Starting a podcast is a great way to share your passion, connect with like-minded listeners, and build your personal (or business) brand. But many aspiring podcasters face the same daunting question: How do you launch a podcast without an audience?
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know, from defining your target audience and generating buzz before launch to submitting to podcast platforms and appearing as a guest on other podcasts. Whether you’re looking to boost your profile or build a platform to share unique stories, this guide offers invaluable advice on the process of creating a podcast that resonates.
So, let’s get started.
Starting a podcast from scratch: step-by-step
To launch and grow a successful podcast, especially if you’re starting with no audience, you’ll need more than just a great concept. Building a loyal listener base requires a clear approach, attention to quality, and consistent effort. This section will walk you through the practical steps, from creating a solid foundation and connecting with your target audience to promoting your show effectively and establishing a reliable schedule.
Step 1: Establish a strong foundation: Before you can build a listener base, you need solid podcast infrastructure. Ensure you’ve selected quality podcast equipment, chosen a reliable hosting platform, and crafted a unique concept with a distinct perspective. Consider investing in professional branding, such as eye-catching cover art and perhaps a theme tune to give your show a polished feel.
Step 2: Define your target audience: A key part of growing a podcast audience is knowing precisely who you’re trying to reach. Defining your target listeners will help you tailor your content to meet their interests, making it feel more like a conversation than a monologue. When you can visualise your ideal listener, it’s easier to stay motivated, even when feedback is sparse. Understanding your audience will also allow you to craft relevant content and marketing strategies, helping you build stronger connections and attract more listeners over time.
Step 3: Ensure there’s interest: Once you’ve identified your ideal audience, it’s crucial to confirm they’re looking for content like yours. Social media can be invaluable for gauging interest. By observing relevant discussions, posts, and comments, you’ll gain insight into potential listeners’ preferences, questions, and even pet peeves. For broader feedback, tools like online surveys can help you gauge interest across a wider pool of potential listeners, including people within your network or relevant online groups.
Step 4: Generate a buzz before launch: As the person who cares most about your podcast, you’re also its best promoter. To make a splash from day one, start creating excitement before your first episode is live. Ensure your show has a clear description, a professional website, and social media presence, along with engaging branding features. When these elements are in place, reach out to media contacts, plan a press release, and consider unique ways to draw in potential listeners.
Step 5. Deliver high-quality content: The surest way to grow your audience is to consistently deliver engaging, well-produced content. High-quality sound is essential, but you don’t need the priciest equipment to achieve it – basic (but not amateur-ish) equipment and editing software can still provide a clean, professional sound. Beyond audio quality, your content itself must captivate. Sharpen your storytelling, refine your pacing, and be selective about what makes the final cut. Compelling content will ensure listeners keep coming back.
Step 6. Pitch to relevant newsletters: With a clear understanding of your audience and confidence in your content, it’s time to promote your show widely. Submitting the show to podcast-focused newsletters can introduce it to engaged listeners eager to discover new content. To make the best impression, subscribe to a few newsletters beforehand to understand their style and requirements. Customising your pitch to each newsletter will show editors that you’re a genuine follower of their work, which could help your show stand out.
Step 7. Submit to podcast platforms: To boost visibility, pitch your podcast to popular platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Most platforms offer submission forms for promotion, so make sure you follow their guidelines and highlight what makes your show unique. Be sure to provide the correct links, tailored to each platform, to ensure smooth access for new listeners.
Step 8. Explore collaborations with other podcasters: Collaborating with similar podcasts is one of the most effective ways to attract new listeners. Consider episode swaps, where you team up with another podcaster to share content, or ‘podcast parties’, where listeners are encouraged to check out both podcasters’ shows. If full episode swaps aren’t feasible, promotional swaps of shorter content are an effective alternative.
Step 9. Appear as a guest on other podcasts: Guesting on other podcasts can broaden your reach, especially if your expertise or story aligns with the show’s audience. When reaching out to potential hosts, always highlight the value you bring to their listeners. Most hosts will allow a mention of your podcast, either in the show itself or in the show notes, offering an opportunity for further exposure.
Step 10. Publish consistently: Consistent publishing is essential for keeping your audience engaged. Decide on a day of the week and frequency for releasing episodes, then stick to it. Building a dependable schedule reassures listeners, making them more likely to return. If you miss releases or post inconsistently, listeners may look elsewhere, so reliability is key to sustaining a loyal audience.
About One Business Centre
One Business Centre (OBC) is a five-star business hub offering premium office locations, coworking spaces, and a wide range of business services in Dubai and the UAE. Known for our exclusive, strategically located business centres, we provide clients with a choice between onshore and free zone trading options, granting flexibility and accessibility to diverse markets. OBC is dedicated to delivering unrivalled business solutions, with state-of-the-art office facilities, personalised staff support, and modern, fully furnished workspaces. Our offerings include everything from meeting rooms and lounge areas to business setup sponsorship, company formation, and concierge services – all carefully tailored to help clients manage their operations with ease.
Beyond seamless business setup and tailored office solutions, OBC understands the evolving needs of today’s digital creators and has crafted an ideal space for podcasters within our facilities. If you’re wondering how to start a podcast from scratch, look no further – we are here to help. Our podcast room combines high-quality audio equipment, advanced soundproofing, and acoustics designed for professional-grade recording. Whether you’re recording solo or with a team, OBC’s podcast studio is ready-to-use, allowing you to focus solely on content creation while we handle the technical setup.
When you’re looking for the best podcast room in Dubai, you’re seeking a supportive environment where recording, editing, and producing your podcast is seamless and stress-free. OBC offers all of this – our facilities empower creators to produce content of the highest quality, while our additional services, such as company formation and sponsorship, give businesses the foundation they need to grow and thrive in Dubai. Let OBC provide the space where your podcast ideas come to life – contact us today.
