Podcast Tips: 5 Ways to Make Your Podcast Stand Out

Anne Erickson of WRIF and Audio Ink Radio — Anne Erickson

Podcasting is incredibly hot right now, and the trends show it’s only growing year after year. If you want to start your own podcast, you’re probably wondering how to go about doing it. As a radio host, currently with WRIF in Detroit, and someone who hosts my own podcast show, I’m here to give you some tips and tricks on improving your podcasting game.

Read on for some ideas to help get your podcast off the ground. Also, listen and subscribe to my podcast show on Apple Podcasts here and Spotify here.

Podcasting Tips from Anne Erickson

1. Be Passionate About Your Topic

When starting a podcast, ask yourself, “What am I passionate about?” That might sound like a given, but when choosing a podcast topic, so many people decide to go with a popular topic that they’re not passionate about, thinking it will drum up more interest. In reality, if you’re not passionate about your topic, your audience will be able to sniff that out in an instant. Instead of looking for popular or trendy subjects, think about what lights your fire and gets you up in the morning. Your podcast should be about that thing that really gets at your heart. That’s how I feel about radio, too. I’m passionate about the music I play on the WRIF, and that comes through on the air.

2. Be Patient

Most podcasts seem to start off blazing, but then kind of plateau after a certain point. Remember that you’re in it for the long haul. It’s totally normal for a podcast to go through ups and downs. Sometimes, listeners get extra busy, especially around the holidays or other significant events. Don’t get discouraged. Keep working hard to produce quality content, and they’ll be back.

3. Use Decent Gear

You don’t have to invest in a $10,000 studio to sound great on a podcast, but you should put more into it than just putting your phone up to your mouth and hitting record. Look around for some new gear in your price range; notably, a great mic goes a long way. Ask for advice, too, from other people in your circle who host podcasts, and they’ll be able to point you to something that fits your specific needs.

4. Share Your Show

Don’t be shy about sharing your podcast. After all, if nobody knows it’s there, nobody is going to hear it. When you have a new episode up, share it on all of your social platforms. Then, share it again. Simply sharing your podcast on social media is one of the best ways to get it heard, especially by a community that already supports you.

5. Have Fun

As they say in radio, if you’re having fun, the people you’re talking to will have fun. The same goes for a podcast. If you truly enjoy doing your show, those who listen to it will sense it. Fun in contagious! Don’t be afraid to get spontaneous, too. Planning your shows is always a good idea, but sometimes it’s fun to switch it up and go off script. It’s those moments when your audience will truly learn about you as a person, not just a host.