We’ve hit the middle of 2023. And it’s around about this time of the year that we start recapping our yearly goals. Some we check off, some we cross out, and then there are some new goals that get added to the mix. Perhaps a yet-to-be-completed goal or a new entry on your list is starting a podcast. And we’re here to tell you to go for it! 2023 is the perfect time to start a podcast! And in this post, we’re going to tell you exactly why you should start a podcast today!
Have I missed the boat? Is it too late to start a podcast?
The answer is a resounding, “No!” You have not missed the boat. And it certainly is not too late to start a podcast.
Currently, there are 464.7 million podcast listeners globally as of 2023. That’s a lot! But I don’t need to tell you that. You know that’s a lot! But what I can tell you is that that number is predicted to grow to around 504.9 million podcast listeners worldwide by the end of 2024. (There are a bunch of other interesting podcasting stats that you can find here.)
And while it really is an interesting read, I can tell you, *SPOILER ALERT* that what all those stats tell you is that there has never been a better time to start your own show. Whether you are a business owner, a creative professional, or just someone looking to share their thoughts and ideas with the world, starting a podcast in 2023 can be an excellent way to build your brand, connect with your audience, and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. In this blog post, we will explore the numerous benefits of starting a podcast in 2023 and why it’s a smart move for anyone looking to create content in the digital age.
Starting a podcast can bring a plethora of new opportunities and innovative ways to reach audiences. With so many benefits that come from launching a successful podcast – let’s explore why now is an excellent time for aspiring podcasters to get involved. In this blog post, we’ll break down the top reasons why you should start your own podcast in 2023!
Our Top Reasons To Start a Podcast in 2023
1. Start a Podcast Because It’s Fun!
Very rarely will “Because it’s fun!” qualify as an answer to a question. But it’s a totally valid response in this case! Because a great reason to start a podcast is because it’s fun! But that’s not to say it’s easy. Another spoiler alert, it’s not. Creating a high-quality podcast does take consistent hard work. If you want to start a podcast that is successful, it is a pretty big commitment.
You have to craft quality content, keep to a consistent schedule, work to promote your podcast, to sum it up briefly. (And we’ve got all types of guides to help you nail every aspect of your podcast journey on our blog, The Podcast Digest.)
But just because it’s hard work, does not mean it’s not fun! And hosting your own podcast is fun! You get to talk about what you’re passionate about. You get to be creative and express yourself in a new way. And you get to meet all kinds of great people along the way.
See, we told you. Fun! But that’s certainly not the only reason you should start a podcast in 2023! We’ve got a couple of other compelling reasons.
2. Starting a Podcast is a Great Way to Establish Your Brand and Personal Authority
If you’re an entrepreneur, solopreneur, influencer, or brand ambassador, a key part of finding success on your journey, no matter your industry or sphere of influence, is to build brand authority and recognition. If you want to find success in a crowded and competitive market, it’s essential to separate yourself from the noise. And one of the most effective ways to do this is by firmly establishing your brand or building your personal authority.
Recognizable brand identity is vital. A strong brand communicates who you are, what you stand for, and what you can offer your target audience. It creates a sense of connection and it can foster trust between you and your potential clients. This then is what converts to sales, sign-ups, or whatever it is that you’re trying to get your target audience to do.
And if you’re someone looking to grow your personal authority in your field, start a podcast! Personal authority demonstrates your expertise and knowledge in your field, and what better way to do that than by sharing your expertise with the world? Your podcast can help show that you’re a thought leader and someone worth listening to. By starting your podcast and allowing your expertise to shine, you can establish yourself as a reputable figure in your industry and ultimately attract more clients and opportunities.
3. A Podcast Can Help You Reach a Wider Audience With Ease
With the growing reach of technology, it has never been easier for businesses to reach larger audiences. Whether it’s through social media, email marketing, or search engine optimization, the potential for connecting with a wider audience is limitless.
But, IOHP, a podcast can help you reach an audience in a really significant way. Dare I say, in a way far superior to the other channels. There I said it.
I genuinely could give you a whole post worth of reasons why I think a podcast is such a powerful marketing tool. (Hmmm, perhaps this should be the topic of a future post. *Quickly jumps to Trello to add to Content Schedule.) But for the purposes of the topic at hand today, I’ll say this. A podcast gives you a way to really connect with your audience. There’s something about listening to a podcast that really connects you to the host. And it’s been my experience that this connection happens far more quickly via podcasts than other forms of media.
And this connection is great for brands looking to expand! But it’s also great for those creative storytellers looking to connect with an audience.
4. Low Barrier of Entry
So, you love the reasons we’ve covered so far for starting a podcast. You want to grow your brand or connect with your audience, or you’re just looking for a fun side project. But perhaps it also sounds like it’s a bit complicated.
But that brings us to the next reason anyone should start a podcast. The podcasting space has a pretty low barrier to entry. Really, with some guidance, we believe anyone can start a podcast.
