Radio has long been a cherished source of entertainment and information, but with the advent of the Third Industrial Revolution, the consumption of audio content has undergone a dramatic change. As we have moved into Industry 4.0, the digital landscape has given rise to a new form of audio media: the podcast- a digital audio file that can be easily streamed or downloaded on demand, allowing listeners to tune in to their favorite shows whenever and wherever they want. 

With this new medium, content creators and influencers have a powerful tool to engage with their audiences in a more intimate and personal way, and listeners have more control over their listening experience than ever before. As more and more people turn to podcasts for entertainment and information, it’s becoming increasingly clear that podcasting is a medium that offers a unique opportunity for creators to connect with their audiences in a meaningful way, by starting their own podcasts. 

Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, learning how to become a podcaster can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Let us take you through the step-by-step process of creating a podcast, from identifying your niche and audience to publishing and promoting your show. ‘Tune in’ and learn more about how to become a podcast influencer. 

Why are podcasts so popular? 

Podcasts have gained a reputation for being a convenient way to consume content while multitasking. As a result, podcast creators have started tailoring their content to fit seamlessly into their listeners’ daily routines. From providing entertainment during commutes to educating listeners during mundane tasks such as cleaning or studying, podcasters have realized the importance of engaging their audience through different types of listening engagement.

To understand how different types of listeners consume content, it’s crucial to understand the different engagement types that exist. Some listeners may be fully engaged and actively listening, while others may be passively listening and using the podcast as background noise. Moreover, some listeners may only be interested in specific segments of a podcast, which means podcasters must cater to their listeners’ preferences and interests.

Podcast influencers must deliver content that aligns with their listeners’ preferences, leading to greater audience retention, increased listenership, and a stronger podcast community. The first step to do is to identify which type of listening engagement you want to indulge your listeners into. 

Here are some common types of engagement that listeners can have with podcasts:

1. Active engagement: This is when listeners pay close attention to the content and actively participate in the experience. They may take notes, ask questions, or provide feedback to the host or other listeners.

2. Passive engagement: This is when listeners listen to a podcast without actively participating or providing feedback. They may still be paying attention and absorbing the information, but they are not interacting with the content or the host.

3. Social engagement: This is when listeners engage with the podcast on social media or other online platforms, such as by sharing episodes with their friends, commenting on social media posts, or participating in online discussions related to the podcast.

4. Community engagement: This is when listeners engage with other fans of the podcast, either online or in person, to discuss the content, share ideas, or build relationships with other listeners.

5. Creative engagement: This is when listeners use the podcast as inspiration for their own creative work, such as creating fan art or remixes of the podcast content.

How to become a podcaster or a podcast influencer?

If you’re interested in becoming a podcast influencer, it’s important to first understand what it means to be an influencer and how to become one. Influencer marketing is a diverse and expansive industry that encompasses various niches and media formats. Podcasting, in particular, has become a booming influencer marketing niche in India, with many top podcast influencers also branching out into video podcasting on YouTube.

If you love listening to podcasts, you may have wondered whether you have what it takes to become a podcast influencer. The good news is, anyone can become an influencer with the right strategy and approach. Before we dive into the specifics of becoming a podcast influencer, let’s take a step back and explore what it means to be an influencer and how to become one.

Influencer marketing is a rapidly growing industry that encompasses various niches and media formats. Podcasting has emerged as a popular influencer marketing medium, particularly in India, with many top podcast influencers also expanding their reach by creating video content on platforms like YouTube.

To become a successful influencer, you need to have a clear understanding of what it means to be an influencer in your chosen niche. This involves identifying your unique value proposition, understanding your target audience, and developing a content strategy that resonates with them.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the steps involved in becoming a successful podcast influencer:

1. Determine your budget: Starting a podcast can require a significant financial investment. Before you get started, it’s important to determine your budget and figure out how you will fund your podcast. This may involve purchasing equipment, paying for hosting and editing services and investing in marketing.

2. Find your niche: To create a successful podcast, you need to identify a topic that you’re passionate about and that has a dedicated audience. Consider your interests, expertise, and the needs of your potential listeners when choosing your niche.

3. Define your target audience: To build a loyal following, you need to understand your target audience. Determine who your ideal listener is by considering factors like age, gender, location, interests, and pain points. This will help you tailor your content to their needs and preferences.

4. Choose a podcast platform: There are several platforms available for hosting and distributing your podcast, such as Anchor, Buzzsprout, and Podbean. Research different options and choose the platform that best fits your needs and goals.

5. Promote your podcast: Building an audience requires the consistent promotion of your podcast. Consider creating social media accounts, building a website, and collaborating with other influencers to cross-promote your podcast.

6. Invest in quality equipment: Quality equipment is essential for producing a high-quality podcast. Invest in a good microphone, headphones, and recording software to ensure your audio is clear and professional.

Now, finally, here are the steps you need to take to start your own podcast

1. Identify your niche and audience

The first step in becoming a podcaster is to identify your niche and target audience. You should choose a topic that you are passionate about and that you can provide valuable insights and information on. This will help you attract listeners who are interested in the same topic.

2. Choose a format and structure for your podcast

There are many different formats and structures that you can choose for your podcast. Some popular formats include interviews, solo episodes, co-hosted shows, and roundtable discussions. You should choose a format that best fits your niche and your target audience.

3. Create a content plan and schedule

Before you start recording your podcast, you should create a content plan and schedule. This will help you stay organized and consistent with your content, and it will also help you attract and retain listeners. Your content plan should include episode topics, guest interviews, and any other relevant information related to your podcast.

4. Record and edit your podcast

Once you have your equipment and content plan in place, it’s time to start recording your podcast. You should aim to record in a quiet and controlled environment, and you should follow your content plan as closely as possible. After recording, you will need to edit your podcast to remove any mistakes or unwanted background noise.

5.  Publish and promote your podcast

After editing your podcast, it’s time to publish and promote it. You should choose a podcast hosting platform, such as Anchor, Buzzsprout, or Libsyn, to host your podcast, and then submit it to popular podcast directories like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You should also promote your podcast on social media and other relevant platforms to attract new listeners and grow your audience.

If you are an avid podcast listener, this thought must have crossed your mind more than you would like to admit- “Can I become a podcast influencer?” Of course, you can. We are here to tell you how. But, first things first. Learn all about how to become an influencer. 

Influencer marketing is a broad industry comprising different niches and media. And in the contemporary times, podcasting has become a booming influencer marketing media and niche in India. These top Indian podcast influencers are paradigms of this industry. These podcasters have also flourished as video podcasters on YouTube. 

One of the first steps in becoming an influencer is figuring out what type of influencer to be. Congratulations! You are already through that step. Now, here is your step-by-step checklist to start a successful podcast. 

• Sort the finances
• Find your calling
• Define your listener persona
• Pick your podcasting platform
• Diversify your platforms
• Invest in the right equipment