The Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Launching a Podcast

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03/13/2018

There are numerous reasons to start a podcast. During our recent Moery webinar entitled, “Give Your Association A Voice – Launch a Podcast in 2018,” and corresponding Association Playbook podcast, we discussed why it is becoming the #1 medium to connect with potential members and customers. However, just like any new initiative, there are a few big mistakes that make your foray into podcasting less effective.
1) Don’t think of it as content, think of it as value
This one is all about mindset. If you go into podcasting only thinking about getting your information out there it won’t resonate with your target audience. There is enough information on the internet, so you have to make it valuable. Ask yourself, “Why would someone spend 20 or 30 minutes every week out of their schedule to listen to this?” You DO have something valuable to add to the conversation, but make sure you have identified it up front and ensure to deliver every week.
2) Don’t obsess about your stats, focus on your listeners
It’s a known fact, once you put a podcast into the world you will constantly wonder how it is doing. You will want to know if people like it, how it ranks in iTunes, who is leaving reviews, what are they saying, and how many downloads you have. And, although that information is beneficial, if you spend too much time focusing there you will begin to obsess about any negative feedback you get. Instead, get to know your “power listeners.” Talk to the people that love your show and ask them how you can provide core value to them.
 3) Don’t publish your first episode without a launch plan
Your first episode doesn’t have to be great, it just has to be part of a bigger strategy. From the time you launch, you have approximately 2 months to gather momentum, namely on iTunes. In order to do that, you have to have a launch strategy in place. First, make sure you launch with at least 2, and preferably 4 episodes. This way, if someone finds you and likes what you have to offer, they can instantly subscribe and become hooked. Also, be sure to tap into your existing network and ask them to download and review the first few episodes. This will provide the momentum necessary to attract other listeners.
4) Don’t do it if you can’t commit to being consistent
Imagine you sit down on a Thursday night to watch your favorite TV show. You have your snack ready, and your dog sitting next to you. You turn on the TV just to find out they randomly decided that they were too busy to make a show for this week! This is what it feels like to a listener when you stray from your publishing schedule. The actual amount you publish (daily, weekly, monthly) is less of a concern, although there are some best practices. However, once you set a schedule be sure to stick to it. If for some reason that schedule is going to change, let your listeners know beforehand.
 5) Don’t let a lack of knowledge or understanding stop you from building a great podcast!
Many people feel like starting their own podcast is out of reach. You have to buy equipment, set up hosting, figure out how to get it on your website, plan, record, edit… and, then do it again! However, just like riding a bike, it seems hard and scary at first, but once you get going you’ll never understand what you were scared of. And, just like riding a bike, often times you need someone to help you at first, to hold the bike, and only let you go when they know you can handle it. That’s what The Moery Company is here for! We can help you with absolutely everything you need to take your idea and turn it into a professional, impactful podcast with no stress.
Right now, is the best time in the world to start a podcast. The platform is still fairly young, so competition isn’t impossible, but it’s established enough that there are millions and millions of people around the world listening. What is holding you back from getting started?
Check out How to Launch A Podcast in 2018 –  a new service provided by The Moery Company. We outline the deliverables and look to discuss your needs. Questions can be sent directly to JP Moery at jp@moerycompany.com. We are completely fired up about this new offering and several associations are now onboard.
Chris Stemp is the Moery Company Podcast Consultant. Chris is the Host and Co-Founder of one of the top educational podcasts in the world, “Smart People Podcast,” which has been downloaded over 5 million times. Follow Chris on Twitter and connect with him on LinkedIn.

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