55. 1 Year of Podcasting: Has it Been Worth it? Wins, Lessons, and Data Beyond Downloads
One Year Running a Podcast as an Entrepreneur
Over the past 12 months, I've clocked in 54 episodes of The Podcast Space’s podcast. The journey as a business owner and a podcast strategist has been an insightful, transparent, and imperfect one. I've gleaned what has worked and what hasn't, and in this episode, I’ll share my insights, wins, and pitfalls I encountered - because to work as a strategist for other businesses is one thing, and to do it all myself is a completely different one.
As a podcast strategist, marketing expert, and unofficial cheerleader for impact-driven entrepreneurs, I always seek to uplift your podcast journey – nudging you to pay attention to key indicators and ignore your inner impostors. Having said that, the pertinent question still stands – Is podcasting an effective tool to build your business and online authority?
The Journey, Wins and Pitfalls of Podcasting
After a year of podcasting, my answer is a resounding yes!
One of the biggest wins from this journey was my growth as an expert host. I mean, I didn't just practice how to better podcast in 52 weeks; I grew in confidence and knowledge. I discovered my strengths -hello fun teachings - and explored new formats. Also, I found out how much one can learn from their audience - you all have shared so much with me about your own journeys, pain points and wins!
So, let's take a step back and answer the question: Is podcasting worth it in 2024?
The Wins of One Year of Podcasting
One significant win was the sense of legacy I created. I've released much information over the year, and it feels great knowing I had so much to pass on to impact-driven podcasters. Then, there's the positive feedback I received, especially on LinkedIn. Many listeners have let me know that my episodes helped them significantly - and how they constantly revisited older episodes!
Another humbling win was being able to secure interviews with some of my dream guests thanks to the podcast. Such experiences wouldn't have been possible without this platform. The warmth and reception from the podcasting community were welcoming, and I’m grateful that I was able to secure 4 of the 10 guests I had brainstormed for the year. Here the key - which I often share with my community - is to send intentional invites, and to be diligent about follow-up.
I got to connect deeper with my audience too - about 238 unique listeners. Having over 4,000 downloads was exhilarating. Some of these sporadic wins include making it to the top 5% of the Global Podcast Rankings on ListenNotes and being position number four in Portugal's marketing charts on Apple Podcasts.
My Top 5 Wins after a Year of Podcasting:
I fed my inner creator by experimenting with concepts, and styles, and sharing my expertise for longer than a quick 90 seconds,
Growth in confidence as a host for solo video episodes,
Opportunities for speaking engagements and consulting came from both my primary and secondary audiences,
Booked 11 calls with listeners who follow me on IG and that I never got to engage with before
you shared how you've been able to get over impostor syndrome and release solo episodes,
The Surprises and Lessons Learned
Despite the wins, there were a few surprises, some pleasant, others not so much. One of the pleasant ones was discovering I could create valuable content even with minimal viable products. As a podcast strategist, sometimes, I gave priority to client work and found myself editing my podcast late into the night. However, with the low effort and minimum viable product strategy, I created valuable content without burning out.
On the flip side, a not-so-pleasant surprise was the slower-than-expected growth on YouTube. Despite applying best practices, the results showed a slower pace than anticipated. However, I am optimistic about reaping benefits from this in years to come.
5 things That Surprised / Disappointed / Taught me a lesson during 1 year of podcasting:
Slow growth on YouTube - even using shorts,
I was burned out in January and that continued for most of the year - ended up having to do a lot more Minimim Viable Podcast Products than expected,
Many...many weeks spent putting the finishing touches on the weekly episodes at Tuesday Nights at 8- 10 PM
The initial anxiety of interviewing people after years of not doing it consistently - if you don't use it...you may lose it,
How exhausting video podcasting would be.
Conclusion:
So back to our question, is podcasting worth it? Absolutely! Your podcast can be your legacy, a platform to reach and connect with your audience, an avenue for continuous learning and growth, and a tool to achieve your business goals.
It's important to note that podcasting needs an investment of time, effort, and sometimes money. But the returns, as evidenced by my experience, are profound. And like every other venture, it comes with its share of surprises and lessons.
So hit that record button, venture into the world of podcasting, and create a wealth of experiences for yourself and your listeners. I promise you – it’s worth it!
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Expectations
00:32 A Year in Review: Podcasting Journey
02:43 Breaking Down the Podcasting Process
05:00 Setting Goals and Adjusting Expectations
06:39 The Power of Experimentation
10:17 Celebrating Wins and Overcoming Challenges
18:45 Impact of Podcasting on Business Growth
22:36 The Future of Podcasting: Final Thoughts
24:54 Building Authority and Relationships in Podcasting
25:14 The Power of Podcasting and Networking
25:59 Achieving Success in Podcasting
26:04 The Impact of Podcast Consumption Rates
26:54 The Unexpected Wins in Podcasting
30:05 The Challenges and Surprises in Podcasting
30:14 The Role of YouTube in Podcasting
31:54 The Struggles with Burnout in Podcasting
34:31 The Anxiety of Interviewing Guests
35:41 The Exhaustion of Video Podcasting
38:10 Analyzing Podcast Data and Popular Episodes
45:42 The Impact of SEO and Long-Term Growth in Podcasting
45:53 Celebrating One Year of Podcasting and Looking Forward
Episodes referenced in the show:
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Could we be a good fit? Book a call: www.thepodcastspace.com/grow-roi
💸 Affiliate links:
Captivate.fm (Best Podcast Hosting platform)- https://bit.ly/3ZFbvjQ
Riverside.fm (Record high-quality interviews)- https://bit.ly/46C7A9E
Custom Neon (Neon sign) - 10% OFF https://bit.ly/48G5Aiq use code THEPODCASTSPACE10