7 Practical Tips to Start a Business Podcast

by Kim Garmon Hummel

A podcast is like garlic: flavorful, savory, and adds depth to anything you create. I put garlic in everything, and, as you've probably already noticed– podcasts are in everything too. No matter the industry, pushing the record button and sharing your expertise is a surefire way to increase your traffic, display authority, and grow your audience. Plus, it’s fun to talk about stuff you care about with people you know, like, and trust, right?

How you brand your business podcast matters. From discovery to delight and all of the steps in between, your customers have questions, and you have answers.

Podcasts are a tried and true method to influence and inform your key personas. There are few marketing methods capable of return on investment the way podcasts can.

Now more than ever, podcasts drive measurable revenue.

Okay, so you’re hooked: you want to start your very own podcast as soon as possible. Hold on a second. A podcast is easier than it seems. But that doesn’t mean it’s all wham, bam, and thank you, ma’am. How exactly do you start a podcast? What do you need to succeed? Why should your listeners, well, listen?

We've got you covered. Whether you're launching your very first podcast or adding a business podcast to your list, here are:

7 practical tips to start a business podcast

1. Understand your scope & scale

What you can realistically do with your time, budget, and resources before you see the red light is crucial in understanding your podcast’s scope and scale. Here are a few helpful suggestions to keep in mind as you brainstorm a podcast:

What are your tech needs? Do you need a professional microphone or something simple that plugs into your computer? Do your research, and determine what works for your budget!
It’s easier than ever to host and record remote podcasts. You don’t need a sound-treated studio to sound professional (but it sure helps).
Be honest about your time commitment; understand your limitations and find creative solutions.
A good microphone gets you far, but there’s no need to pay triple the price for the same sound.

Remember: Find the bare necessities needed to record a podcast and work up from there. What works for your current situation? Maybe you can afford professional equipment in-house or a growth agency to host and edit your podcast. All I’m saying is set a budget, be mindful of what you need, and keep it succinct.

2. Listen to yourself

Listening to your recorded voice is an uncanny, out-of-body experience. Think chalkboard nails and waking up before your alarm. The key to comfort is practice, practice, and then some more practice. You’ll eventually get the hang of it!

One important note: don’t put on a perfect voice. Accept who you are and how you sound.

Be confident in how you enunciate and breathe while recording. Eventually, listening to how you talk improves your overall cadence and tone, on and off the mic. The perfect voice was inside you all along.

Podcasting is more than just business growth—it’s personal growth!

3. Be yourself

Be yourself instead of building the personality you think people want to hear. Radio personalities and characters are entertaining, but this is your business’ brand. Stay focused, but don’t be afraid to have a little fun along the way.

Ask yourself what you like in a podcast and write it down. Ask yourself why you like it in the first place. Aim for at least five topics and consider whether you’d enjoy talking about them for 20 minutes or so. You want to develop content that inspires you as much as it will inspire an audience. If you don’t want to listen, why would anyone else?

4. Listen to the guest

A podcast is an extra marketing channel for your business. But it’s not a sales pitch—it’s a conversation. Don’t overcommit to an outline or topic; let your guest have some autonomy in the discussion! If your guest is engaged, so are you and your listeners. People want to relate, not listen to a commercial. Just press buttons and talk.

“But Kim,” I hear you say. “I don’t have any guests. It’s just me yelling in my closet!” I’m glad you said something. First off, I’ve been there. It’s a hoot! Second, even if it’s just you and the mic, always visualize at least one person in front of you. You’ll have a much easier time discussing your topic and reaching your goal.

5. Prepare, prepare, prepare

Don’t script your business podcast—outline it. Think about it like a blog: keywords, some ads here and there, subjects and breaks, and maybe a clear call to action. Intro, body, and outro. You already know the basic structure for a good podcast that’s easy to follow. All you need to do is implement it.

A plan is great. But It’s probably going to deviate a bit. Let it. Don't be afraid to go off-road! These are the memorable, magical moments people remember. It’s what makes podcasts so engaging! Where you take it is up to you.

6. Exercise

Your mouth is a careful instrument of muscles, systems, and probably some of today’s lunch. Remember to stretch, relax, and hydrate. Here are several great exercises and examples to strengthen your jaw and prepare for podcasting.

An active mindset of how you say things means productive, instinctive habits as you press record. In time, you’ll treat your mouth the same as any muscle.

7. Just press record

Your podcast doesn’t start until you do. Set up your mic, open your computer, find a nice place, and press record. Don't let the fear of failure hold you back—learn, improve, and grow. Congratulations. You have a podcast.

Get Podcast Help From Team Sauce!

Podcasts require time, effort, and should never be a standalone initiative for your business. It's important that your inbound efforts harmonize with your podcast—working in tandem to support your business' growth goals. Sound daunting? We can help!

Team Sauce has the experience, technology, and expertise to help you launch and grow your podcast—and integrate your podcast strategy into your organization's growth goals. Schedule a call to talk with a growth strategist today!