12 Podcasting Best Practices

Have you ever pondered whether the podcasting rules you follow are genuinely enhancing your success, or perhaps they're simply myths we're blindly adhering to? Today, let's unveil the truth behind podcasting best practices. Think of it as if we're pulling back the curtain on an often misunderstood stage of the podcasting world.

1. Record a Test Episode First

Consider your first episode as a rough draft. Musicians, authors, and actors all practice before the big performance—why should podcasters be any different? Recording a trial episode allows you to refine your skills and ensure your content resonates before releasing it into the world.

2. Define a Clear Niche

Knowing your audience simplifies content creation and makes marketing a breeze. When you cater specifically to a group—like vegans for a dinner party—your content and marketing efforts are more targeted, resulting in a passionate, dedicated following.

3. Get to the Topic Quickly

Time is a precious commodity. People are more likely to skip credit scenes and intros, whether on Netflix or in podcasts. Introduce the topic swiftly to keep listeners engaged and ensure your content meets their needs right from the start.

4. Engage with Your Audience

Building a community is invaluable. Respond to comments and emails, and seek feedback regularly. This interaction not only enriches your content but also fosters a loyal audience who feels valued and heard.

5. Prioritize Sound Quality

A podcast should be easy to consume, both in content and in audio quality. A clear, consistent sound ensures your audience doesn't struggle to hear your message, making your podcast more enjoyable and professional. When they more attention to HOW you sound instead of WHAT you're saying, that's a problem.

6. Plan Before You Record

Avoid pressing record without a plan. Know what you're going to say and outline your episodes. While scripting isn't necessary, having a roadmap keeps your content focused and ensures you're delivering what your audience expects. I've heard people start their episodes, and you get. to hear the planning of the episode. Don't do that.

7. Have a Clear Call to Action

Guide your listeners on what to do after consuming your content. Keep calls to action clear and manageable—and don’t overwhelm with too many at once. Whether it’s subscribing, sharing, or visiting your website, make it simple for your audience to engage further.

8. Maintain a Consistent Schedule

Consistency breeds reliability. You become a trusted source. When listeners know when to expect new episodes, it becomes part of their routine. Whether it’s a morning jog or a Friday night unwind, being predictable strengthens your audience's connection to your show. This is huge if you're doing a podcast for your business.

Also, many people value consistency in schedule over consistency in value. That is backwards. I would rather get a "late" episode that was remarkable, than an "on time" episode that was "meh."

9. Build a Recognizable Brand

A strong brand ensures instant recognition. From your logo to your tagline, consistency in branding helps solidify your place in the podcasting landscape and fosters trust and recognition among your audience.

10. Showcase Your Best Episodes

Put your best foot forward by highlighting your most popular episodes on your website. New visitors get an instant taste of your best content, increasing the likelihood of conversion from casual listener to dedicated fan. You can look at your download stats to see what episodes are working better than others.

11. Create a Dedicated Podcast Website

A comprehensive website enhances your visibility and accessibility. Beyond platforms like Linktree, a full-fledged website allows listeners to explore and share all your content easily, improving your search engine presence and attracting new listeners. I use Podpage.

12. Optimize Titles with Keywords

Keywords in your titles make your podcast more discoverable. Understanding and incorporating search terms your audience uses to find content ensures your podcast shows up when they’re looking for it.

Check out Mangools, Ubersuggest, Keywords Everywhere, SERanking,  (there are TONS of these types of tools).

Remember, it’s essential to continually question and evaluate the conventions we follow.

Today's insights aim to clarify which practices will genuinely support your growth and which ones might be relics of the past. Have a go at these best practices, play around, and see what works best for you. If you’ve got stories or evidence to back a particular method, I’m all ears. Thanks for lending me your time today, and remember to share the knowledge—there's plenty to go around!