Podcasting is exciting, but it can also be tricky. Many new podcasters jump in with enthusiasm but quickly run into challenges that can make the process overwhelming or even lead to burnout. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when starting a podcast – and how to avoid them!
So, it wasn’t much of a shock when the higher-ups decided to launch a podcast division and “put me on the task.” Now, here’s the thing—I didn’t know the first thing about podcasting. Honestly, I didn’t even listen to podcasts. But that didn’t stop me. I did what any self-respecting “Becky-Nator” would do: I got to work, set up processes, assembled the right team, and stayed comfortably behind the scenes. I could be the producer, sure—but host a show? Not a chance. Or so I thought.
1. Too Many Focuses
It’s great to have a ton of ideas, but too many topics can create a confusing and cluttered podcast. If you’re trying to cover everything, you’ll end up connecting with no one. Remember, a podcast for everyone is a podcast for no one. You need to narrow down your focus and get specific about who you’re trying to reach and what you’re talking about. This will make your content stronger and more appealing to your target audience.
How to avoid this: Start by identifying your passion and expertise, then create content around that. Once you hone in on one clear topic or niche, your audience will know what to expect, and you’ll become the go-to person for that subject.
2. Not Narrowing Your Audience
When you don’t know exactly who you’re speaking to, your podcast ends up sounding watered down. You might think you’re reaching a broader audience, but in reality, you’re losing connection with everyone.
How to avoid this: Get clear on who your ideal listener is and tailor your content to meet their needs. Create a profile for your ideal listener – their interests, problems, and how your podcast can serve them. When your content is laser-focused, it resonates deeply with your target audience, and they’re more likely to stick around.
3. Making Your Podcast Too Difficult
Podcasting doesn’t have to be complicated! One of the most common mistakes is making things harder than they need to be. Keep It Simple and Straightforward (KISS). Trying to add too many sound effects, complex edits, or flashy transitions can turn into a time-consuming and expensive mess. It’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole, but if you overcomplicate the production process, you’re likely to burn out quickly or blow your budget.
How to avoid this: Focus on producing clean, simple episodes that are easy to edit and maintain. The quality of your content is more important than flashy production. Fancy effects can come later – for now, just get your voice out there!
4. Undisciplined Recording
One of the biggest headaches for new podcasters is editing out endless mistakes. If you don’t have a structured approach to your recording sessions, it’s easy to get lost, make mistakes, and create more work for yourself in post-production. Stopping, starting, rambling, and going off-topic will turn your editing process into a weekly nightmare.
How to avoid this: Develop a consistent show flow and outline. Before you hit record, know what you’re going to say, how your episode will progress, and the key points you want to hit. Stick to your script or outline as much as possible. This will save you a lot of time and frustration in editing and will make your content more engaging for your audience.
5. Inconsistent Episode Structure
Consistency is key in podcasting. Listeners crave structure – they like to know what to expect from your episodes. Whether it’s the length, format, or frequency of release, staying consistent is crucial to keeping your audience engaged. If your episodes are unpredictable, people will get frustrated and stop tuning in.
How to avoid this: Create a script or format template for your episodes. While you don’t need to be rigid, having a recognizable structure provides a sense of reliability. For example, each episode could start with a short introduction, move into your main topic, and end with a listener Q&A or call-to-action. A steady format builds trust with your audience and keeps them coming back.
6. Neglecting Sound Quality
Sound quality can make or break a podcast. Even if your content is solid, poor audio will drive listeners away. Recording in a noisy room, using cheap equipment, or not paying attention to your mic setup can result in a podcast that’s hard to listen to.
How to avoid this: Invest in decent audio equipment and record in a quiet environment. You don’t need to break the bank – there are plenty of affordable microphones and headphones that deliver high-quality sound. Simple tricks like using a pop filter, recording in a smaller room, and reducing background noise can also go a long way in improving your sound quality.
7. Forgetting About Promotion
Many new podcasters think that once they record their episodes, listeners will just magically show up. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Without a promotion strategy, your podcast might go unnoticed, no matter how great it is.
How to avoid this: Plan your promotion from day one. Share your podcast on social media, encourage your listeners to leave reviews, and collaborate with other podcasters or influencers to get your name out there. Make sure your podcast is listed on all the major directories (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, etc.) and consider running ads or creating teaser content to spark interest.
8. Not Engaging With Your Audience
Podcasting shouldn’t be a one-way street. Your audience wants to feel connected to you. If you’re not engaging with them – whether through social media, listener Q&A, or community events – you’re missing an opportunity to build loyalty and grow your following.
How to avoid this: Encourage feedback, answer listener questions, and invite your audience to be part of the show. Create a space (Facebook group, Discord channel, etc.) where listeners can interact with you and with each other. Engaged listeners are more likely to become loyal fans who recommend your podcast to others.
9. Lack of Patience
Building a successful podcast takes time. Many new podcasters give up too soon because they don’t see immediate results. Podcasting is a marathon, not a sprint.
How to avoid this: Set realistic expectations and focus on consistency. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a thriving podcast. Keep producing high-quality content, stay engaged with your audience, and over time, you’ll see your podcast grow. Celebrate small milestones and stay committed to your vision.
In this free, easy-to-follow guide, Becky Crawley shares her best tips and insights from years behind the mic and coaching others to launch their podcasts successfully.
What’s Inside:
- Why Start a Podcast: Discover the power of podcasting to share your unique voice, build a legacy, and connect with others.
- Top Mistakes New Podcasters Make: Learn what to avoid to keep your podcast focused, consistent, and engaging.
- Step-by-Step Setup Guide: From choosing your microphone to setting up recording software, you’ll get all the essentials without the overwhelm.
- Recording & Editing Basics: Get tips on how to record your first episode, edit like a pro, and add music without breaking the bank.
- Publishing & Promoting Your Podcast: Learn how to upload, submit to platforms like Apple Podcasts, and market your show to build a loyal audience.
Avoid these common pitfalls, and you’ll be setting yourself up for podcasting success! Keep things simple, stay focused, and build a consistent flow that both you and your listeners can rely on.
Want help on your journey? Check out my Launch Your Podcast eCourse, designed to take you from concept to publication without all the headaches.
