If you’re in the podcasting world, you may have heard of “podfading.” It’s the word content creators speak with trepidation in the corner of a dark pub, the one that sends shivers down every podcast creator’s spine. Podfade is the word people use to describe a podcast that’s stopped production.
According to many in the business, most podcasts that fade die out as early as their 7th episode. In fact, research indicates that the podfading rate is as high as 50% among new podcasts. So what happens to these shows and their creators? There are dozens of reasons why a podcast could stop production, but today, we’re breaking down 5 common problems that put podcasts at risk.
1. Putting Sales Over Stories
You’ve heard us talk a lot about telling your story. That’s because a powerful story always trumps a sales pitch. Unfortunately, many new podcasters use their platform to promote, promote, promote instead of share, share, share. Don’t make your podcast an extended commercial. Remember: a sales pitch asks something of the audience. A story gives something to the audience. And when you give, you often get loyalty and interest from your audience in return.
2. Forgetting “Success” is A Long Game
So you want to start a podcast. Great! Why? If it’s to get thousands of people tuned in to your show, keep in mind that growing your podcast audience will take time. Comparing your start-up podcast with a longtime show with a huge following isn’t fair to you, or your competition. Whether you have 100 new downloads in your first 30 days or 13 hardcore fans, what’s important is to create the best content you can for the audience you have rather than worrying about vying for the attention of people who aren’t tuning in. Treat your fans well and they’ll bring their friends on board. It just takes time. If you’re looking to start a podcast from scratch, think about a podcast startup kit.
3. Ignoring the Need for Quality Podcast Equipment
Your podcasting equipment doesn’t need to break the bank, but it does need to do the job. If you want your podcast to be taken seriously, you need legitimate equipment. There are four must-haves for starting a podcast.
- Microphone(s)
- Computer
- Editing Software
- Studio
If you have a story you’re ready to tell and the equipment is holding you back, let us know. We’re here to empower you to tell your story, and getting the right equipment in your hands is one of our specialties.
4. Missing a Targeted Topic
Finding the right topic is a tricky business. First, you have to decide if you have the content and stamina for an ongoing podcast, or something short and intriguing enough for a limited series. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you’re passionate about. If you’re bored researching, writing about, and talking about your topic, your audience will be bored listening to it. Plus, podcasting is work, and while we can help you make the work easier and fun, you still have to be willing to put in time and energy to make it great.
If passion’s no problem, you’re already one step ahead. Try covering a topic you know something about. And if you want a better shot and getting noticed, avoid a crowded market. If you see tons of podcasts exist about cooking in general, try doing a deep dives into a more specific area. Study and cook one kind of ethnic food per season, or try a unique spice per episode. Getting specific may make you feel like you’re excluding a podcast audience, but in reality, it helps set you apart from the masses.
5. Lacking Consistency
Every podcast expert will tell you that in the podcasting world, consistency reigns supreme. People want to know what to expect from your podcast. If your episode lengths vary from week to week, you’re in trouble. If you skip weeks on a regular basis, you’re in even bigger trouble. And if your audience doesn’t know where to find you or your weekly topic isn’t on brand, podfading might be in your future.
Fortunately, if you’re committed to your podcast, these are easy pitfalls to avoid. When you have a story you have to tell, you’ll put in the time to bring the consistency audiences demand. If you’re the kind of person with that type of drive, we’d love to meet you. Our job is simply to make your podcasting goals more easily attainable by connecting you with podcasting consultants and professional equipment. Because the world can never have too many great stories.
