What were the largest hurdles you had to overcome when starting a podcast?
Starting anything can be tough. The first sentence of a school paper, an about page on your blog, show notes for your podcast episode, these are all hard things to start but once you do you’re off and running.
A podcast is no different. Once you get past that initial barrier, whatever that happens to be in your case, then you gain momentum and the next thing you know you’re on episode twenty.
Some of the most common hurdles I hear podcasters say they encountered are choosing a topic, getting past the fear of putting yourself out into the public, technical knowledge of podcasting and trying to make everything perfect before the first episode.
On this episode I’m going to help you break down some of these barriers and give you ways to help others start their first podcast if you;re hearing these common road blocks.
Top reasons people have a hard time starting a podcast:
- Too much tech – If you’re struggling with things like RSS the solution is to get paid hosting. See my link below for my host and promo code for Libsyn. Your RSS feed is as simple as filling in some boxes with information about your show.
- Trying to make it perfect – You don’t need or want to be perfect right out of the gate. If you have focused content that stays on topic and your audio is listenable, you’re ready. Grow as you go, your audience will enjoy hearing you improving.
- Fear of criticism – criticism is good when it’s constructive and in fact is a desired result of starting your podcast. Your audience will help you shape your show and improve the content you’re producing which will in turn help you grow your listenship. All other criticisms are trolls and that simply can and needs to be ignored.
- Don’t like the sound of your own voice – nobody likes the sound of their own voice. You’d be surprised, even from people you think have a great voice. We’re all our own worst critics. If you can’t listen to your own podcast, don’t. It’s better if you do but do whatever you need to just start podcasting. You can shape your voice a little in post production but a little goes a very long way.
- Too expensive – You can buy one, great quality mic (ATR2100*) for about $35 and you’re set. Use free software (Audacity) to edit and you’ve got yourself a high quality, affordable setup that your can grow as you if you wish.
- Can’t find a co-host – have you checked out Google Plus Communities yet? This is quickly becoming the go to place for niche content. Start having conversations with the people in your niche and you’ll soon find friends who would be happy to start a podcast with you.
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Podcasters’ Roundtable – Round 14 – Finding an Audience in a Small Niche
- iTunes specs page – podcasts about podcasting
- Podcasters Community on G+
Get a free month of Libsyn hosting with a new account!
Do you need a reliable host for your audio or video podcast? Consider moving your show to Libsyn.com (my chosen host) and get your first month free when you use promo code: podcasthelper at checkout.
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