need to make sure your array can handle more than one microphone.
8. Not having the right recording software
You need a high-quality file that will be pleasant for your audience to listen to, without a lot of stammers, mistakes and long pauses. Audacity is the industry standard and is easy to use.
9. Not checking your recording level
It is really frustrating if any file has been recorded at such a low level it can barely be heard. Do a full check before recording.
10. Not using the right hosting for the files
Podcasts are usually recording in MP3 format, which compresses them down to about 1/12th their usual size while still retaining quality. However, trying to host them at your site can lead to uneven download and buffering rates, meaning pops, gaps and a slow experience. Subscribe to SoundCloud for around $150 per year. It offers unlimited hosting of files of any size and a superior playback experience.
11. Forgetting to name and tag your podcast with keywords
Attract the right audience by using the right keywords in your title and description of each podcast.
12. Using a homemade image
Your podcast should have a professional-looking logo to attract regular subscribers.
If you avoid these rookie mistakes, you should soon have a popular and profitable podcast to be proud of.
Related Info Products:
Modern Podcasting – Learn Profitable Podcasting
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