What Are the Signs That I Should Start a Podcast?

What Are the Signs That I Should Start a Podcast?

The other day, we saw Patrick adding some podcast equipment to his shopping cart, and it piqued our curiosity. What is happening? Who owns these equipment? Do you want to start a podcast?

These were some of the questions we asked him. He said he has been playing around with the idea of starting a podcast for some time now. So, instead of procrastinating, he has decided to start getting the equipment he will need for his new career journey.

It felt strange that Patrick was about to become a podcaster as no one could have predicted that such would happen. However, we also understand the dynamics of life and how people could have varying choices from time to time.

Suppose you are wondering about the concept of owning a podcast. One can compare a podcast to having an audio show. Yes, it would not be out of place to describe it as a radio show. However, you are not attached to an official radio station, and you get to do it at your pace.

Instead of being attached to a radio station, the concept of owning a podcast allows you to put it on the internet. So, people can always listen to it whenever they desire.

We have seen a steady rise in the popularity status of podcasts globally, so it was not shocking that Patrick was considering starting and owning a podcast. But, we also knew that there were some personal reasons why he desired to have his podcast.

So, we engaged Patrick for the sake of this article and asked him what made him realize that he needed to own a podcast. So, in this article, we will talk about those signs that show you need to start a podcast.

Interestingly, we see that many people ignore these signs. But, they could be the deciding factor that tells if you should start and own a podcast.

Some of the signs are:

You wish to anchor a show

Patrick said one of the signs that pushed him to start a podcast was because he had always wanted to anchor a show. He was always in awe of broadcasters and journalists from a young age, and he wished to be like them.

Although his career path changed as he got older, he was still fascinated by show hosts. And, he would sometimes find himself drafting up ideas for shows.

He even showed us a book he had been writing show ideas for years. So, to ensure that these ideas do not waste, he decided to start a podcast. The podcast will let him bring these ideas to life as he anchors his show.

As earlier stated, we had likened the idea of a podcast to a radio show. Therefore, you get to be the anchor of this show. And, you can even have a co-host. It depends on your preference and the ideas you already have planned for the show. We even see that some people invite guests to their shows to make them livelier.

If you decide to start a podcast, you can reach out to some of your favorite people to be a part of your show.

You desire to have an audience

Did you know that you can build an audience with your podcast? If you have a craving to build an audience, you should consider starting a podcast.

Some people desire to have fans, but they feel that you have to be a celebrity before having fans. However, allow us to tell you that you do not need to be a celebrity before getting fans.

If you look around you, you will notice that even the local broadcasters in your region have fans. These fans are always eager to listen to their shows and do not miss them at any point. Therefore, you can also have your fans if you start a podcast.

Patrick had always desired to have fans and supporters. The idea is that he could start influencing people, and he knew that it was possible through podcasting.

But, you cannot have fans or loyalists if you are not consistent. If people do not like your show, they will not become fans. Therefore, you need to streamline your show to ensure that it captures the hearts of your audience. That is the only way to get and retain fans and have people refer your podcast to others.

You want to build your interviewing skills

Another interesting sign Patrick pointed out was that one could build their interviewing skills through owning a podcast. It initially felt weird to us as we wondered how it would work out, but it began to make sense as he explained it.

We see that many people do not have interpersonal or people skills. But you can build it when you start a podcast. Recall how we earlier mentioned that you could invite guests on your podcast. So, how do you intend to engage your guest? Of course, you would need to interview them to get them talking, and a podcast can make it possible.

We know that this will not happen overnight, but allow us to say that practice makes perfect. Yes, people say that practice makes perfect, and we agree with them. And, when you start doing something continuously, you are poised at getting it right, and it becomes a habit.

So, if you get the urge to build your interviewing skills, you should consider starting a podcast. It helps you in different aspects of life, especially if you hold a managerial position.

For example, you will need interviewing skills if you are an organization’s HR. And, you will not have any challenges if you already own a podcast.

You are open to the idea of networking

People usually say that your network is your net worth, and we agree with such claims. However, you cannot have a wide network if you do not have excellent networking skills.

Many people understand the essence of networking, but they find it hard to grow their network. So, we can say that they desire to network, but they do not know how to go about it.

We can see that some of you nod your heads while reading this part of the article. And, it would not be wrong for us to say that you are open to the idea of networking. So, if you are one of such persons, we can say that it is a sign that you should start a podcast.

When you own a podcast and people love your content, you will see that they will want to associate with you. So it will not be out of place if people, brands, and organizations start to reach out to you on your social media platforms for a partnership.

Through this, you are becoming more popular and communicating with more people. And it helps to increase your network. But, of course, your level goes higher once you start your podcast.

