DON'T START A PODCAST BEFORE WATCHING THIS

Summary

In this video, Pat Flynn, a veteran podcaster with over 12 years of experience, shares five crucial tips for aspiring podcasters. He emphasizes the importance of defining a specific audience, planning 20-30 episodes in advance to avoid 'pod fade', engaging with potential listeners to refine the show's focus, and using the right technology for recording and distribution. Pat also encourages overcoming the fear of starting and highlights the potential benefits of podcasting, such as building relationships and opening new opportunities.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ Understand Your Audience: Define who your podcast is for to avoid creating content that appeals to everyone but resonates with no one.
• 📝 Plan Ahead: Develop a list of 20-30 episode ideas to prevent running out of content and to maintain a consistent schedule.
• 🗣️ Engage with Your Target Audience: Join conversations and communities to understand what your audience wants to hear and who they would like as guests.
• 💡 Pitch Your Idea: Practice explaining your podcast concept to others to refine your messaging and positioning before you start recording.
• 🛠️ Simplify Tech Aspects: Utilize platforms like Buzzsprout to handle the technical aspects of podcasting, making it easier to upload and distribute your episodes.
• 🔊 Invest in Quality Audio: Ensure your audio quality is professional by using services that offer automatic audio mastering.
• 🚀 Overcome Fear: Push through the fear of starting and put your voice out there, as the benefits of podcasting far outweigh the initial discomfort.
• 📈 Learn and Improve: Accept that your first episodes might not be perfect and use each one as a learning opportunity to improve.
• 🔗 Build Relationships: Podcasting can lead to meaningful connections and opportunities that might not have been possible otherwise.
• 💼 Potential for Business Growth: A podcast can serve as a platform for business expansion and additional revenue streams.

Q & A

Who is Pat Flynn and what is his experience with podcasting?

Pat Flynn is a podcaster with over 12 years of experience and has recorded over 1700 episodes with a total of 75 million downloads across several different shows.

What is the first thing Pat suggests to consider before starting a podcast?

Pat suggests understanding who the show is for, emphasizing the importance of targeting a specific audience rather than trying to create content for everyone.

Why is it important to niche down when starting a podcast?

Nicheing down helps to cut through the noise and competition, making it easier to connect with the target audience and provide content that resonates with their specific needs and interests.

How many episode ideas does Pat recommend having before starting to record a podcast?

Pat recommends having 20 to 30 episode ideas prepared to avoid running out of content and experiencing 'pod fade'.

What is 'pod fade' and how can having episode ideas in advance help prevent it?

'Pod fade' is a phenomenon where podcasters lose motivation and stop producing new episodes due to lack of content ideas or planning. Having a backlog of episode ideas can help maintain momentum and prevent this.

Why should you pitch your podcast idea to others before recording?

Pitching your podcast idea helps refine your message, understand how to best position your show, and ensures that you can clearly communicate the value of your podcast to potential listeners.

What is Buzzsprout and why does Pat Flynn recommend it?

Buzzsprout is a podcast hosting platform that simplifies the process of uploading and distributing podcasts to various directories. Pat Flynn recommends it for its ease of use, affordable pricing, and features like automatic audio mastering.

What is the 'magic mastering' feature offered by Buzzsprout?

Magic mastering is a feature that automatically adjusts the audio levels of uploaded files to ensure consistent volume and quality, making the final podcast sound professional without requiring audio engineering skills.

What advice does Pat give about overcoming the fear of starting a podcast?

Pat advises to not let fear stop you from hitting record and publishing. He shares his own experience of delaying his first episode due to fear, and encourages embracing the learning process and the potential benefits of podcasting.

What resources does Pat Flynn offer for those interested in podcasting?

Pat Flynn offers resources including tutorials and a link to his website, where he has helped tens of thousands of people with podcasting, and he also mentions having the number one podcasting tutorial on YouTube.

What is the significance of the phrase 'You got to be a disaster before you become the master' in the context of starting a podcast?

This phrase, attributed to Johnny Dumas, suggests that it's okay to start with imperfections and make mistakes when beginning a podcast. It emphasizes the importance of starting and learning from the experience to eventually become proficient.