“Podcasting is the next generation of radio,” Steve Jobs predicted back in the summer of 2005 when he revealed that Apple would allow podcasts on iTunes. According to Musicoomph, there are now over 700,000 active podcasts worldwide, with over 29 million episodes, and the number is expanding every day.

Podcasting is an enthralling and effective method for telling tales and disseminating information. It has swiftly grown in popularity throughout the globe, and it is simple to fantasize of diving into this fascinating realm.

While podcasting is popular, it has also become a very crowded environment, making it more difficult than ever to stand out and thrive. This post is for you if you’re considering of beginning a podcast in 2019 but want to do it effectively. Here are four recommendations to help you launch a podcast in 2019 and keep it going for the long haul.

1. Develop a compelling podcast subject and brand

This is critical, particularly in this day and age, when there are hundreds of podcasts available to listen to on a regular basis. When establishing and building a podcast subject and brand, consider the following questions:

  • First and foremost, is the podcast’s name, brand, and subject easily understood by the general public? Is it more than 30 seconds before someone understands what your podcast is about and sees the value in listening, downloading, and potentially subscribing? Your podcast, like any great brand, must be clear and easy to comprehend. When people come upon your podcast, they can’t be left in the dark or intrigued.
    Consider some of the most popular podcasts out there, ranging from branded to originals. In most cases, you will soon comprehend what the podcast is about, or at the very least get the essence of the subject matter. Podcasts are meant to enlighten and amuse, not to perplex, so make sure your branding and content are simple to comprehend.
  • Second, is your podcast’s subject or subject appealing to a broad audience or demographic? You may be enthusiastic about something, but will millions of others share your enthusiasm? Most podcasts want to expand and get a huge audience, but in order to accomplish so, you’ll need a podcast subject you’re enthusiastic about and can speak about for weeks on end while still benefiting and engaging a captive audience.

In a popular sector like podcasting, having a strong brand with a straightforward, relevant, and valuable topic matter is critical. If you do this, your show will get off to a great start.

2. Create a method to ensure consistency

You need consistency in your material, and in this instance, the episodes you film and distribute, much like any other successful media kind. Yes, quality is crucial, but sustaining and developing an audience requires consistency. When it comes to preparing your podcast, there are various factors to consider, and consistency is crucial in making those selections.

When it comes to airing your podcast, you must be consistent. Set your usual publication schedule — weekly, biweekly, or monthly — and publish on a specified day, then stick to it until you tell your audience about the change.

Aside from that, the show’s host must be consistent. Is it just you, or are you sharing the hosting duties with others? Are the folks with whom you’re co-hosting able to meet and record episodes on a weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly basis? The culture and fanbase formed around the personalities of the presenters and how they interact with one another are a big part of what makes a podcast popular. Find another host or stick to a podcast topic that you can create on your own if you can’t construct a culture built on consistency.

Finally, you must maintain consistency in your topic matter, which is linked to the development of your podcast brand and theme. If you want to build a weekly podcast that will persist for a long time, you’ll need enough material or topic matter to make that feasible while still keeping each episode entertaining and worthwhile.

Any effective media genre, but particularly a program or podcast, requires a high level of consistency. Your podcast will crumble if you can’t maintain consistency in your posting pace, hosting, and content.

3. Invest in high-quality audio and video equipment

A podcast’s audio quality is crucial, both when it’s just getting started and when it’s well established. Listeners will leave if there is background noise or hollow audio that sounds like it was captured on your phone. Even if you have a great podcast name and concept, if the content isn’t good, the program will suffer.

It no longer requires the most advanced external microphones and audio equipment on the market, and there are amazing solutions for any budget that provide excellent results.

4. Make a distribution strategy

You must put in the effort to make your launch successful, no matter how tiny it is. You must get your podcast out there for people to find and listen to it when you design, record, and launch it.

Your podcast may be found on all of the main podcasting platforms. Don’t only listen to podcasts on Apple, Spotify, or Google. Some of the most popular podcasts first gained traction on lesser platforms like Stitcher or Overcast before gaining traction on the larger platforms. Do it once you have an RSS feed or a service that hosts your RSS feed and can distribute it on any platform. In the long term, it will enhance your podcast.

In addition to using the sites on which you publish your podcast, be sure to advertise and distribute it widely. From your website to your social media accounts, your podcast should be linked into your personal brand and whatever marketing channels you have. You aren’t taking use of the tremendous marketing opportunities available in today’s world if you aren’t continually pushing and promoting your new podcast. You’ll watch your podcast develop and potentially acquire momentum if you promote and share it early and regularly.