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Thinking About Starting a Podcast? Here’s What You Need to Know First
In today’s noisy digital landscape, brands are constantly searching for ways to create authentic, lasting connections with their audience. If you’ve been considering adding new media to your content strategy, there’s one standout platform that continues to gain momentum: podcasting. And if you’ve been thinking it’s finally time to start a podcast, you’re not alone.
But before you dive into the world of audio storytelling, let’s talk about what it really takes to not just launch—but sustain—a podcast that aligns with your brand and business goals.
Why Start a Podcast in the First Place?
There’s a good reason why more business owners, consultants, and brand-builders are turning to podcasting. It’s not just a trend—it’s a powerful medium for visibility, thought leadership, and deep connection.
Here’s why launching a podcast can be a smart move for your business:
- It builds trust at scale. Your voice creates a human-to-human connection in ways that written content alone cannot.
- It positions you as an expert. When you consistently share value, insights, and conversations, your authority grows.
- It creates evergreen content. Podcast episodes can be repurposed into blog posts, audiograms, social media clips, and more. (Check out this video I published about making evergreen content your go-to approach for your business.)
- It expands your reach. With smart SEO and distribution, a podcast can help you tap into new audiences.
- It fuels your content ecosystem. One episode can power an entire week’s worth of content across platforms.
But here’s the catch: starting a podcast is easy. Building a sustainable one? That takes strategy.
Check out this video for more insights on why your company or brand should consider starting a podcast:
Before You Hit Record: Ask These Key Questions
Launching a podcast isn’t just about grabbing a mic and chatting. Before you start a podcast, ask yourself:
1. What’s the core mission or message?
What do you want your listeners to walk away with? What perspective or value are you uniquely positioned to offer? Clarify this early on.
2. Who is your audience?
Are you speaking to solopreneurs? Creative agency owners? Educators? Knowing exactly who you’re serving helps tailor your episodes and attract the right listeners.
3. What’s your podcast format?
Interview-based, solo episodes, panel discussions, narrative storytelling? Choose a format that matches your natural communication style and fits your brand’s vibe. Check out this video about finding your best content type.
4. Do you have the time and team to sustain it?
Podcasting isn’t a one-and-done deal. From planning to recording, editing, publishing, promoting, and repurposing—it takes time. Will you DIY or outsource?
Being realistic about your time and commitment will help you decide how (and whether) to start a podcast in a way that works for you.
The Foundation: What You Need to Start a Podcast (The Right Way)
Once you’re clear on your message, audience, and format, it’s time to get into the practical pieces. Here’s what you’ll need:
Equipment & Tools
You don’t need a professional studio to start, but you do need clean audio. At a minimum:
- USB or XLR microphone (like the Samson Q2U or Shure SM58)
- Headphones (to avoid feedback)
- Quiet recording environment (even a closet can work!)
- Recording software (Audacity, GarageBand, or paid tools like Adobe Audition or Descript)
Hosting Platform
Your audio needs a home base. Choose a reliable podcast host that distributes to major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Popular options include:
- Libsyn
- Buzzsprout
- Podbean
- Spreaker
Make sure your host offers analytics, custom branding options, and easy integration with your website.
Branding Essentials
Before you officially start a podcast, make sure the branding reflects your business:
- Podcast name – Clear, catchy, and searchable
- Cover art – Professionally designed and visually aligned with your brand
- Intro/outro music – Royalty-free or custom-made to create consistency
- Tagline or elevator pitch – One line that explains what your show is about
Episode Planning & Content Strategy
You should never hit “record” without a plan. Mapping out your first 6–10 episodes gives your show a sense of direction and allows you to launch with confidence.
Think in themes or content series:
- “Getting Started with Podcasting”
- “Behind-the-Scenes of My Business”
- “Conversations with Industry Experts”
Remember: people don’t subscribe to podcasts—they subscribe to hosts they trust and content that resonates.
What to Expect After You Start a Podcast
Once your show is live, the real work begins.
1. Promote, promote, promote
Your podcast needs to be marketed just like any other content asset. Share episodes on your website, email list, LinkedIn, Instagram, or wherever your audience lives. Use audiograms, quote graphics, and short reels to drive traffic.
Don’t just promote the latest episode—create a library of evergreen content you can share repeatedly over time.
2. Monitor performance and feedback
Pay attention to download trends, listener behavior, and reviews. What’s working? What could improve? Use tools like Chartable or your host’s built-in analytics to understand your audience better.
3. Repurpose like a pro
One of the smartest ways to grow after you start a podcast is to repurpose every episode:
- Turn it into a blog post (hello, SEO!)
- Extract quotes for carousels or LinkedIn posts
- Pull 15-second clips for Instagram or TikTok
- Use segments for email newsletters
This gives your content a longer shelf life and allows different types of learners to engage with your message.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Start a Podcast
Let’s save you some time. Here are pitfalls I see often (especially for busy founders and service providers):
- Lack of a launch strategy. Don’t just upload your first episode and hope people find it. Build buzz with a teaser campaign, trailer episode, and at least 3 episodes at launch.
- Inconsistent publishing schedule. If you promise weekly episodes, show up. Consistency builds trust and audience loyalty.
- No clear call-to-action (CTA). Every episode should guide listeners to a next step: download a freebie, join your list, book a call, or follow you on social.
- Trying to do everything yourself. Editing, promoting, writing show notes, scheduling guests—it’s a lot. Consider hiring help or partnering with a podcast agency if it’s taking too much off your plate.
Ready to Start a Podcast That Amplifies Your Brand?
Starting a podcast isn’t about being the next Joe Rogan or NPR—it’s about showing up authentically and consistently for your audience. It’s about owning your message, building trust, and creating content that converts.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Whether you need help with launch strategy, editing, content planning, or promotion, that’s where Soul Podcasting Collective comes in.
We specialize in helping thought leaders, service providers, and small business owners start a podcast that feels true to their voice and moves the needle in their business.
Let’s talk. Book a discovery call and let’s bring your podcast vision to life—with clarity, strategy, and a whole lot of soul.