All you really need to start a podcast is a microphone and some editing software. Once your content is edited into an episode, it’s a simple upload to your podcast host of choice. And your podcast will be out in the world.
Note: There is a distinct difference between starting a podcast and maintaining a podcast. Maintaining a high-quality podcast takes effort, hard work, and commitment. That is the hard part. But actually starting a podcast and getting your episodes online is relatively easy.
5. Develop New Skills
The next reason for starting a podcast is it creates an incredible opportunity to develop new skills. By starting your podcast, not only will you hone your communication and interview skills in your role as host, but you’ll also learn about audio editing, publishing, and distribution. These skills can be incredibly valuable in your professional life, and can make you a more well-rounded marketer or communicator.
But besides all the new podcasting-related skills you’ll learn, by starting a podcast, you’ll also push your expertise in your passion subject. With each episode, as you research content, study deeper into your area of expertise, or prepare for interviews, you’ll push your knowledge. This will cement your reputation as an authority and thought leader in your field.
6. Start a Podcast to Reach a Global Audience
Podcasts are not limited by geographic location. This means that anyone can listen to your show, no matter where they are in the world. And that’s another reason to start a podcast. As a podcast gives you the opportunity to grow your audience far beyond your local area. This can help to create brand awareness and attract new customers or clients.
If you can get your show trending as top picks or recommendations on any of the available podcast directories, your show will be front and center for a global audience. And you’ll be able to build relationships with listeners from all over the world.
7. Start a Podcast for a Cost-Effective Marketing Channel
Another great reason for brands and businesses to start a podcast in 2023 is because a podcast can be a great way to create an inexpensive and effective marketing channel for your business or your brand.
Yes, there are the initial start-up costs of your podcast equipment, and then any fees incurred by the type of plan you choose with your preferred podcast host. But other than that, there are very few costs attached to putting out content. (Again, depending on how you choose to market, there may be costs involved, but we’re purely talking about the costs of publishing podcast episodes.)
Through your podcast, you can then share all the content your heart desires. Your episodes can be thought of as a strategic marketing campaign. One that you can control and that effectively communicates your brand’s desired message.
8. Establish Relationships With Listeners in a Personal Way
The next reason for starting a podcast is because through your podcast, you’re able to establish connections with your followers in a personal way. We’ve hinted at this already, but there is something special about the relationship that develops between a podcast host and their loyal listeners.
And as your followers get to know you better through the content you provide, they begin to trust you and form relationships with you. If you’re launching a podcast as a marketing or brand-building strategy, you’ll know that this kind of relationship with your target audience is worth its weight in gold! That connection and trust your listeners will form with you is the best foundation for brand building. And even more importantly, you’ll start to build brand trust.
But even if your podcast is just a personal passion project, the opportunity to establish that kind of relationship with your listeners is beneficial to you, too. Firstly, because of the cool people you’ll get to connect with and build relationships with. But that brand trust (your podcast is a brand, just FYI) that you’ll build with your podcast community will be vital when you start to explore podcast monetization opportunities.
This leads us to…
9. Monetization Opportunities
Podcasting also has the potential to be a lucrative endeavor. While it’s challenging to make significant amounts of money with podcasting alone, there are plenty of opportunities to monetize your show. From sponsorships to affiliate marketing, there are various ways to turn your podcast into a profitable business.
Again, this does not happen overnight. You have to work hard to create high-quality content. You have to build trust with your audience and foster a community around your show. But once you’ve laid a strong foundation, there are plenty of podcast monetization opportunities out there.
10. A Podcast is a Unique, Creative Outlet
Finally, starting a podcast allows you to tell your story and share your voice with the world. Yes, many of the reasons for starting a podcast are business or brand-focused. But the joy of podcasting is open to everyone. We all have passions. We all have stories to tell. And a podcast is the perfect medium through which we can channel these.
Whether it’s through interviews, storytelling, or sharing your thoughts and opinions, podcasts provide a platform for anyone to express themselves and connect with others who share their interests. More than that, however, is the opportunity to connect with like-minded people. There are podcasts on all types of topics, and it’s truly something special to find a show and a host that shares your passions.
To Conclude
And there you have it, our top reasons why you should start a podcast in 2023. Whether you’re a marketer, working professional, entrepreneur, or someone looking for a dynamic creative outlet, there’s never been a better time to start your own podcast With low startup costs, global reach, and the potential for monetization, podcasting is a powerful medium that can help you establish your personal brand, reach new audiences, and develop valuable skills.
So why not start planning your podcast today?
Want some help getting started? Partner with We Edit Podcasts! As a full podcast production agency, we can help you with any and every step of your podcasting journey. Whether that’s outsourcing your episode editing and show notes writing, or it’s helping you launch your podcast, we do it all. Check out our services, and see why so many podcasters trust us with their podcasts.