You have products and services to promote

Many people also go into podcasting because they want to make money. So, yes, we see that it is one of the top reasons people start a podcast. However, allow us to tell you that you cannot make money from a podcast if you do not have products and services to promote.

Although that is not the main focus of this article, allow us to tell you that you can make money from podcasting in many ways. So, if you desire to promote your goods and services, you can see it as a sign to start a podcast.

Everyone would agree that marketing your products and services on channels like radio or even social media can be expensive. For example, you will need to pay when you want to run ads and promotions on social media, and the same also applies to running jingles on radio stations.

But when you have a podcast, you can easily promote your products and services during your show. Here, you are doing it for free as you own the show, and you do not have to pay anyone.

The more people listen to your show, the more they know about your products and services, and it becomes a winning situation for you.

You want to build your oration skills

Not everyone was born with effective communication skills, and we see it play out around us. Although Patrick can classify his communication skills as efficient, he also noted that he needed to work on them.

Patrick realized that he was sometimes shy when talking in front of people, making him stutter or forget some things. So, when he researched, he saw that he could improve his oration skills by starting a podcast. After all, owning a podcast is all about talking and communicating. So, the more he talks, the better he becomes at orating.

Improving your oration skills can work differently when you start a podcast. For example, you get better at listening to what others are saying and giving an appropriate response. Communication entails passing information between the sender and the receiver, and you will need listening skills to make it possible.

So, if you have a podcast and people usually call in, it helps you improve your communication and listening skills.

Recall how we earlier stated that practice makes perfect. It will also play out in this scenario as you will get better by the time you continue releasing more podcasts.

As a podcast host, you can sometimes listen to your old shows. And you will see that you have improved and gotten better with time.

You love to talk

Some people love talking, and that is undeniable. It would not be inappropriate to say that they love the sound of their voices. So, if you are one of such persons, why not put this skill to use? If you love talking, it can signify that you should start a podcast.

We met a communication expert named Elsie back then, and we inquired how she got into her current career path. Elsie told us that she had always wanted to become a doctor while growing up, but she also knew she loved to talk. However, she did not consider that aspect as she built her career.

But one day, as she was about rounding up high school, she realized that talking was her passion, and it was better that she followed her passion when choosing a career. After all, it would be easier to flow with your career when you are passionate about it. And that was how she decided to venture into communications.

Like Elsie, you can venture into communications and start a podcast if you love to talk. Patrick also confirmed that it was one of the reasons why his friend started a podcast.

You prefer being behind the scenes

If you are the type who prefers working behind the scenes, it can also be a sign that you should start a podcast. After all, owning a podcast is all about releasing audio files, and you do not need to put out your face.

This reason is one of the signs that pushed Patrick into starting a podcast. Recall how we earlier mentioned that he had always been in awe of broadcasters from a young age. However, he also knew that he would prefer being behind the scenes instead of in front of a camera. So, he would have chosen to be a radio broadcaster over being a TV presenter.

And even though going down the communication path is not his major career focus, he decided to settle for having a podcast. With a podcast, you can work behind the scene, and it gives you less anxiety than when you are in front of a camera.

So, it also comes in handy for shy people. People usually have different answers to why they might be shy in front of a camera. And, we understand that no two persons are the same.

Therefore, if you are shy or generally prefer being behind the scenes, you should consider starting a podcast.

FAQs

Here are some of the frequent questions that people ask about starting a podcast

What makes a good podcaster?

No one expects you to get it right or perfect in your perfect episode. However, what makes a good podcaster is consistency.

It would not make sense to put out one episode and not drop anything for the next five months. If you have built up people’s anticipation for your podcast, then you need to feed them. We are not saying that you must drop episodes daily, but you should be consistent.

You can decide to release new episodes every two days, weekly or bi-weekly. What matters is that you stay consistent with your schedule.

Do podcasts make money?

Yes, you can make money when you have a podcast, and it is one of the reasons people start a podcast.

One way of making money through your podcast is by helping people promote or advertise their products and services. However, there are also other ways of making money through podcasts, and you get to find them with research, as that is not the focus of this article.

What is a good start for a podcast?

People say that little drops of water make a mighty ocean. So, the best way to start your podcast is by dropping one episode and monitoring public perception of your podcast.

How well did your target audience receive your podcast? From there, you can tell what changes to make to become better.

However, it is also important that you do not put yourself under pressure. It is always best to go slow as you will not become a professional podcaster overnight.

Conclusion

If you notice any of the signs we have in this article and you are passionate about the concept of podcasting, you should consider starting your podcast.

The idea of podcasts keeps growing, and we see them getting more popular in the coming years. Thus, you should jump on this wave and utilize the opportunity.