How to Start a Podcast with No Audience: A Guide to Podcasting from Scratch

You may know how to launch a podcast, but do you know how to attract listeners? These days it’s easy to go through the steps to starting a podcast but every podcast needs an audience. Building up a listener base from scratch can be an exciting yet challenging task.

Don’t worry, we got you! With the right strategies and dedication, you can build your podcast up to a point where your audience does the work to find you! In this article, we’ll explore how to start a podcast with no audience,  from the ground up. We’ll discuss various approaches, share valuable tips, and highlight successful examples of podcasts that have done it before.

How to build a podcast audience

The beauty of the internet is that there are bound to be hundreds (if not thousands) of people around the world who are interested in what your podcast is about. You just have to find them. The best way to grow your audience is organically, by putting out great content and using the right tools to make it discoverable. Here are some tips to get your podcast in your audience's ears. 

1. Define your niche and target audience

It’s counterintuitive, but operating within a niche is better than trying to tackle a broad domain that is already crowded with options. Identify a specific topic or theme that aligns with your interests, expertise, or passion and focus on delivering value in that space. By focusing on a niche, you can cater to a particular audience who are genuinely interested in your content. It also means that you will have fewer competitors for your audience's attention. Starting up a podcast requires staying power, so operating within your niche means you’re more likely to stay committed to your podcast over time. 

Example: "Ologies with Alie Ward" gained popularity by combining humor with deep curiosity in science, targeting a niche audience who is fascinated by the natural world.

2. Create high-quality content

Nothing beats quality for keeping listeners coming back for more. ‘Quality’ can refer to two things, the richness of your subject matter or the quality of your sound. Both are important. Rich conversations come from good research, professional speakers, and thorough episode planning. You can decide what quality standards you set for your sound but it comes down to your equipment, your recording practices, and the skill of your editing team. Put these two together and your audience will fall in love with your podcast. 

Example: "Serial" is a podcast series that gained incredible listenership because of its compelling storytelling format and top-class sound mixing. It captivated millions of listeners from the very beginning and grew to have over 300 million downloads by 2022. 

3. Optimize Your Podcast for Discoverability

Optimize your podcast for search engines and podcast directories. This requires a little bit of marketing know-how but it boils down to being smart about keywords. Identify relevant keywords and incorporate them into your podcast title, description, and episode titles to increase your chances of appearing in search results. 

You should also use a podcast hosting platform (like Simplecast, Buzzsprout, or Megaphone) that will distribute your podcast to popular directories. You might also consider creating a dedicated podcast website that includes show notes, transcripts, and links to your social media profiles. 

Example: “DOAC” Diary of a CEO, is created by Steven Bartlett who is an expert on marketing and media. DOAC can be found everywhere you would think to look and has a range of websites and initiatives associated with it. 

4. Leverage Social Media and Online Communities

Make sure your podcast is well represented on social media; the places where your listeners spend time. Partner with a podcast production studio like Pod People to create production add-ons that you can share on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can share engaging content, teasers, and episode highlights to build interest in your shows. You should engage with your followers, respond to comments, and participate in relevant online communities or forums to give your podcast character and authenticity. 

Example: The "Normal Gossip" podcast gained immense popularity partly due to host Kelsey McKinney’s active engagement with her audience on social media, creating a strong sense of community.

5. Collaborate with Guests and Other Podcasters

Think about who you invite onto your podcast, especially in the beginning. Aside from bringing their unique point of view, your guests can also bring an audience to your podcast. Collaborate with experts, influencers, or individuals who already have an audience whether on their own podcast or in other domains. The more aligned your guests’ audience is to your topics, the more likely they are to stick with you after the show. Help your guest get the word out by sharing social templates that make it easy for them to post. It can also be a good idea to appear as a guest on other podcasts to increase your exposure. 

Example: The "How I Built This" podcast with Guy Raz became popular by featuring inspiring entrepreneurs and having them talk about how they built their brands. This introduced the podcast to their networks.

6. Encourage Reviews and Ratings

Positive reviews and ratings are often the deciding factors for new listeners, but very few listeners take the time to share their opinions. Encourage your audience to leave reviews and ratings on relevant podcast platforms and ask for feedback at the end of each episode. Some podcasters even offer incentives like exclusive bonus episodes or giveaways to motivate their audience to leave reviews. 

Example: The "Stuff You Should Know" podcast actively encourages its listeners to review and rate their show, which has helped increase new listeners' confidence in the show. 

Supercharge your podcast

Now that you know how to start a podcast with no audience it shouldn’t be so daunting. By implementing these strategies you’ll soon start seeing the numbers grow. 

If you want to partner with podcast experts who know exactly how to reach your audience, get in touch with Pod People. Pod People provides full-service production, from planning to distribution, marketing, and everything in between. With dedication, a well-executed plan, and a little help from our experts, your podcast can flourish and attract a thriving community of listeners.