Are you a new podcaster? Or maybe you’re thinking about starting a podcast but maybe you’re hung up on the logistics? Is it on your list for 2025 marketing goals? Whatever your situation is, if you’re thinking about starting a podcast (or are still in the early stages), this episode is for you! I’m sharing my top tips for new podcasters based on my 5.5 years (289 shows later!) of podcasting. Basically, these are the things I wish I knew before I hit record on my very first podcast episode.
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1. Invest In Good Audio Quality
This is a mistake I see too many new podcasters make. You think — I don’t want to invest money in equipment if this thing doesn’t take off. Or maybe you think, “I’ll buy a mic AFTER I get through my first 10 or so episodes.” While I totally see where you’re coming from, that’s a bad plan. Because the truth is, if your audio is bad, it doesn't matter how good the content is, people won’t want to listen.
So, you’re essentially shooting yourself in the foot before you even get started.
Plus, I’d add that I think some people have a false perception that podcast equipment is really expensive and confusing to use. I actually think I thought that when I started too. I don’t consider myself a techy person. But my mic that I started my show with (and still use today) was around $60 and it’s WONDERFUL. My whole equipment set up is under $100 total (you can find what I use in this free podcast equipment guide here!).
So, even if you’re not “all in” on your show but you have decided to start it, invest in your audio quality. And say you do “quit the show” (I hope you don’t, but if that happens)... then you can use the mic for other things in your business, like being a guest on a podcast, guest speaking, making your meetings with clients higher quality, YouTube videos, etc. It’s never going to be a bad investment (especially at $60).
2. Get over how you sound, and get it out there!
Just about every new podcaster is self conscious about their voice and how they sound. You’ll likely say “um” more, need to start over often, may talk in a weird cadence or sound like you’re reading a script. That’s very normal, especially in the beginning. You do not need to have a perfect radio voice to have a successful podcast, and your voice confidence will grow over time!
For example, in Podcast Success Blueprint, I have a whole lesson all about developing your “podcast voice” that will definitely help you if you’re a new (or even established) podcaster.
I think your delivery does matter, but it is something that truly grows over time and with practice! In fact, to show you what I mean, I shared a few seconds of my very first episode. So if you want to find out what I sounded like 280+ episodes ago, you’ll have to tune in!
To be fair, I also sound a lot younger there and was less confident on things. But it’s still something to know that you will get better over time! But something I’ve seen podcasters do is record and re-record and re-record their first few episodes and over-edit them and stress over them forever and then never launch.
I get it. It’s intimidating. But just get it out there. You likely won't love how you sound in your first few episodes, you might make some mistakes, and that’s ok!
A little bonus tip: I also recommend launching your show with THREE episodes at once ideally too to get people some content to binge all at once, and this gives you three tries.
From there, record the first episode (01) LAST in your lineup of recordings! Often, episode 1 feels really intimidating and is often your personal story to some extent, which is harder to record, so do it last and release the first three together.
3. Do podcasting YOUR WAY, with your unique spin, perspective, and voice.
This one is more mindset than actionable, but trust me, you need this tip.
You likely are starting a podcast because you’re someone who enjoys listening to podcasts. I was! I was a huge podcast fan. I just want to encourage you, in order to really develop your own unique perspective and podcast voice, to consider stopping listening or reducing listening to whatever shows that are within your exact niche, at least a little bit as you're starting your show.
Why?! Because it gives you fewer thoughts in your mind about what everyone else is saying in your space and instead just leaves you with what you’re learning, who you want to interview, etc.
This doesn’t mean you have to stop all together or you never look at anything that person does, but you’re removing distractions.
Further to this point: don’t make a podcast that is just like everyone else’s. Don’t be afraid to share your UNIQUE perspective. Podcasting is a personal brand business by default, and people are coming to hear you speak (or interview). So interview the way you want, share your thoughts on things the way you want, and don’t feel like your content has to be the same as everyone else’s.
Some people believe podcasting is oversaturated. It’s totally not. You can quote me on that.
I truly believe audio is the medium of the now and the future. I would even just point to, and you can kind of do a quick Google search on this, but how big audiobooks have grown and are continuing to grow. As an example, Harry Potter, that whole book series is being rerecorded in a new audiobook. There's always been an audiobook for it, but they're rerecording it with a full cast and all the bells and whistles of music and making it like a fully immersive audio experience. My point is, that audiobooks are growing, and podcasts are continuing to grow too. And as podcasts continue to grow, more and more people of all ages are discovering the wonders of listening to podcasts.
Plus, the cool thing too, is that Podcast SEO is always growing and improving making it easier and easier for people to find you STRAIGHT FROM YOUR PODCAST. You don’t need an audience already to have a successful show. With the right topics, getting niche, sharing your own perspective, and focusing on things like great audio… people can find you straight on their podcast app, start listening, and then come to you for other things - like purchases!
Read more: 3 Advanced Podcasting Tips That Will Boost Your Downloads, Save You Time, and Make More Money
Tips for New Podcasters
Don’t forget to grab my FREE podcast equipment guide with everything you need to start your show. Plus. if you want a course to take you step-by-step through the process of starting your own podcast, you need to join Podcast Success Blueprint. I share tips like what I just talked to you about in this episode and SO MUCH MORE.
It really is an A to Z of getting your show off the ground and then not only getting it launched but also making quality content, being a good interviewer, recording great solo episodes, monetizing your podcast through things like ads, and promoting your own content, how to market your show—the list goes on and on! There's also a Facebook group with it to get support from myself and other community members in that way. I’d love to support you inside!
Links Mentioned:
Join Podcast Success Blueprint
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