ICYMI: The podcast industry is booming.
There are currently over 3M active podcasts, and in the U.S. alone, there are almost 130M podcast listeners.
So, is it still worth it to start a podcast in 2024? Absolutely.
But it takes the right strategy, planning, and tools to stand out in an ever-growing space.
We’re sharing our best tips for starting a podcast this year — especially as we’ve just launched our own.
Table of Contents
How to Start a Podcast in 2024
Tip 1: Identify Your Why
We know, the idea of launching a podcast is exciting. But many often miss a critical first step: identifying your why.
Before you jump into topic ideas, names, or future guests, it’s important to nail down:
Why are you launching a podcast? What are you trying to achieve?
Who is your target audience? Be specific.
What will be your episode cadence? Will you publish weekly, monthly?
Will it be scripted and outlined, or a casual conversation?
Will it be purely audio, or will there be a video component too (e.g. uploading to YouTube)?
How will you measure (and track) success?
Don’t rush this step! Whether you’re a brand or creator launching your own podcast, a strong foundation is key.
Tip 2: Define the Podcast Topic
To paraphrase a common phrase, “Good ideas are a dime a dozen.”
So, while your initial topic may be interesting, it’s important to do your research too: What’s already in the market?
Take the time to audit podcasts within (or similar to) your topic’s niche.
Then, consider:
Are there current gaps?
How can you join the conversation differently?
Do you have a new angle?
Can you tap into interesting guests?
When brainstorming Beyond Influence, we knew that there are many influencer marketing podcasts and influencers with podcasts.
But we saw an opportunity to close the knowledge gap: Instead of speaking to either creators or marketers, we're inviting both to the conversation.
We want to engage with everyone: from those at the beginning of their careers to those who’ve been at it for years — whether they’re on the influencer or brand side.
To learn more about our new podcast, read this blog: Beyond Influence: Your New Favorite Podcast
Tip 3: Choose a Compelling Podcast Name
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” — Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Your podcast name is important as it’s often the first touchpoint for potential listeners.
It gives them a hint as to what content to expect, along with the podcast’s overall tone.
For example, Smartless with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett embodies this well.
The name is humorous and listeners can infer the hosts are poking fun at their intelligence. Anyone who listens knows both to be true.
We named our podcast Beyond Influence because it delves into the influencer, creator, brand, and consumer experience with influencer marketing. The name is crisp and clear.
Tip 4: Select the Right Technology For Your Podcast
There are a number of platforms that offer recording and editing tools for anyone looking to start a podcast.
And luckily, with the introduction of AI capabilities, you don't need to be an expert!
Episode Recording
We use Riverside to record and then pass the files to Later’s video editor to refine and edit.
If you’re launching the podcast solo (or don’t have an internal team), Riverside also offers editing and publishing features.
Episode Distribution
Once your episode is ready, export the audio and video to Buzzsprout — a podcast hosting platform that then distributes your content to listening and viewing platforms.
Beyond Influence is published on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, PlayerFM, Spotify and YouTube.
Podcast Equipment
Many new podcasters use their phone or computer, and it’s a good place to start if resources are limited.
However, for optimal sound, it’s a good idea to invest in a microphone.
For Beyond Influence, we use microphones from Shure: the Shure Mv7 and Shure SM7B.
Podcast Studio
Another consideration is whether to record video and audio, or audio only. We opted for both but it is a time commitment to edit both audio and video.
You also don’t need a fancy sound-proof studio. Just find a comfortable quiet space in your house (or office) for a good audio experience.
To set up your own studio, read our expert tips: How to Set Up a Home Video Studio
Tip 5: Market Your Podcast
“Build it and they will come,” does not apply to podcasts.
Beyond Influence’s launch was benefited by the backing of Later's marketing team.
If you don’t have those resources, consider sharing it with those in your network — whether it’s other professionals in your industry, community groups, or fellow creators.
And don't forget to share across your own social media accounts!
Create a basic landing page that links to where visitors can listen and include a subscriber form so people can be notified when a new episode is released.
But most importantly: Do not set a goal of going viral.
Instead, work towards your first 100 listeners. Little steps lead to significant gains in time.
Listen to Later’s New Podcast
If you’re looking to hear about all things influencer marketing — from both creators and brands — tune in to our new podcast, Beyond Influence.
New episodes are released every two weeks with rotating guests, and are available on: Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, PlayerFM, Spotify, and YouTube.
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