Podcasting is an effective driver of leads and sales for business. Research has consistently shown that ads during a podcast can improve purchase intent by 64%. By using the correct format, podcasters can see their sales double, like Mark Weldon has, but getting the first podcast right from the start is critical.
In this article, we will look at how to format your first podcast to ensure that it sets you up for long-term growth in your business, including:
- Getting the right equipment for your podcast.
- Setting the goals and milestones you want for your podcast.
- Getting the structure of your podcast episodes right.
- Ensuring you have enough relevant content for your audience.
Invest in the Right Equipment
As with all marketing activities, having the right equipment is essential. Using the correct setup for recording, editing, and post-production from the first podcast episode helps ensure quality control and establishes an audio brand your audience can identify. It’s also important to note that good-quality audio makes it easier and more enjoyable for listeners, meaning there is a greater chance that they will stick around for more episodes.
Recording and editing equipment are essential; the right equipment provides excellent audio quality, which will set a standard.
When we help with podcasting equipment, we provide the following:
- One Microphone and Mic Stand.
- One Set of Headphones.
- A Focusrite USB audio interface box that connects to a laptop.
- All the necessary cords to connect everything.
Those also doing video podcasts will get a webcam and ring light.
As well as sourcing the equipment, check the equipment before recording the episodes. Do a few dummy recordings and listen back; ensure the noise isn’t too quiet or loud. It should match the sound volume of the adverts playing, so listeners don’t need to adjust the volume for every sponsor break. We also offer a live sound check with our production engineers to ensure your levels are correct, your visuals (if using video) look great, and you understand how to use your equipment, so recording becomes simpler.
Set Podcast Goals and Milestones
If you want to get the most out of your business podcast, then you want to know what direction to go in. Goals and milestones will help you establish call-to-actions, episode structure, and topics.
For example, you might want to get more inbound inquiries. That means you have to demonstrate your worth in the industry, and therefore, episodes might utilize case studies, past work, and demonstrating knowledge. Call-to-actions should be sales-based by inviting the listener to get deeper into your community. For example, subscribing to your email list, downloading a free resource, joining your online communities, and more.
Proper tracking will help you evaluate the effectiveness of your work. You might want to increase audience awareness of your brand, so you might set milestones that include the number of email subscribers, social media followers, or listeners on the podcast.
Milestones can be more flexible and start small. They can also be tiered. So you might start by getting your email subscriber list to 10,000 but then have another one at 20,000.
Remember to celebrate each milestone to ensure that you’re aware of the success you’re achieving.
First Podcast Episode Structure and Beyond
A structure for the first podcast episode should be written or mapped before you start recording. This structure can be utilized for all your future podcast episodes. It should include topics that will be covered, who’s going to talk when, where sponsor breaks are happening, and more.
Guests on your podcast and listeners should know the structure of the episodes. It sets expectations and ensures consistency throughout your episodes which is something audiences love.
A structure also improves the pacing of episodes, preventing you from talking too much on one topic and not enough on another.
Create Content Plans Aligned to Podcast Trends
If you’re looking to establish your podcast as a chart-topping series, you need to keep it aligned with current podcast trends. Aligning to the trends allows you to keep yourself relevant to audiences.
Some of the 2024 podcast trends include:
Edutainment: Content that serves to educate and entertain audiences is very popular with young, educated audiences.
Mental Health: Podcasts offering guidance or stories related to mental health are increasing in both options available to audiences and the size of the audience.
Live Interaction: Live podcasting is a growing trend as it allows engagement with audiences and creates unpredictable moments that can be fun and rewarding.
Using one or two of these trends in the content can be vital to success. But at the same time, you want to ensure you’ve got the best content, answer the audiences’ questions, and include guests that enhance the show’s content.
FAQs
When was the first podcast?
The first podcast was in 2004. The term was first used by Ben Hammersley, a writer for the UK’s The Guardian.
What to say in your first blog post-episode?
The first podcast should include information about you, your mission, and how people can connect with you. Though there are many ways you can present this information.
What should my first podcast episode be about?
There are two options for your first podcast episode. You could, for instance, have an episode that introduces you or your brand or you could get stuck in with the material you want to cover.
Final Word: First Podcast – What You Need to Know
The first podcast episode can be daunting. And while there is a lot of work to do, the four simple elements above can be a great way to start. Following these will help turn casual listeners into loyal subscribers and assist you in reaching podcasting goals.
Produce Your Podcast is a premier podcast consulting, production & marketing agency. Our team of experts provides comprehensive, full-service quality solutions for B2B and B2C clients to incorporate podcasting into their overall marketing strategy. If you’re looking for a reliable partner to help launch or grow your business-branded podcast and boost your sales and marketing goals, we’re here to help.
Click here to schedule a conversation with our team today. Let’s work together to create a high-quality podcast that takes your business to new heights!
