[Time to read: 4mins]

If you’re anything like a lot of people wanting to launch a podcast, you’re going to hear the word “strategy” and think boorrrinnggg. You just want to start recording, even though you have an inkling that having a plan might be important.

Am I right?

Stick with me, because taking time to answer some crucial questions will define how well your launch and the ongoing longevity of your show will be – and if, indeed, you should do it at all.

In this post I’m going to tackle the first thing to think about on your idea for a podcast. Why should it exist?

I have a whole season on my podcast show dedicated to walking you through the exact process I go through with my clients. Quick links to that at the end of this article for you.

Anyone can have a show, but that doesn’t mean they should

Not everyone should have a podcast. I do believe however, that most subject matter experts or highly experienced specialists do have something worth saying, and more than likely the reason they do what they do is the reason that will make people want to listen.

I’m saying that your WHY is incredibly important.

But what is also important is that you build a show that’s yours, is valuable for your listeners, and that you actually enjoy making.

Why should your podcast show exist?

I spend much of my day helping clients, who have a podcast idea and putting a strategy together which helps to act like a very useful compass to guide the direction and life of the show.

If I asked you why someone should choose to listen to your show? What would your answer be?

Just listing your credentials as evidence of your ‘expert-ness’ is not going to cut it. People’s attention is as expensive as it’s ever been. You have to have a compelling reason for someone to choose your show over someone else’s.

It will come down to you – as the host.

Great credibility proof-points do convince people you are an expert – but, sometimes your why that lies deep within you – is the reason you’re worth listening to.

For some people that ‘why’ runs deep. It’s ‘a calling’ more than a career.

EXAMPLE: (CLIENT)

I worked with a career and happiness coach who left her old very high-profile career because it was making her incredibly unwell, and that’s WHY she now does the work she does today – she doesn’t want anyone else to fall into the traps that she did.

Her podcast listeners – who are all potentially career change seekers – like to hear a story where change was possible and are inspired to hear how that might be possible for them.

EXAMPLE: (ME – FOR MY SHOW)

I am a podcast strategist. I came to this from 13 years in marketing, and before that customer support – which gave me a unique view on what the customer wants before marketing decisions we made.

I’ve always been curious about how tools and technology work. Once I catch the bug for something that interests me, I can go deep down the rabbit hole and want to learn everything about it – that’s what podcasting has done for me. And, match that with my love for working with people – the people-pleaser in me just wants to make your day easier and better, which is why I enjoy teaching you what I’ve learnt.

That’s it. That’s my why.

What is your WHY? Why do you want to bring this show into existence?

Your why doesn’t need to be fancy-schmancy – it just needs to run deeper than ‘I want to get paid’ or ‘I want to sell my services’ – your listeners are going to hear it in your delivery if you’re just not that bothered and just think of them as prospects.

You have some points to flesh out around:

1. What is your WHY? (Why do you want to do this show?)
2. Why do you do the work that you do? (Is there a story there?)
3. Why does your work matter to you?
4. What are your credentials? (Experience, expertise, accolades, etc)
5. Why should someone choose to listen to you, as opposed to someone else doing the same thing? (What’s different about you?)
6. What will the listen get for listening? (What do they walk away with?)

Once you’ve pulled all your bullet points info together, this is going to help you with your bio positioning as a host, as well as feed into the main concept for the show (which will helps with: marketing material, intro and outro drafting, audio and visual branding and more)

If you would like to work with me so we can answer these questions together develop your podcast idea, please do book a call with me. I would be delighted to meet you and hear your ideas!

I have a full season on my show, the ‘Podcast Beacon’, where I walk you step-by-step through my exact process I use when I work with clients – in bitesize episodes.

It focusses on all the decisions, planning and reasoning you need to pay attention to – before you click record. It will save you time, money and energy!

Quick links to the show: APPLE | SPOTIFY | AMAZON | YOUTUBE
(Available wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.)