Podcasts are an increasingly popular way to showcase expertise, connect with your target audience, and enhance the organization’s digital presence. But launching a podcast isn’t as easy as hitting a record button. 

BoardroomPR’s highly experienced former print and television journalists believe podcasts require proper planning, investment and promotion to ensure the product is good and people want to add it to their already busy digital lives.  Here’s what you need to know before diving in.

1. Understand the Time Commitment

Launching and maintaining a podcast is a long-term effort. From planning episodes to recording, editing, and promoting, each step requires time and dedication. Many businesses underestimate the commitment required, leading to slow growth, low listenership, and eventual burnout. We know many companies that started podcasts only to stop after a few months due to the significant demands and lack of immediate payoff.

To avoid this, create a detailed plan and ensure you have the necessary resources to manage the workload and stay consistent. Think ahead about the frequency of your episodes (are you planning to produce new shows once a week or once a month?). We recommend having a few episodes ready to go before you launch.

2. Invest in Professional Production

A polished podcast can elevate your brand but achieving that level of quality might require professional help. Hiring a podcast producer can help you manage the technical aspects while keeping your team’s focus on core client work, rather than podcast-related tasks.

A producer can assist with:

• Strategic planning, including identifying your target audience and developing a content calendar.
• Technical production, such as audio, editing, and graphics. 
• Uploading episodes to platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube with proper SEO.
• Creating promo items, including social media clips, graphics, and eblasts.

Although it is an additional cost, tackling too much on your own takes you away from your actual business – costing you valuable time and resources.

3. Develop a Clear Content Strategy

Before launching, you need a solid plan for your podcast’s content. This includes:

• Defining your target audience and understanding their interests.
• Developing themes and episode topics that align with your business goals.
• Coordinating guest appearances and preparing interview outlines.

One of the biggest time sucks when creating a podcast is guest coordination and booking guests. Scheduling and prepping guests can be time-consuming. A dedicated producer or project manager can streamline this process.

4. Promote and Distribute Effectively

Creating a podcast is just the first step; promoting it effectively is equally important. Use your social media channels, email campaigns, and website to spread the word. Additionally, ensure that each episode is optimized with keywords to enhance visibility on streaming platforms. Collaboration opportunities, such as guest appearances on other podcasts, can also help you reach new audiences.

The host can be just as important as the topics presented, and you need a good online presence for yourself (or your host) to entice listeners.

5. Monitor Performance and Adjust

Once your podcast is live, track its performance to refine your strategy. Metrics such as downloads, listener retention, and audience demographics can provide valuable insights. Regularly assessing these metrics allows you to adapt your content to better meet your audience’s needs.

Launching a podcast can be an exciting venture for Florida businesses looking to expand their digital marketing efforts. However, it’s essential to approach it with realistic expectations and a clear plan. By partnering with a local digital-focused public relations agency like BoardroomPR, you can access the expertise needed to ensure your podcast’s success.

Lauren Berger

Account Director