How to Start a Podcast with No Audience

So you want to start a podcast, but you have zero audience?

This can feel like throwing a party where no one shows up, but don't worry, we're about to turn that silence into a standing ovation!

This guide will walk you through the steps we would take if we were to start our podcast over again with no audience.

Finding Your Niche
Choosing a Podcast Name
Designing Your Podcast Logo
Recording Your Podcast
Citing Your Podcast
Editing Your Podcast
Creating Engaging Content
Launching Your Podcast
Promoting Your Podcast
Conclusion

Finding Your Niche

There are several websites and tools that can help you in your niche research. Here are some websites and resources to assist you:

Spotify for Podcasters: Spotify offers data on popular podcast genres and trending shows. It's a valuable resource for understanding niche opportunities.
Podchaser: Podchaser is a comprehensive platform where you can search for podcasts, browse categories, and see listener reviews. It's a great place to discover niche ideas.
Listen Notes: Listen Notes is a podcast search engine that allows you to explore podcasts by keywords, topics, and categories. It's a handy tool for niche research.
Google Trends: Use Google Trends to analyze the popularity of keywords and topics over time. This can help you identify niche trends and opportunities.
BuzzSumo: BuzzSumo is a content research tool that can help you find popular topics and content in your potential niche.
Reddit: Subreddits like r/podcasting and r/podcasts are excellent places to engage with the podcasting community and gather niche ideas.
Social Media Platforms: Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram can be sources of inspiration. You can follow discussions, hashtags, and groups related to your potential niche.
Podcast Hosting Platforms: Many podcast hosting platforms offer data and insights on popular podcasting categories. Platforms like Podbean and Libsyn have category lists to explore.
Niche Blogs and Magazines: Blogs and magazines focused on specific niches can provide valuable insights and content ideas.
Online Communities and Forums: Niche-specific online communities and forums can provide a wealth of information on what topics are currently trending and in demand.

Choosing a Podcast Name

Your podcast's name doesn't really matter. Honestly, think of how many brands you like, or podcast you like who's name does not match what they sell or the content they make. Regardless here are some tools to help genrate a podcast name:

NameSnack: NameSnack is an AI-powered naming tool that can help you generate podcast name ideas based on your input and preferences. It combines your keywords and offers creative suggestions.
Podcast Name Generator by Podcast Insights: This online tool allows you to enter keywords related to your podcast and generates potential podcast names based on your input.
Panabee: Panabee is a versatile tool that helps you brainstorm podcast names by combining keywords, checking domain availability, and suggesting variations.
Wordoid: Wordoid is a creative naming tool that generates unique and catchy names for various purposes, including podcasts. It allows you to set parameters for your name, such as language and length.
Bust a Name: Bust a Name is a domain name and podcast name generator that helps you create unique and memorable names by combining words and checking domain availability simultaneously.

Designing Your Podcast Logo

Canva: Canva offers a wide range of design templates, including logo templates, that you can customize to create a unique podcast logo.
LogoMakr: LogoMakr is a straightforward online logo maker that allows you to create logos from a library of shapes and icons.
Looka (formerly Logojoy): Looka is an AI-powered logo design platform that provides personalized logo options and allows for easy customization.
Hatchful by Shopify: Hatchful is a free online logo maker by Shopify, offering a variety of logo templates for different purposes, including podcast logos.
Wix Logo Maker: Wix Logo Maker uses AI to generate logo designs based on your preferences. You can then customize the design to make it unique.
Tailor Brands: Tailor Brands offers a suite of design tools, including a logo maker, to help you create a unique podcast logo.
Designhill Logo Maker: Designhill's logo maker allows you to input your preferences and generates logo options for your podcast.
Looka (formerly Logojoy): Looka uses AI to generate logo designs based on your preferences and allows for easy customization.
FreeLogoDesign: FreeLogoDesign provides a straightforward and free logo maker for creating simple and unique logos.
LogoMakr: LogoMakr offers a user-friendly platform to design logos from a library of shapes and icons.

Recording Your Podcast

how to record your podcasat

The simplest way to record a podcast is to use a smartphone or a computer with a built-in microphone. Here are a few product options:

Smartphone: Most smartphones have built-in voice recording apps that can be used to record your podcast. Just find a quiet space, hit record, and start talking.
Computer with a Built-in Microphone: You can use the built-in microphone on your computer, along with free software like Audacity (for Windows and Mac) or GarageBand (for Mac) to record your podcast.
USB Microphone: If you want better sound quality, consider getting a USB microphone like the Blue Yeti or Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB. These are easy to use and provide good audio quality.

Remember, the key is to find a quiet place, press the record button, and start speaking.

