By Michelle Sorro
A podcast builds authority by spotlighting people’s passion, perspective, and personal power. The convenient audio content is easily digestible by listeners, making it a quick way to build an engaged community and a loyal support base. Michelle Sorro co-founder of The Podcast Accelerator with Ginni Media shares tips to guide beginners in this rapidly expanding medium.
Authoritative podcasts are goal-driven
Aspiring podcasters should take time to determine their goals. They need to establish a clear “why” for tackling the project before doing anything else. Though this first step seems obvious, prospective podcasters should give this careful consideration.
“More and more entrepreneurs, business professionals, and life coaches are coming to podcasting as a marketing tool for their brands,” says Sorro. “Podcasting is an outstanding platform to build credibility, grow your reach, and provide your target audiences with valuable content.”
Podcasting is perfect for entrepreneurs and thought leaders who have the goal of becoming influencers in their fields of expertise. By inviting guests, they can network with other experts and broaden their audience base.
On the other hand, many podcasters join the medium as enthusiastic aspirants. “If you’re looking at podcasting from a hobbyist perspective, you can create a show in your spare time,” Sorro remarks. “The subject will most likely be something that you’re passionate about, and you’ll soon discover many others are as well.”
Other enthusiasts come to podcasting to produce a living legacy. For them, the goal is to curate a meaningful body of work. “Your mission and magical moments can live on forever through the power of audio media,” explains Sorro.
There are many goals for joining the ranks of professional and aspirant podcasters. Though the reasoning for starting a podcast is personal and varies from show to show, it is crucial in guiding every decision podcasters make. Identifying goals will bring continuity to the show and keep podcasters motivated throughout the journey.
Authoritative podcasts don’t have to be perfect
Newcomers to podcasting often worry that they have to plan the entire season before releasing the first episode. They often spin their wheels trying to hit on a momentous message because they fear all the topics have already been covered.
Sorro warns this kind of procrastination is counterproductive. “You just need the spark of an idea to kick off your podcast,” she explains. “As you progress, the show will evolve, and the content creation will become easier and more natural. Remember progress over perfection.”
Authoritative podcasts are produced on a reliable routine
“Consistency is key to getting a podcast off the ground,” says Sorro. “Once listeners discover a unique show, they quickly resonate with the message and want to hear more.”
If podcast episodes are available on a regular and predictable basis, the show will become part of listeners’ routines. Podcast hosts who provide reliable and engaging content become an important piece of their listeners’ daily lives—the friend who joins them on the long commute or gets up early to work out.
“One of the most common mistakes beginners make is trying to record and release multiple episodes per week,” Sorro comments. “That often leads to fast burnout.”
Sorro recommends beginning with one episode per week. “Releasing the program on the same day each week builds momentum and lets listeners know when to expect your show. You can always increase the cadence as you settle into your flow.”
Authoritative podcasts are promoted
The work isn’t complete when a podcast goes live. The most critical step in garnering authority as a podcaster is promoting the finished product.
“While a podcast can grow organically through the various podcast apps, the fastest and most effective growth will be within your own community,” says Sorro. “Share a link to the show on your social media channels, email list, website, networking groups, and everywhere you can.”
Podcast Accelerator helping beginners kickstart authoritative podcasts
A lot of details go into the completion of a polished podcast episode. Even the most enthusiastic beginners can become overwhelmed at some point in the project.
“Working with professionals who have blazed trails ahead of you can be extremely helpful in creating your first successful and purpose-driven podcast,” says Sorro. “While many courses out there promise to teach you how to run podcasts, my co-founder Ginni Saraswati and I have developed the first and only podcasting course that coaches you through the entire production of your first episode.”
In eight weeks, the Podcast Accelerator takes participants from a basic idea to a professionally produced podcast launched on all major pod apps. The package includes:
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Custom-made cover art
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A compelling intro and outro
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Music fitting the show’s vibe
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First episode produced and published on the major pod apps
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Custom-made promo trailer
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Master mindset coaching along the way
The program provides all the touches that coalesce into a fully fleshed-out show.
“When you’re starting something big, scary, and new, having people there who know the end game can be invaluable,” says Sorro. “The Podcast Accelerator is an 8-week fully supported journey with unparalleled accountability. “It culminates with you reaching the podcast launch finish line alongside a vibrant community who are all bringing their vision and voice to life.”