So You Want to Start a Podcast, Now What?
Podcasts are no longer just a trend; they’re a cultural staple. With over 700,000 active shows and more than 29 million episodes, it’s clear that people are tuning in and tuning up their own productions. In fact, 159 million Americans have listened to at least one podcast, which means there’s a vast audience waiting to hear what you have to say.
You’re an expert in your industry. You’ve got insights, opinions, and maybe even a few great stories under your belt. Whether you’re launching a podcast to build your brand, educate others, entertain, or get your voice out there, we’re here to help bring your vision to life, from your first idea to final production.
Let’s walk through what it takes to launch a podcast and do it well.
How Often Should I Be Podcasting?
The answer? It depends on how much you have to say and how much time you have to say it. Podcast episodes typically fall into three standard durations: 15 minutes, 30 minutes, or 60 minutes. That said, there’s no rulebook. If you produce 10 episodes at 15 minutes each and decide to end your season with a 22-minute finale, go for it! The beauty of podcasting is that it’s flexible and largely unregulated.
Once you have decided on your episode length, the next step is to plan your release schedule. Ask yourself: Am I launching an ongoing show or releasing in seasons? Most podcasts follow a seasonal format similar to TV shows; 10 to 12 episodes per season is common. But there’s no one-size-fits-all. You could release a mini-series with just four episodes or go bold with 24.
Next, consider how frequently you’ll publish episodes. Weekly releases tend to perform best, as the average listener follows around seven shows per week. This frequency helps you stay top of mind and maintain momentum. Bi-weekly or monthly formats can work, but they require strong promotion and consistency to retain listeners. Bottom line? Consistency builds credibility.
What Should I Podcast About?
Here’s the truth: even the best ideas can fall flat without a plan. Start by outlining your mission statement. What is the purpose of your podcast? Is it to educate, entertain, or inspire? Once that’s defined, plan out your first few seasons. Decide on episode themes and potential guests, and leave room for timely or trending topics that may arise in your industry.
And don’t box yourself in. Just because you work in one industry doesn’t mean your podcast has to stay there, too. Take some inspiration from big brands:
- GE launched The Message, a sci-fi podcast decoding signals from outer space.
- McDonald’s created The Sauce to explore public relations mishaps, including their own.
- Sephora’s #LipStories dives into the lives of inspirational women across industries.
These podcasts are powerful not because they stick to corporate lanes, but because they tap into stories, curiosity, and fundamental human interests. Think beyond your job title. Are you also passionate about true crime, entrepreneurship, wellness, or music? Your podcast can reflect all of who you are.
How Do I Brand My Podcast?
Now that you’ve decided what you’re talking about and how often you’re publishing, it’s time to give your podcast a standout identity. That’s where branding comes in.
Branding is what turns your podcast from a good idea into a recognizable and memorable experience. We help creators develop professional podcast brands that resonate with listeners and stand out in crowded platforms.
Our team works with you to create:
- Custom intro/outro music
- Taglines that reflect your tone and topic
- Hashtags and social media strategies
- Eye-catching logos and episode cover art
- Compelling titles and descriptions
You’re the content creator, we’re your support team. Together, we’ll make sure your podcast not only reflects your vision but also attracts and retains your ideal audience.
Ready to Launch?
Starting a podcast might feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Whether you’re brainstorming your first topic, designing cover art, or choosing the right platform to host your show, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Let’s turn your idea into a binge-worthy podcast your audience won’t want to miss.
We know you want to focus on producing content and talking about what you’re passionate about. Let us worry about the rest so you can do what you truly love to do. Contact The AD Leaf Las Vegas or email us at info@theadleaf.com.