Hey there, friends! It’s your system’s fairy godmother, Colie James, here. If you’ve been thinking about starting a podcast but aren’t quite sure why it’s a good idea, you’re in the right place. I’ve been a fan of podcasting for a LONG time, and I’m so excited to share this blog post with you. In case you’re curious, in a past blog I walked you through the steps on HOW to start a podcast, but today, we’re exploring WHY you should consider starting one.
Celebrating the 2nd anniversary of my OWN podcast (yay!), I feel this topic couldn’t be more fitting this month. So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, and let’s dive in!
Pssst: If you’re starting your podcast this year, I HIGHLY recommend grabbing my podcast planner toolkit. With 10 email templates, a guest application form, and everything else you need to manage podcast interviews, it will save you SO much time (especially in the beginning!). This is available for Airtable, Dubsado, and Honeybook (coming soon 🎉)!
NOTE: the Airtable template to manage your podcast also includes tables to organize your podcast content and links. Just pick your favorite external calendar for a completely centralized management system.
Is Starting a Podcast Worth It In 2024?
First, let’s address the elephant in the room. I know that there are a lot of people that think podcasting is oversaturated. I’m here to tell you that’s simply not true. The podcasting landscape is full of opportunities, and there’s always room for fresh voices and perspectives, just like yours 😉
One of the things I love most about my podcasting journey is the ability to carve out my own unique space, separate from social media! From the start, I was confident that my voice and message would resonate with my audience. I just focused on delivering authentic, valuable content in each and every episode.
Plus, podcasting offers a unique way to connect deeply with your audience in a way that other mediums just can’t match. It’s intimate and feels personal, and it also allows you to share your expertise AND your personality at the same time! This connection is priceless and can set you apart from others in your field.
The last two years of podcasting have allowed me to amplify my brand and share my passion and work on a much larger scale. Your unique voice can resonate with a specific audience, and that connection is invaluable.
Now, let’s dive into 5 more ways you can start a podcast this year.
1. Easily Repurposed Content
One of the biggest wins from my podcast has been the amount of repurposed content I’ve been able to create! I have a solid SYSTEM for this (keep reading!), and it’s been a game-changer. Each episode can be transformed into blogs, social media posts, newsletters—you name it! This not only maximizes the content you produce but also keeps your audience engaged across different platforms. Around here, we work smarter, not harder, right?
Here’s what my team and I do:
Once I record a podcast episode on Riverside, it’s transcribed in Descript. My amazing podcast manager, Haylee of Gaffin Creative, then edits the audio and video and highlights the key points. She saves at least five to six engaging video clips from each episode.
These clips are then passed to my virtual assistant, Sarah of Joyfully Organized, who works her magic with Canva + Descript. She creates social media videos, and then adds hooks and captions. We then use Metricool to schedule and distribute the content across all the different platforms, tweaking and customizing captions as needed.
2. Build Connections with Guests
Podcasting is an amazing way to network and build relationships with incredibly cool guests. I have a podcast planner toolkit that helps me book, communicate with, and manage guests smoothly, ensuring every interview is a success. While I invite a LOT of people I already know and love, I also reach out and invite people I’ve never met before if I believe they will bring a huge amount of value to my own business AND my listeners. Some of my guests have become new business besties and these connections have led to new opportunities, partnerships, and even friendships that extend beyond the podcast. Plus, having a diverse lineup of guests keeps the content fresh and exciting for my audience.
3. Amplify Your Brand and Expertise
Starting a podcast immediately positions you as an expert in your field. It’s a great way to establish authority and build trust with your audience. Being seen as a thought leader will open up many different opportunities and collaborations, which is one of the reasons you’ll hear me say yes you should start a podcast this year. My podcast has led to speaking engagements, new clients, and even being a guest on other podcasts (which in turn, grows my audience). When you share valuable content consistently, your audience begins to see you as their go-to resource.
4. Builds Your Community
This is one of my favorite reasons you should start a podcast this year. Podcasting fosters a strong sense of community. I’ve mentioned this earlier but it really is an intimate medium that allows for deeper audience engagement. I love interacting with my listeners in social media interactions after the episodes drop and at in-person events. You know what humbles me every single time? Meeting a complete stranger at a conference who tells me they are an avid listener of the podcast. I totally imagine my audience it just made up of my friends and family who listen to the podcast because it’s expected 😂
When you build a loyal community that supports from your podcast, it grows with you. I think a big trend in the online space this year is that we all want to feel more in community, and podcasting helps us do that.
5. Grows Your Business (+ Makes You Money!)
Let’s talk money! One of the best parts about starting a podcast this year if that amount of ways you can monetize your efforts and turn your passion into profit. You can try anything from sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and even selling your products or services directly through your podcast. Chances are – you’ll end up with a mixture which is great. We love diversified revenue streams over here!
My experience monetizing my podcast has been incredibly rewarding. If you’re ready to dive into monetization and take your podcast to the next level, I highly recommend checking out Elizabeth McCravy’s podcast course. It’s packed with valuable strategies and actionable tips to get you started on the right foot. Trust me, it’s a game-changer if one of the reasons you want to start a podcast this year is to make more money!
Bonus: It’s FUN to Start and Grow a Podcast
Above all, podcasting brings me so much personal satisfaction and joy. It’s a platform where I really feel like I can express myself and connect with others who share the same passions I have. If you’re passionate about a topic, podcasting can be a fulfilling outlet that aligns with your values. It’s not just about business growth! Although my podcast definitely supports my business, I also just enjoy doing something that I love and sharing it with the world. I really believe that the joy of podcasting comes from creating meaningful content, building connections, and knowing that your voice is making an impact. So, if you’ve been thinking about starting a podcast, go for it! Your unique perspective is needed, and there’s no better time to share it than now!
Should You Start a Podcast This Year?
I hope this inspires you to take the leap into podcasting! Remember, your voice is unique, and there’s always room for fresh perspectives! Ready to start? Pop over to Instagram and send me a DM to let me know when you hit publish!
All this talk about podcasting—you must be curious about mine! Click here to tune in and catch the latest episodes (or binge-listen to them all, DEFINITELY no judgment here!). If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need a bit more guidance, I’ve got you covered. Check out my shop, hire me to help you get started, or reach out if you want me to take over the entire process for you. Let’s get your voice out there and make an impact!
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