Podcasting is one of the most exciting ways to connect with an audience, share your knowledge, and build a brand. But let’s be honest—it’s not as easy as just hitting the record button. After years in the game, I’ve compiled 50 game-changing podcasting tips to help you stand out, grow your audience, and make podcasting work for you.
1. Leverage Other Podcasts for Growth
Mention other podcasts on your show. When people subscribe to those podcasts, yours will show up under “related podcasts” in Apple Podcasts. This is an easy way to get new listeners without even being a guest on their show.
2. How Long Should Your Podcast Be?
Your podcast should be exactly as long as it needs to be to provide value—no more, no less.
3. Make Your Podcast Artwork Stand Out
Your podcast cover art is one of the first things people see. Make sure it looks great, even when viewed as a small thumbnail on a mobile device.
4. Be a Guest on Other Podcasts
One of the best ways to grow your audience is to be interviewed on other podcasts. Their audience already listens to podcasts, so it’s an easy transition for them to check out your show.
5. Start with People You Know
If you want to be a guest on other podcasts, start with people in your network who already have shows. If you want to branch out, find someone who can introduce you to the host.
6. Tell More Stories
People remember and share stories more than facts. Even if you have a technical or educational podcast, weave in stories to keep your listeners engaged.
7. Invest in a High-Quality Microphone
Audio is everything. A good microphone makes all the difference. Your audience will tolerate a bad video, but they won’t stick around for bad audio.
8. Use a Shock Mount for Your Microphone
A shock mount absorbs vibrations from your desk and prevents unwanted noises from creeping into your recording.
9. Get a Mic Flag
This small cube around your microphone with your podcast’s logo makes your setup look professional, especially if you ever record video.
10. Batch Record Your Episodes
Don’t record one episode at a time—record multiple in a session so you’re always ahead and not stuck on a “content hamster wheel.”
11. Plan Ahead
Block out time in your calendar to brainstorm and outline upcoming episodes. The more prepared you are, the smoother the process.
12. Don’t Over-Edit
Leave in some natural “ums” and breaths—it makes you sound human. Over-editing removes the natural flow of speech.
13. Make Guests Feel Comfortable
Before recording, tell guests you’re not recording yet and make small talk. Let them know it’s just a casual conversation, and the audience is just “a fly on the wall.”
14. Avoid Zoom for Remote Interviews
Zoom compresses audio and lowers the quality. Use services like SquadCast or Riverside for crisp, professional sound.
15. Check Apple Podcasts for Related Shows
Scroll down on your show’s Apple Podcasts page to see related podcasts. These are perfect for collaborations or guest opportunities.
16. Pay Attention to Your Podcast Analytics
Track trends over time and see which episodes perform best. This helps you double down on what works.
17. Monitor Listener Retention
If people drop off at a certain point, go back and analyze what might have caused them to lose interest.
18. Try a “Burst Strategy”
Want a quick download boost? Release multiple episodes in a short time—like five episodes in five days.
19. Link Visual Elements to Your Website
If you reference something visual in your podcast, send listeners to your website to check it out.
20. Keep Links Simple
Don’t overwhelm listeners with too many links. Use short, easy-to-remember URLs.
21. Build an Email List
Your email list is your direct line to your audience. Offer something valuable in exchange for their email.
22. Talk to One Listener Per Month
Reach out to a listener and ask what they love about your show and what they’d like more of.
23. Don’t Over-Apologize for Breaks
If you take a break, don’t dwell on it when you return. Just move forward.
24. Pivoting Is Okay
If you want to change your podcast’s name, format, or niche, go for it.
25. Remember, Your Listeners Are Real People
Even if you have “only” 100 listeners, imagine them all in a room. That’s a huge audience.
26. Let Customers Sell for You
Feature customer success stories instead of just pitching your product.
27. Focus on Relatable Guests
You don’t need A-list celebrities. Your audience will connect more with people who are at their level.
28. Bring a Microphone to Events
You never know when a great interview opportunity will pop up.
29. Capture Audio on the Go
Use portable recorders like the Zoom H6 or a smart lavalier mic for your phone.
30. Use a RoadCaster Pro for Serious Podcasting
This tool makes recording high-quality, multi-mic audio much easier.
31. Record a Video Version
Even if you don’t publish it, having a video recording can be repurposed later.
32. Repurpose Dry Interviews
If a guest wasn’t engaging, pull the best parts into a narrative-style episode.
33. Listicle Episodes Work
People love “Top 10” or “Best 5” lists, but add stories to make them more engaging.
34. Use Royalty-Free or Custom Music
Ensure you have full rights to any music you use.
35. Have Fun
Podcasting should be enjoyable! Your enthusiasm will be contagious.
36. Keep Your Outro Short
A long outro signals people to leave. Wrap it up quickly to keep them engaged.
37. Ask Your Listeners Who Heard the Latest Episode
Follow up with a direct message to personally thank them—it’s an easy way to build super fans.
38. Turn Interviews into Solo Content
If a guest says something profound, create a solo episode where you expand on their insights.
39. Be Active in Podcasting Groups
Don’t spam your podcast—engage in discussions, and let your expertise bring listeners naturally.
40. Get Forum Owners to Promote Your Show
Interview them, and they’ll likely share it with their community.
41. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Compare your growth to last month, not to other podcasts.
42. Share Your Podcast on Social Media the Right Way
Link to your website or a link hub like Linktree, not just Apple Podcasts.
43. Nail Your Hook
The first minute matters—give people a reason to stick around.
44. Ask “Why?” and “How?” More Often
Go deeper in interviews by following up on responses.
45. Think About Your Podcast Like a Journey
What transformation do you want your listeners to have?
46. Don’t Script Everything
Scripting makes you sound robotic. Instead, use bullet points.
47. Embrace Your Unique Voice
Be yourself—that’s your biggest advantage.
48. Build a Community
Consider creating a private group for your listeners.
49. Do a Recap Episode
End-of-year or themed recap episodes help resurface great content.
50. Keep Going
Success takes time. Keep learning, keep improving, and most importantly—keep podcasting!
Podcasting is an incredible journey. Implement these tips, stay consistent, and watch your show grow!
