How to Start a Podcast with No Audience (Case Studies & 10 Tips for Free Promotion)
-Dave Lawson
As a podcast strategist based in Minneapolis, I've helped dozens of podcasters grow from zero listeners to thousands of downloads. Starting a podcast with no audience can seem daunting, but with the right strategies and techniques, it is possible to build a successful podcast from scratch. In this article, I will share practical tips, methods, and case studies for creating a podcast from the ground up. Specifically, I will focus on the industries of real estate, healthcare, financial planning, and other relevant fields.
Is it possible to grow a podcast from zero listeners?
The short answer is yes! Building a successful podcast from scratch is possible, even with no existing audience. However, it requires dedication, consistency, and a willingness to experiment with different strategies. The most crucial factor is creating high-quality content tailored to your target audience. By doing so, you can gradually build a loyal following and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry.
Identify Your Target Audience and Choose a Niche
Before you start recording your first episode, you must identify your target audience and choose a niche that aligns with your business goals and values. By doing so, you can create content that resonates with your audience and establishes your expertise in your industry.
For example, if you are in the real estate industry, you might focus on home buying and selling, investing in rental properties, or real estate market trends. In the healthcare industry, you might focus on nutrition, fitness, or mental health issues. In the financial planning industry, you might focus on retirement planning, investment strategies, or debt management.
Select the Right Equipment
Once you have identified your niche and target audience, it's time to start thinking about equipment. You don't need to break the bank to get started, but it's important to invest in quality equipment to ensure your audio is clear and professional.
At a minimum, you will need a microphone, a recording device, and headphones. For microphones, I recommend the Blue Yeti or the Audio-Technica AT2020. For recording devices, you can use your smartphone or a digital recorder such as the Zoom H4N. For headphones, any pair of over-ear headphones will do the trick.
Record and Edit Your Episodes
When it comes to recording and editing your episodes, various software options are available, including GarageBand, Audacity, and Adobe Audition. Choose the software that best fits your needs and budget.
When recording your episodes, find a quiet space with minimal background noise. Use your headphones to monitor the audio as you record, and speak clearly and confidently.
When editing your episodes, remove unnecessary pauses or filler words. Be sure to add an intro and outro to each episode and any music or sound effects that help enhance the listener experience.
Choose a Hosting Platform
Once you have recorded and edited your episodes, it's time to choose a hosting platform. There are several options available, including Buzzsprout, Libsyn, and Podbean. Choose the platform that best fits your needs and budget.
When selecting a hosting platform, consider factors such as storage space, analytics, and pricing. You must also create cover art and write show notes for each episode.
Promote Your Podcast
Once your podcast is live, it's time to start promoting it. You can use several strategies to promote your podcast, including:
Leverage Social Media: Share your podcast episodes on your social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Use relevant hashtags to reach new audiences and engage with your followers by asking for their feedback and opinions.
Collaborate with Other Podcasters: Reach out to other podcasters in your niche and offer to collaborate on an episode or cross-promote each other's podcasts. This can help you reach new audiences and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry.
Submit Your Podcast to Directories: Submit your podcast to popular directories such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher. This can help you reach new listeners searching for podcasts in your niche.
Participate in Online Communities: Join online communities related to your niche and engage with members by sharing podcast episodes, answering questions, and offering valuable insights and advice.
Create Shareable Content: Create shareable content related to your podcast, such as quote images, infographics, or short video clips. Please share this content on your social media channels and encourage your followers to share it with their networks.
Reach Out to Your Network: Reach out to your existing network, including friends, family, and colleagues, and ask them to listen to your podcast and share it with their own networks.
Optimize Your Website: Optimize your website for search engines by including relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and tags. This can help your podcast appear higher in search engine results and attract new listeners.
Attend Events: Attend events related to your niche, such as conferences or trade shows, and network with other professionals in your industry. This can help you establish new connections and promote your podcast to a relevant audience.
Create a Newsletter: Share a newsletter with your email subscribers. Include updates on new episodes, behind-the-scenes insights, and exclusive content unavailable on your podcast.
Guest on Other Podcasts: Reach out to other podcasters in your niche and offer to be a guest on their shows. This can help you reach new audiences and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry.
Case Studies and Examples of Growing A Podcast From Zero Listeners
Let's look at a few examples from different industries to give you an idea of how successful podcasts can be built from scratch.
In the real estate industry, the "BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast" started with no listeners and has grown to become one of the most popular podcasts in the industry. They achieved this success by consistently producing high-quality content that addresses their target audience's pain points and interests. They also leveraged their existing network of real estate professionals to promote their podcasts and collaborate with other industry influencers.
In the healthcare industry, the "FoundMyFitness" podcast started with no listeners and has grown to become a trusted source of health and wellness information. They achieved this success by creating in-depth content backed by research and science. They also leveraged social media and guest appearances on other popular health and wellness podcasts to reach new audiences.
In the financial planning industry, the "ChooseFI" podcast started with no listeners and has become popular in the financial independence community. They achieved this success by creating content that addresses the pain points of their target audience, such as saving for retirement and managing debt. They also leveraged social media and email marketing to reach new audiences.
Tim Murphy started with ZERO audience when he kicked off the Value Driven Investor Podcast. Now he has thousands of downloads and passionate fans. Digital Legend produces The VDI Podcast and we helped grow the podcast by analyzing the episodes that drew the most attention and doubled down on those topics in social media.
Monetizing Your Podcast
Several ways to monetize your podcast include sponsorships, merchandise, and membership models.
Sponsorships involve partnering with a company or brand that aligns with your podcast's niche and target audience. You can offer various sponsorship options, including pre-roll and mid-roll ads, sponsor mentions, and product reviews.
Merchandise involves selling branded merchandise such as t-shirts, mugs, or stickers. This can be a great way to generate additional revenue while promoting your podcast.
Membership models involve offering premium content or exclusive access to your podcast for a monthly or annual fee. This can be a great way to monetize your podcast while providing additional value to your most dedicated listeners.
Conclusion
Starting a podcast with no audience can be challenging, but with the right strategies and techniques, it is possible to build a successful podcast from scratch. By identifying your target audience, choosing a niche, selecting the right equipment, recording and editing your episodes, choosing a hosting platform, and promoting your podcast, you can gradually build a loyal following and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. Remember to focus on creating high-quality content that addresses your target audience's pain points and interests and experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you.
Exhausted by the thought of doing this all on your own? Don’t be afraid to reach out! We’re here to help!
