Five Tips to Get Started on Your Podcast Journey
Last November 30th, The Co-Co hosted a Lunchtime Conversation on the why’s and how’s of podcasts. (Members can view recordings of this and other Co-Co events here.)
Members Carla Contreras, Beth Nydick, and Nicole Smith shared their podcast journeys and offered expert advice. Following the event, Chef Carla offered these five tips to get started on your own podcasting journey:
1. Get clear on your why
What’s your intention for starting your podcast or becoming a podcast guest? This can be as simple as you want to create a network, share your message, connect and grow your community on social media, get more reach on your offerings, or grow your email list. If you’re not sure what that is, use this resource from Carla’s Poppy Content Lab.
2. Ditch perfection
Like anything, just starting is the biggest barrier. If you have more than 10 episodes, you are in the top 1% of podcasts (most people give up). Podcasting can start out very simply by using Zoom and iPhone headphones. It can even be voice notes on your phone. If you want a more polished brand, you can always hire a team to create your podcast cover, intro, and outro and help you with editing. Learn more about microphones and equipment.
3. Research tools and services
There are so many podcast support services out there. You have to figure out what works for you and your budget. Also, your style of editing and show notes writing (if you need that level of support). Personally, I use Wave Podcasting for Women for my podcast (use code chefcarla10 for 10% off).
4. Reach out to podcast hosts and pitch yourself
The best way to expand your podcast reach is to go on other people’s podcasts. This can also be a strategy to use if you don’t want to host your own podcast. There are services that can pitch you. You can also find publicists who share contact information. Cher of Ginko PR is a great resource and has a list of six podcasts to pitch each week with her paid newsletter Pitch Slapped. If you want to learn more, Lisa Simone Richards has a Get Clients from Podcasting course.
5. Reach out for support
When it comes to support, there are many podcast support groups and networking. You have to find the community that fits your needs. I have been part of Jaclyn Mellone and Farnoosh Torabi's Pays to Podcast FB group, as well as Lauren Popish’s Surf Club.
Chef Carla Contreras is a food stylist and content creation coach. She is the host of the Show Up Fully podcast. She competed on Chopped! on the Food Network, and her work has been featured in publications like Apartment Therapy and Well+Good. Find her at carlacontreras.com.