In this episode of Podcast Pro Tips, we explore one of the most critical first steps when launching a podcast: deciding your podcast’s topic and format. These two components shape everything about your show including:
- How you’ll engage with your audience
- The type of conversations you’ll have
- How listeners will connect with your brand.
Whether you’re just launching a new podcast or looking to reimagine a stale concept, this episode covers how to make these decisions with confidence and clarity.
Let’s break it down.
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Transcript:
Choosing Your Podcast Topic
The topic of your podcast is not just about what you’re passionate about— it’s about what resonates with your target audience.
You need a topic that you can talk about endlessly, and from unique perspectives, too. The world doesn’t need another generalist podcast. It’s essential to niche down—whether you’re discussing finance, media, politics, true crime, or even an area like futurism or AI.
Pro Tip: Before settling on your topic, ask yourself: What value can I provide that’s different from what’s already out there? For instance, if you want to start a finance podcast, focus on specific investment strategies or niche finance markets. If entertainment is your passion, you could focus on a particular genre of movies or a certain period in Hollywood history. Find your angle and make it completely your own.
Selecting Your Podcast Format
Once you’ve nailed your main podcast topic, now, it’s time to choose the format of your podcast. Each podcast format offers its advantages and disadvantages, and your decision here should align with both your strengths and the type of content you want to deliver to your listeners.
- Monologue: Ideal for solo podcasters who want to share personal insights or dive deep into niche topics passionately. It’s a straightforward format, but it requires a certain charisma and ability to keep the audience engaged on your own.
- Co-hosted: Having one or more co-hosts can create a dynamic, conversational format. This works well for debate-style shows or informal, chatty formats. However, ensure there’s chemistry between the hosts so one person doesn’t dominate the conversation.
- Interviews: A staple in the podcasting world, interview formats are fantastic for leveraging guest expertise and attracting new listeners. Remember, though, that interviews require strong preparation and good scheduling to work effectively.
Pro Tip: Think about your strengths when selecting a podcast format. Are you more comfortable chatting one-on-one with guests or simply leading a solo discussion? Each format offers its own challenges, so pick the one that best suits your style and the kind of podcast you want to create.
Key Takeaways
- Select a Topic You Love: Make sure it’s something you’re passionate about, whether it’s finance, media, politics, or true crime.
- Choose the Right Format: Your podcast format—monologue, co-hosted, or interview—should complement your strengths and topic.
- Know Your Audience: Who are they? What do they want to learn, feel, or experience when they listen to your show?
- Niche is Key: Narrowing down your topic will help you stand out in a saturated market.
Looking for more insights on getting started? Check out the full episode, where we break down these tips in greater detail. And, if you need personalized advice on starting or refining your podcast, book a free discovery call with us at The Podcast Consultant.