Hey, podcasters? You want to avoid making common podcasting mistakes, right?
Successful podcast creation requires a few key ingredients. You need to have a clear understanding of your niche. You need to know who your audience is and what type of content they’re looking for. And you also need to consistently produce high-quality content that really connects with your audience.
Yes, these are just the basics. There is a lot more that really goes into it. And you can find all sorts of helpful guides and lists of podcasting tips and tricks on our blog, The Podcast Digest. The majority of these articles feature all the “must-do’s” of successful podcasting.
But today’s post is a little different. Because today, we’re shifting our attention to some “don’ts”. Specifically, we’re looking at the top 5 mistakes podcasters should avoid on their way to podcasting success.
The great thing about the podcasting space is that there are many who have gone before us. They’ve paved the way, as it were, but they’ve also experienced the pitfalls. And because of this, you don’t have to!
With awareness of these pitfalls together with our tips on how to up your podcasting game, you can sidestep these 5 common podcasting mistakes and continue to make your podcast the best that it can be.
The Top 5 Mistakes Podcasters Should Avoid
1. Not investing enough in content creation
When it comes to podcasting, there’s no doubt that quality content is king. However, many podcasters make the mistake of not investing enough time and effort into creating the best possible content for their audience. We’ve seen it often. Podcasters get so excited about their new show and are so eager to launch and see their podcast “in real life” that they rush through the content creation process just to get those first few episodes ready and published.
But this is a big mistake long-term. Sure, you’ll have a podcast, and it’s cool to see your show on all the major podcast directories. But the truth is, if you want to make a real impact in the world of podcasting and have your show rise to the top, you need to focus on creating content that is of high quality.
Our advice? Never skimp on the content creation side of your podcast. Remember that, while things like audio quality, your delivery, and your promotion strategy will always be vital to the overall success of your podcast, it all really means nothing if you’re not consistently offering your audience high-quality content.
And speaking of consistency…Podcasting Mistake Number 2…
2. Not having a consistent release schedule
So, you’ve got some quality podcast equipment that captures high-quality audio. And you’ve sidestepped the first podcasting mistake by ensuring that you’re creating high-quality content for each and every episode.
But if you don’t have a consistent release schedule for these high-quality episodes, you’ve made Common Podcasting Mistake Number 2.
In terms of long-term podcasting success, it’s important to remember the value of consistency when it comes to releasing your work. Successful podcasting is not a case of releasing an episode when and if you feel like it. That just ain’t going to cut. You need a consistent publishing schedule that you can commit to.
Imagine tuning into your favorite show on whatever streaming service you favor, hoping for a new episode, but not knowing when or if the next episode will be airing. Frustrating, right? The same goes for your podcast listeners. If you want your listeners to stick around, you have to release content to a consistent schedule.
You want your audience to know what to expect and when, so they can eagerly anticipate your next release. You need to keep them in the loop and engaged by setting expectations for when new content will be available.
To avoid making this mistake, you need to make sure your audience knows what to expect and when to expect it. Find a publishing schedule that you can commit to, and then commit. And communicate this schedule to your listeners. Put it in your podcast description, make a post on social media, or add this info to your episode intro. That way, your listeners can start to know your release schedule, and they can build your podcast into their schedule. And by them doing so, you have the makings of a loyal podcast community forming around your show.
3. Not promoting or marketing your show enough
Podcast mistake number 3 to avoid is not promoting or marketing your show enough.
In an ideal world, you would simply let your content do the talking for you. This would be all you would need to gain popularity and grow your listenership. But even though the podcasting world is pretty amazing, podcast growth doesn’t just happen. And so relying solely on organic growth for your podcast is a mistake. With so many podcasts vying for attention, you’ll need to be strategic in promoting and marketing your show.
The solution?
Don’t just rely on organic growth, use the right tools and strategies to get the word out about your podcast. The right tools and strategies can help you build an audience and boost your reach so much quicker.
If you’re looking for some podcast marketing strategies to steer you on the right path, we’ve got you covered with this post: Top Podcast Marketing Strategies in 2023.
4. Not engaging with your listeners
On to Common Podcasting Mistake Number 4…One of the biggest mistakes podcasters can make is not engaging with their listeners. When it comes down to it, they are the reason you create content in the first place.
Podcasts and podcasters that stand the test of time are the ones that build a following of loyal listeners. They understand that the relationship between podcaster and listener is something special. And it’s something they lean into and foster. Listeners who feel disconnected to a podcast host don’t tend to stick around very long. You need to engage with your listeners if you stand any chance of building a thriving community of loyal listeners around your show.
So, what are some ways you can avoid making this podcasting faux pas? Easy. Just take simple and consistent steps to build and foster those relationships. You can start by responding to comments, emails, and DM’s your listeners and followers might send you. And then create opportunities for your listeners to connect with you. Invite feedback via CTAs shared in your podcast episodes. Use social media as a way to connect with your listeners in real time. Set up a mailing list through which you can send out newsletters to your followers. In short, find the way that you can best connect with your audience, and lean into meeting them there.
Related read: From SquadCast, check out 4 Unique Ways to Engage Your Podcast Listeners.
5. Skipping show notes
The final mistake you should avoid on your podcast is skipping show notes.
Not using show notes for your podcast is a mistake because it deprives your listeners of valuable information. Show notes serve as an outline or summary of each episode and provide listeners with a roadmap of what to expect. They help listeners follow along with your content and, more importantly, offer additional information on discussed topics.
If you don’t use show notes, your listeners may miss critical points, especially if they are driving or multitasking while listening. And this can be incredibly frustrating for your listeners if there’s not an easy way to find this information after the episode is over.
Additionally, show notes also help with your podcast’s discoverability, as they can be optimized with relevant keywords and tags that make it easier for listeners to find your show. So, not having show notes for your podcast is really a mistake on two fronts.
But avoiding this mistake is easy! Start writing really great show notes today. Here are all the tips and tricks for Writing Amazing Show Notes for Your Podcast.
In Conclusion
Podcasting is a dynamic medium. There are constantly new shows being released, new updates to platforms in the works, and new trends emerging related to nearly every part of the podcasting process.
But there are some fundamentals that will always remain. And some mistakes that will always negatively affect your podcast’s trajectory.
But the very good news is that when you know what to be aware of, you can easily avoid making these common podcast mistakes on your podcasting journey.
So, take note of these 5 podcast mistakes, know the signs, and don’t let them trip you up on your way to the top!
