Podcasts: Expectations vs. Reality

When starting a podcast, or thinking about starting a podcast, there is typically a lot of excitement and enthusiasm. You have a great idea, you can’t wait to record, you know everyone is going to love your content. Today, let’s set the record straight on the reality of launching a new podcast.

Expectations

  • You’ll be able to have a number one show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify immediately
  • Each episode will have thousands of downloads
  • You’ll be producing episodes several times a week
  • You don’t need a graphic designer to create your cover art
  • Transcripts are a nice to have
  • You’ll rely on directories, and you don’t need to build a website

Reality

  • Ranking on Apple and Spotify, will take time and A LOT of self promotion
  • The most successful podcast episode had around 50,000 downloads in only 30 days. An episode with 9,000 downloads earns a place in the top 5% of podcasts, and 3,400 downloads puts you in the top 10%. The average podcast racks up 141 downloads in the first 30 days. (Small Business Genius)
  • Use the rule of 4 to plan your production. On average, it takes 4 times the length of your episode to edit the content
  • Canva can create great stuff, but designers can be cover art wizards worth the investment
  • Transcripts are a must for SEO and ADA compliance
  • A website, or at least a web page, is the best way to build a central location for your future audience to follow your podcast

We love podcasts, and half the battle in create a great show is getting off your a$$ and doing the work. It’s too often we see podcasters fail because they don’t have a clear understanding of the work required. Go into your podcast knowing it is going to take time, and the investment will eventually pay off if you stay committed.

Boost Your Audience Engagement with Email & Text Marketing! 📩📱

Get the PodOps Connect Quick Start Guide and start growing your podcast with powerful email and SMS marketing tools.