82. How to Start a Podcast When Nobody Knows Y ou Yet

Listen to “83. How to Start a Podcast When Nobody Knows You Yet” on Spreaker.

So you want to start a podcast — but you’re sitting there thinking, “Who’s even gonna listen?”
No audience. No big social following. Maybe just a handful of people who like your posts every now and then.

Let me tell you something: that’s not a disadvantage. That’s your advantage.

Most people wait until they’re “known” before they start. You? You’re building from the ground up. That means you have freedom. You get to find your voice, your rhythm, and your message without the noise of everyone’s opinions.

And if you do this right — with heart, purpose, and strategy — you can build something that not only grows but lasts.

So let’s talk about how to actually start a podcast when you don’t have an audience… yet.

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1. Forget the Algorithm — Focus on People

Everyone’s worried about downloads, analytics, and “going viral.” But when you’re starting, that stuff doesn’t matter.

What matters is connection.

Think about one person — the one who needs to hear what you have to say. Maybe it’s a new mom trying to rebuild her confidence. Maybe it’s a creative who’s burned out. Maybe it’s the version of you from two years ago.

Talk to that person. Directly.

When you speak with that level of clarity and heart, people feel it. They start sharing your podcast, talking about it, and showing up because you’re not just making content — you’re building trust.

That’s what grows a podcast. Not numbers — relationships.

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2. Keep Your Setup Simple (No, You Don’t Need Fancy Gear)

Listen, I’ve been podcasting for years, and I still use my good ol’ Blue Yeti mic — the one I bought off Amazon. It’s not the most expensive, but it gets the job done beautifully.

Here’s what I tell beginners: start with what you have. If you have a mic — great. If you don’t, use your phone or your computer mic.

The real secret isn’t the gear. It’s your environment.

I use a foam box and a pop filter attached to my mic — also Amazon purchases. That’s it. Those two little things make your audio sound clean and professional without breaking the bank.

Start small, then upgrade later. But don’t let equipment stop you from recording your message.

Because nobody remembers what mic you used — they remember how you made them feel.

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3. Create a Clear Concept

Before you even hit record, get clear on what your podcast is about and why it matters.

Here’s a quick framework to help you shape it:

• Your Purpose: What’s the deeper reason behind your podcast?
• Your Promise: What will listeners get from tuning in?
• Your Person: Who are you really talking to?
• Your Point of View: What makes your voice or approach unique?

You don’t need a perfect tagline right now, but you do need clarity. Because clarity creates consistency — and consistency is how you grow when nobody knows you yet.

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4. Record Messy First Drafts

Your first few episodes? They won’t be perfect. They’re not supposed to be.

When you start a podcast, the goal is to start. Not to sound like NPR or have Hollywood-level production.

I tell new podcasters all the time — just record something. Then record again. The more you practice, the more confident and natural you become.

Don’t delete your early episodes out of embarrassment. Keep them as a reminder of how far you’ve come. Everyone starts somewhere — and your growth becomes your testimony.

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5. Use What You Have to Find Listeners

Here’s the truth: you already have an audience — you just haven’t activated them yet.

You’ve got friends, coworkers, social followers, old classmates — people who already know you exist. Start there.

Here’s what to do:

• Announce your podcast on your social platforms.
• Share short clips or quotes from your episodes.
• Ask for feedback and invite people to DM you their thoughts.
• Add your podcast link to your email signature or bio.

Even if ten people listen, that’s ten people who chose to give you their time. Honor that. Nurture it.

Your audience will grow because of how you show up — consistently, authentically, and with real value.

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6. Don’t Chase Perfect — Chase Real

One of the biggest mistakes I see new podcasters make is trying to sound “professional.”

You don’t need a radio voice. You need your voice.

People don’t connect with polish; they connect with personality. They want to feel like they’re sitting across from you, coffee in hand, having a real conversation.

So if you trip over a word? Keep going. If your dog barks in the background? Laugh it off. That authenticity is what makes your podcast memorable.

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7. Build in Public

This is one of my favorite strategies — and hardly anyone talks about it.

When you’re starting from zero, build in public.

Share your process on social media:

• “Just finished editing Episode 1!”
• “Here’s the mic I use for recording.”
• “Feeling nervous but excited to hit publish today.”

Let people see your journey. It invites them into your story. And over time, they become part of it.

Building in public turns curiosity into community.

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8. Stay Consistent (Even When It’s Quiet)

This part’s hard — but it’s where most people quit.

You release an episode, and only a handful of people listen. You check your stats and feel deflated.

Let me tell you — every podcaster has been there.

But here’s what separates those who last from those who fade: consistency.

Keep showing up. Keep publishing. Keep learning.

That quiet season? It’s your foundation. It’s where you refine your voice, find your rhythm, and grow your roots.

Because one day, someone’s going to find your show — and binge every single episode you created when nobody was listening.

That’s the magic.

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9. Engage the People Who Do Show Up

When someone listens, comments, or messages you about your podcast — respond.

Say thank you. Ask what they loved most. Invite them to share your episode with a friend.

The people who show up early are your core listeners. Treat them like gold.

You’re not just building a podcast — you’re building a community.

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10. Give Yourself Permission to Evolve

You might start your podcast thinking it’s about one thing — and six months later, realize it’s about something deeper.

That’s okay. That’s growth.

Your podcast will evolve as you evolve. Let it.

The beauty of podcasting isn’t perfection; it’s progress. It’s using your voice to share your truth, your lessons, your journey — in real time.

So start now, learn as you go, and trust that your story will lead you where you’re meant to go next.

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Final Thoughts: Your Voice Is Enough

When I started my first podcast, I had no audience. No roadmap. Just a mic, a message, and a whole lot of faith.

And now? I’ve seen firsthand what happens when you stop waiting for “ready” and start creating from the heart.

So if you’ve been wondering how to start a podcast when nobody knows you yet — this is your sign.

You don’t need permission.
You don’t need perfection.
You just need to press record.

Your story matters.
Your message has power.
And your voice — your real, unfiltered, human voice — can move people in ways you can’t even imagine yet.

So go on. Start your podcast. The world’s waiting to hear from you.

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🔗 Want More Support?

I’ve been getting more and more questions from beginner podcasters lately, and I love it. If that’s you — stay connected.

You can listen to my full episode, “How to Start a Podcast When Nobody Knows You Yet,” on the Soul Podcasting show (Episode 83).

Follow me on Instagram @SoulPodcasting for more soulful podcasting tips, resources, and inspiration to help you grow your voice — and your vision — with purpose.

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Ready to lighten the load and podcast with more soul?

Let’s work together. Learn more about our services at Soul Podcasting Collective or book a discovery call to see how we can support you.