Citing Your Podcast

The simplest way to cite a podcast is to include the following information:

Podcast Title: This is the name of the podcast.
Episode Title (if applicable): If the specific episode has a title, include it.
Host(s) or Creator(s): Mention the names of the people who make the podcast.
Publication Date (if available): Include the date the episode was published.
Podcast Website or Platform: This is where you found the podcast.
URL (if available): If you found the podcast online, include the web address (URL) where it's located.

By including these details, you're giving credit to the podcast and its creators, just like when you mention a book's author and title.

Editing Your Podcast

Editing makes your podcast polished and professional.

Use Editing Software: Download and install free audio editing software like Audacity (for Windows and Mac) or GarageBand (for Mac).
Import Your Recording: Open your recorded podcast in the editing software.
Cut and Trim: Listen to your recording and use the editing software to cut out any mistakes or parts you don't want in your podcast.
Add Music or Effects (Optional): You can include music or sound effects by importing them into your editing software and placing them where you want in your podcast.
Adjust Volume: Make sure your voice and any added music or effects have the right volume balance.
Export Your Podcast: When you're happy with the editing, export your podcast as an audio file (usually MP3) to share with your listeners.

These simple steps can help you edit your podcast and make it sound just the way you want.

Creating Engaging Content

Creating engaging content for a podcast is simple when you follow these steps:

Know Your Audience: Think about who will be listening to your podcast. What are their interests and what do they want to hear? Tailor your content to match their preferences.
Plan Your Episodes: Create an outline or plan for each episode. Know what you want to talk about and the key points you want to cover.
Tell Stories: People love stories, so share personal anecdotes or real-life examples that relate to your podcast's topic.
Be Enthusiastic: Speak with enthusiasm and passion about your subject. If you're excited, your listeners are more likely to be engaged.
Ask Questions: Pose questions to your audience to get them thinking and interacting with your content. Encourage them to share their thoughts.
Vary Your Content: Include a mix of different elements in your podcast, like interviews, discussions, or even short quizzes. Variety keeps things interesting.
Edit Carefully: Ensure your podcast sounds polished by editing out mistakes and keeping it concise. Nobody likes to listen to long, rambling episodes.
Engage with Your Audience: Encourage your listeners to provide feedback, ask questions, or suggest topics for future episodes. Respond to their comments and messages.
Plan Your Intros and Outros: Create engaging intros and outros that grab your listeners' attention and leave a lasting impression.
Stay Consistent: Stick to a regular schedule for releasing episodes, so your audience knows when to expect new content.

By following these steps, you can create engaging podcast content that captivates your audience and keeps them coming back for more.

Launching Your Podcast

Finding a Podcast Hosting Platform:

Research Hosting Platforms: Look for podcast hosting platforms like Podbean, Libsyn, or Anchor. Consider factors such as storage space, pricing, and ease of use.
Sign Up: Create an account on the hosting platform of your choice.
Upload Your Episodes: Use the platform to upload your podcast episodes. Add descriptions, titles, and other necessary information.
Generate Your RSS Feed: The hosting platform will generate an RSS feed for your podcast. This is a unique link that you'll use to submit your podcast to directories.

Submitting to Directories:

Submit to Apple Podcasts: Go to Apple Podcasts Connect and log in with your Apple ID. Submit your podcast's RSS feed, along with other required details.
Submit to Spotify: Visit Spotify for Podcasters and create an account. Add your podcast by submitting the RSS feed.
Submit to Other Directories: Explore other podcast directories like Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Stitcher. Sign in or create an account on their respective podcast submission pages and follow their submission process.

Promoting Your Podcast

Leverage Your Website: Create a podcast page on your website to showcase episodes and make them easily accessible.
Collaborate with Other Podcasters: Partner with fellow podcasters for cross-promotion and guest appearances on each other's shows.
Submit to Podcast Directories: List your podcast on various podcast directories and platforms to reach new audiences.
Guest Appearances: Be a guest on other podcasts within your niche to introduce yourself and your podcast to new listeners.
Word of Mouth: Encourage friends, family, and listeners to recommend your podcast to others and leave reviews.

Promoting on Social Media:

Create Social Media Profiles: Set up social media profiles for your podcast on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Share Teasers: Before your podcast launches, share teaser clips, behind-the-scenes content, or sneak peeks to build anticipation.
Regularly Share Episodes: Share your podcast episodes on social media when they're released. Include engaging captions and visuals to attract listeners.
Interact with Your Audience: Respond to comments and messages, engage with your audience, and ask for feedback and reviews.
Use Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags in your posts to increase discoverability.
Collaborate: Partner with other podcasters or influencers in your niche to cross-promote each other's content.