In part one of my Podcasting for Life Series, I talked about, "How to Start a Podcast in 2021." Today I'm going to share with you, How to plan your podcast by identifying your listeners and choosing the right format for your podcast.
Your listeners are the bread and butter of your podcast. They are the very reason your podcast will become a success. Find out everything you can about your listeners by using your podcast's tools or a service such as Google Analytics to identify their demographics, interests, and location.
Once you have done your research to know where your listeners are coming from, you will want to dig further by identifying their problem and helping them solve it. If you already know who your tribe is, you'll want to grow your podcast by joining their community online to attract other potential listeners and engage with them there.
Once you have a good idea of who your listeners are and what they want from you, it's time to choose the right podcast.
The most common podcast formats are:
Co-hosted Podcasts
A co-hosted podcast consists of two or more hosts conversing about the chosen topic or niche of that podcast.
Interview-Based Podcasts
An interview-based podcast involves the host interviewing guests about a particular subject or the guest's expertise.
Monologue Podcasts
A monologue podcast refers to one host who talks about his or her expertise or chosen topic of the show.
Panel Podcasts
A panel podcast consists of one host who brings together a group of guests to discuss a particular niche or topic.
Storytelling Podcasts
A story-telling podcast is either fiction or non-fiction that is narrated by a host and may include guests' voice actors for the episode's show.
While the podcast formats I have listed are the most commonly used by podcasters, some may choose to step out of the ordinary and combine several of those formats into one podcast. If more than one format sounds a little overwhelming as a new podcaster, you can always choose to adjust the format of your podcast to include additional styles once you feel more comfortable doing so.
In part three of my Podcasting For Life Series, you'll learn what it takes to name your podcast.
Meanwhile, be sure to join my Facebook Group, Podcasting For Life where you'll have permanent access to all of the information you need to start your podcast, plus freebies and more.
Success begins with you.
