Four questions to ask yourself before you start a podcast

Podcasting is a great way to get your message out into the world, but it’s also a lot of hard work.

For every show that’s listened to by millions of people, there are hundreds with an audience consisting of the host and their mum.

My weekly show makes me money, and I have systemised it more over the past six years to ensure it can work super well without too much time taken from my client work!

However, maybe step back, and pop down that new mic and headset newbie podcasters, as it’s essential to ask yourself the following four questions to determine if podcasting is right for you.

Why do you even want or need to podcast?

An audience is essential for a successful podcast, and you’ll only find one if you’re creating content with them in mind. If you’re getting into podcasting because your competitors have a show or because you want to hear the sound of your voice, don’t be surprised if you find it hard to convince an audience to listen.

The most successful podcasts deliver value for an audience, whether entertainment, inspiration, or information. Make sure you plan your podcast – giving us all engaging content that audiences crave, and you’ll have a much better chance of making your show successful.

In 2023, it feels like every second person is starting a podcast, but that isn’t a solid reason for you to create one if you don’t have the right idea or it’s not your passion. Why?  Because if you don’t nail a killer concept and create a show an audience wants to listen to, it won’t be a success. You’re much better off taking your time and waiting until you know you’ve got an idea people will want to listen to rather than jumping on the bandwagon because everyone else is.

Am I too time-poor for podcasting?

The majority of podcasts fade out after less than three months. Why? Because building a successful podcast can be way more challenging than most people think. It also takes much longer to build an audience than most people have patience.

If you’re doing everything you can to make your show successful, you’re likely spending upwards of ten hours per week on each episode. Getting traction and growing an audience takes effort and consistency, so if you want your show to succeed, you must be willing and able to put in the time and effort to make that happen.

Podcasting is not an instant cash cow

If you’re considering starting a podcast because you want to quit your day job, cool your jets because monetising a podcast is way more complex than people think.

Having a goal of generating revenue is fine, but you have to have an audience first, and you have no idea how long that will take to build. It’s always best to start from where you’re dying to put your content into the world, regardless of whether you’re getting paid to do it, and see where it goes. That way, any money you generate will be a bonus.

So, do I podcast or wait?

If the answer to “Why do you want to start a podcast?” is anything other than ‘Because I’ve got amazing content that will inspire or create debate or maybe entertain, and I long get it into people’s ears,” then think twice. Podcasting is a big commitment with absolutely no guarantee of success. The people I coach, those who have been successful, are those who consistently create valuable and engaging content that appeals directly to their ideal listener – and stick to it. If you’re passionate about every episode, you’ll be happy to keep going even when no one is listening early on. It can be so much fun, make you money and drive new audiences your way but be sure to do your homework and remain realistic about what it takes to reach your podcast dreams!

You got a podcast question you’d like answered? Happy to help – email me at amber@amberdaines.com, and we will reply within 48 hours.

Keen start your podcast but need a little help?  Download my free podcast guide at www.amberdaines.com or sign up for my online podcasting course to get cracking faster.