If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of starting a podcast, you aren’t alone. The popularity of podcasts continues to rise each and every year, with more people seeking out quality content on the topics they care about at an all-time high.

A 2019 poll showed that two-thirds of Americans listen to podcasts at least once in a while, including 23% who listen a few times a week. Just one year prior, 47% of adults between the age of 18-34 said they never listened to podcasts compared to 18% today. Needless to say, people are searching for podcasts more and more.

SanMar was thrilled to launch its podcast, SanMar Radio, in January of this year. We know firsthand how much work goes into it from the start. If you’re wondering if you should launch a podcast of your own, here are a few questions to ask yourself before you dive in:

1. What Does My Audience Need?
   Before you jump headfirst into starting a podcast, do a little market research. Take a look around and see what other podcasts might already exist that cover your same area of expertise. Then, find what information your audience may still need, where the gaps are, and how you can provide value to their lives.
2. What Type of Podcast Will It Be?
   There is a wide variety of ways you can approach a podcast. A podcast can be strictly informative, focused on industry knowledge. It can be structured in an interview format, bringing in key stakeholders to dispense their own expertise. Or a podcast can be narrative, a place where entertaining stories are told. Or, a podcast can combine all of the above. Defining what kind of podcast you want at the start is a great place to begin.
3. What Kind of Equipment Do I Need?
   Much like the type of podcast you decide to launch, the equipment also varies widely. Some individuals start off with just a smartphone and a computer. However, it’s important to identify what kind of sound editing you might want to do, if your interviews will be in person or over the phone, and other logistical details, to help establish the type of equipment that is most ideal.
4. Do I Have the Time?
   No matter how you approach a new podcast, one thing is guaranteed: it will take time. Ideally, you can create a calendar for the first handful of episodes that outlines all the necessary steps. From scripting an episode, to meeting with potential interviewees, to saving time for editing (and also allowing extra cushion time in case any technical difficulties occur!) a podcast takes commitment and perseverance.

Above all else, the best way to approach a new podcast is with an attitude of enthusiasm and flexibility. When you are passionate about a topic and excited to share your knowledge with an audience, great things can happen.

Listen to episodes of SanMar Radio today! Let us know what you think on SanMar’s social media accounts. You can find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.