Your goal as a podcaster is not only to grow but also to be discoverable, right? Often, more focus is placed on the creation, while the little things are given less attention. Almost every content creator is guilty of this, so today we are going to help you fix that. Here is a checklist just for you.
Mistake 1: Poor Branding
Let’s start by defining branding. Branding is the process of creating a unique identity for your podcast that sets you apart from your competitors and makes you easily recognizable to your audience. Your podcast’s identity is conveyed through visual elements such as logos, typography, and colour schemes. When you think about branding, consider it a crucial aspect of marketing and promoting your work.
How many times have you bought something because the packaging looked good? If your answer to that is more than two, then you realise the power of branding. Create a logo and podcast cover that make people want to listen without hesitation. Remember that human beings are very visual, and we remember visuals more than anything else. So be very intentional about your branding.
In addition to that, make your branding accessible to publications. A great idea is to have a downloadable file on your website that includes your podcast branding in case they want to write about you. This lessens the chances of your podcast being represented by blurry images downloaded from social sites.
Mistake 2: Lack of Uniformity
Make it easier for your listeners to find and connect with you across multiple platforms by simply having uniform handles that are also not too far from your podcast name. This will create a consistent brand identity across the platforms. It is wise to check the availability of your preferred handle on the platforms you wish to be on before officially opening the account. Remember to keep your profile images consistent too. Whether you choose to use your logo or podcast cover is up to you, but make sure it is consistent across the board.
Mistake 3: Non-descriptive Podcast Description
“A podcast about everything with your host Sally.”
That is an example of a terrible podcast description because, unless you are Google, you cannot be well-versed in EVERYTHING! A good podcast description should have an emotional pull that ties to the aim of the podcast. For example, “Finding Healing Together: Navigating Emotions, One Podcast at a Time.” This already tells the reader that the podcast is focused on healing emotional trauma/pain while triggering their brain to remember their traumas. Guess who is going to read further or press play immediately?
Another important thing is to include the country you are from in your description because people are interested in finding podcasts that cover local topics or are hosted by people from their own country. If you want locals to support you, allow the locals to find you. Your description should be clear on the themes or topics your listeners should expect, the unique segments you have, and who the podcast is designed for. As you write your description, watch for your tone, style, and keywords. You want to be engaging but also play to the power of SEO.
Mistake 4: An Unconvincing Trailer
If your trailer consists of you going in circles about your podcast, then you have got it all wrong. Ever heard of the saying, “You are better off showing than telling?” The most we should hear from you in your podcast trailer is an introduction to your podcast and your name. Something like, “This is Find your Healing with K, Navigating emotions one podcast at a time.” After that, let your audience into your podcast by sharing short snippets or teasers from your podcast’s best moments. This way, you give your listeners a taste of the style and tone of your podcast. Make it compelling with high-quality sound and the right amount of suspense.
Mistake 5: Lack of Episode Descriptions
How do we know what you talked about if you do not tell us? Start your episode description with an introduction to the topic and then give your listeners an overview of what to expect in the podcast. Include the main points from the episode and mention your guests if you had any.
Remember to include any relevant links or resources in the description as well. A very important part of your description is a call to action because it drives engagement. Platforms such as Spotify have introduced polls and questions in podcast descriptions, so use them. Or you can simply encourage your listeners to subscribe to your newsletter, leave a review, or visit your website.
Again, remember to use keywords that are linked to your podcast genre and the episode while maintaining your tone and style.
Mistake 6: Poor Episode Naming
Naming your episode “Episode 3” is very uninspiring, even if your podcast description is great. Make your audience want to click by using puns, alliterations, or memorable phrases. Another way to go about it is by using attention-grabbing words or phrases that evoke emotion. The idea is to give your audience an idea of what they will find in the episode while also leaving them curious. The three boxes your episode name should tick are: descriptive, intriguing, and catchy. But avoid making the title misleading or overly sensationalised, as that breaks the trust between you and your audience.
