The Ultimate Pre-Launch Checklist for Podcasters: 4 Key Steps

Launching a podcast can be exciting, but before you hit record, taking a strategic approach can make all the difference in your show’s success. I wish someone had told me this when I started my podcast show.

Here are four key steps, backed by data-driven insights, to set your podcast on the right track and boost your confidence in its direction:

1. Define Your Listener Persona

Knowing who you are talking to is crucial for crafting compelling content. Invest time in developing a listener persona, a detailed description of your ideal listener.

This persona should capture demographics (age, location, income), interests (hobbies, passions, media consumption habits), and listening habits (preferred platforms, typical listening times, preferred episode lengths).

When I started Glitters of Life podcast, all I knew was to record solo or guest episodes without thinking of this. I failed miserably after having 40 odd episodes. You know what it feels when your efforts aren’t rewarded.

I worked on figuring out listener persona and started Motivation Spark podcast, primarily in Hindi and with the right intent, it started growing and now I have more than 2 Lakh downloads/listens to it.

According to a HubSpot study, companies using marketing personas report an 80% increase in campaign effectiveness. By understanding your target audience’s wants and needs, you can tailor your content to resonate with them, leading to increased engagement and listener loyalty.

Consider conducting surveys, analyzing social media data, or utilizing audience research tools to gather valuable insights for your listener persona. We are free to choose the medium which suits us the best to know what the audience demands.

2. Set SMART Goals

Setting clear and achievable goals is essential for measuring your podcast’s progress and staying motivated. Utilize the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) to define your goals.

A MarketingProfs study reveals that companies with SMART goals are 37% more likely to succeed. Some examples of SMART goals for your podcast might include:

• Reaching 10,000 listeners within the first year.
• Increasing brand awareness by 20% among your target audience within six months.
• Building a community of 500 engaged listeners within the next year.

All of the above stats can be easily achieved if we are consistent in our actions. By setting clear and measurable goals, you can create a roadmap for your podcast and track your progress towards achieving success.

Remember, the success of podcast depends on how often you hit publish on your show.

3. Conduct Competitor Research

Learning from successful podcasts in your niche can provide valuable inspiration and insights. Analyze their strengths and weaknesses in terms of content, format, guest selection, ways of writing podcast episode show notes and description, marketing strategies, and audience engagement.

During my initial days, shows like- Mind Valley by Vishen Lakhiani, We Study Billionaires, The Sadhguru Podcasts- Of Mystics and Mistakes, etc were the source of inspiration to conduct the SWOT analysis.

A DMR report found that 67% of podcast listeners discover new shows through word-of-mouth recommendations, while 32% find them through social media. Listen to your competitors’ shows, analyze their content, and identify opportunities to fill gaps in the market by offering unique value to your audience.

There’s no harm in talking on the same topic because your voice is unique to you and so are your opinions or perspectives.

4. Narrow Down Your Niche

It’s fine if you are not jack of all but be the master of one when it is about running a successful podcast show.

While broad topics might seem appealing, focusing on a specific niche allows you to cater to a well-defined audience and establish yourself as an expert in that area.

For eg- If I happen to cover wide areas of Society and Culture, Entrepreneurship, True Crime, Comedy, Self-Help and Marketing under one show, will you continue to listen to me? Say No!

According to a Podcaster News analysis, niche podcasts tend to have higher listener engagement and loyalty. Research your interests and identify a specific subtopic within your chosen field. This allows you to attract a dedicated audience and stand out from the competition in a crowded market.

By strategically implementing these data-driven steps, you will gain a clearer vision for your podcast, connect with your target audience more effectively, and boost your confidence in achieving your podcasting goals. Remember, a strong foundation is crucial for long-term success, so invest the time and effort to set your show on the path to thrive.

One Podcast Advice- If asked, “What one piece of advice would you have for people getting started in this saturated market?”- The podcast market is not saturated. 🙂

I asked my podcaster friends about the tips they would love to share with the audience and here are they:

Nuancespod: Standardize your podcast show workflow so that you’re spending less time thinking about logistics and more time on creating meaningful connection with guests and listeners. I use a mixture templates, tools and automation throughout my process to minimize the time I spend on the boring/repetitive parts of podcasting.

M Kyle Hollingsworth: Start before you are ready. Overthinking = procrastination.
Your voice, your story, need to be shared, imperfectly, authentically, and honestly. While being prepared and above all, having good sound is important, waiting until everything is exactly right can be self sabotage. Go for it!!!

Ella: Want more podcast reviews? 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🚫 don’t ask non-listeners (eg review swaps)
✅ do reward authentic listeners for reviews
💡One idea: read the review + their name/handle on the air during a break or at the end of the show. People love hearing their name on the air. (I told my listeners I will read their review word for word and they did it.)