Introduction
As a new podcaster, you may have questions like:
- What is the right way to publish a podcast?
- Should I be formal or humorous?
- What are the best practices for growing an audience?
After researching top-performing podcasts, we’ve identified six best practices to help you stand out and grow your show.
1. Establish a Publishing Schedule
Think about how traditional television shows had fixed schedules—this consistency builds audience trust. The same applies to podcasting.
- Choose a release day that works for you (e.g., Tuesdays or Sundays).
- Stick to that schedule consistently.
- Avoid going weeks without publishing after launching your first episodes.
A reliable schedule helps listeners form a habit of tuning in to your show.
2. Be Authentic
Podcasting is intimate—you’re in someone’s ears while they walk, drive, or relax. The best way to connect is by being yourself.
- If you love cracking jokes, include them.
- If you’re more formal, keep that tone.
- Don’t try to imitate others—embrace your unique style.
Whether your energy is high-paced or structured, authenticity will help build a loyal audience.
3. Optimize Your Podcast
To reach a wider audience, you need to optimize your podcast for search and engagement.
- Use a podcast hosting platform like Buzzsprout to distribute your show.
- Analyze listener data to see which episodes perform best.
- Adjust your content strategy based on audience engagement.
By leveraging analytics, you can tailor future episodes to what resonates most with listeners.
4. Engage Outside of Your Podcast
Podcasting lacks built-in interaction features, so you need to engage listeners on other platforms.
- Create a Facebook group for discussions.
- Encourage listeners to connect via Instagram DMs or email.
- Build a blog where people can leave comments and feedback.
Engaging with your audience fosters deeper relationships and helps shape your content based on real feedback.
5. Invite Guests to Your Show
Even if your podcast is typically a solo format, bringing guests occasionally adds variety and attracts new listeners.
- Guests introduce fresh perspectives and engaging conversations.
- They often share the episode with their audience, increasing reach.
- Keep the discussion focused by providing structured questions in advance.
This strategy not only boosts engagement but also expands your audience organically.
6. Hire Help to Streamline Production
Podcasting is time-consuming, but hiring help can improve efficiency.
- Outsource podcast editing to freelancers on Fiverr or Upwork.
- Delegate social media promotion to someone in your network.
- Batch-record multiple episodes in one session for efficiency.
Hiring even a small amount of help frees up time for content creation and audience engagement.
Bonus Tip: Keep Going!
The most successful podcasters have been consistently publishing for years. The key to long-term growth is to keep recording, keep posting, and keep improving.
Final Thoughts
Getting your podcast on all major platforms requires choosing the right host, submitting your RSS feed, and staying consistent. By following these best practices, you’ll increase your reach and build a dedicated audience.
Want to take your podcast further? Start optimizing, engaging, and collaborating today!
