To thrive in 2025, podcasting requires consistency, professionalism, and creativity. Stick to a schedule, batch-record episodes, and focus on high-quality audio and preparation. Embrace video-first podcasting to reach wider audiences via platforms like YouTube. Use your podcast to network and collaborate with guests and fellow creators. Repurpose episodes into blogs, social media posts, and emails, and offer merchandise or books to deepen engagement and create revenue. Stand out by showcasing your unique perspective and exploring creative formats. Finally, consider hiring a producer to ensure professional quality, save time, and elevate your podcast’s success. Passion and preparation are key.
As a professional broadcaster with over 40 years of experience and a podcast producer for 20 years, I’m often asked the same questions – either after people have made mistakes or just as they’re starting out in podcasting. So, here are the 9 most common issues podcasters face.
By the way, if you want to skip ahead, number 9 is the best section to read. It’ll immediately help you avoid mistakes
When it comes to podcasting, one golden rule reigns supreme: turn up, and keep turning up. Think of it as a gym membership for your creativity. You can't expect results if you only show up once in a blue moon, can you? (Spoiler: your listeners won't stick around either.)
Consistency is your friend. You need to carve out a publishing schedule, stick to it, and honour it like your favourite takeaway spot's closing time. Weekly? Bi-weekly? Monthly?
The stats back this up too. Research shows that podcasts with a regular release schedule are far more likely to grow their audience over time. People like to know what they’re getting, and when. And honestly, who can blame them? No one likes a flaky podcast host who posts whenever they fancy.
The actual release time matters less than the reliability of it. Unlike radio listening which peaks at 8:15 AM during the weekday morning commute and then falls during the rest of the day, podcast listening is fairly consistent between 8 AM and 10 PM. Nevertheless, your audience will come to expect your episodes the way they expect a mid-morning cup of tea – comforting and always there.
Now, we get it. Life happens. Schedules fall apart, deadlines are missed, and before you know it, your carefully planned "weekly podcast" is going on its third-month hiatus.
Here’s where preparation saves the day. I cannot emphasise enough how batch recording your episodes helps. It’s like meal prepping but with ideas instead of lasagne. A few episodes in the bank can help you maintain that sacred consistency, even when the unexpected strikes.
Personally, I find time-blocking a Friday morning each month works best for me – it’s great for creative relaxation before the weekend.
For example, on the first Friday morning, I prep and make sure guests are lined up. The following Friday morning, I record the content. On the third Friday, I edit, and on the fourth Friday, I work on marketing and social media.
NOW, let’s talk about the elephant in the room… A whopping 75% of podcasts don’t make it past episode 10. This dreaded phenomenon, where podcasters start strong but slowly lose steam until – poof – they’re gone, is known as #podfade.
What’s the secret to avoiding this? Passion! Choose a topic you adore so much that you could talk about it even if no one was listening (though we sincerely hope they are). If you love what you’re doing, it won’t feel like work – most of the time.
Lastly, give yourself a pat on the back every time you hit publish. Celebrate the small wins, whether it’s your tenth episode, your fiftieth download, or the fact that your mum finally learned how to use Spotify to listen. Keep showing up, and eventually, so will your audience.
Turning up isn’t glamorous or groundbreaking, but it’s the backbone of podcasting success. So, brew that coffee, dust off the mic, and get cracking. Your future fans will thank you.
Let’s face it, podcasting might feel like a casual chat with friends, but if you want to keep listeners coming back, you need to be professional. Think of your podcast as a business meeting with banter – engaging and polished enough to show you know your stuff.
First up, audio quality. I cannot stress this enough. If your podcast sounds like you recorded it in a tin can during a windstorm, your audience won’t stick around. Invest in a decent microphone – it doesn’t need to cost a fortune, just something that won’t make you sound like a robot underwater.
Without getting too technical, you need a cardioid mic, which is directional and doesn’t pick up extraneous sounds bouncing around your room. This brings me to the room. The next best thing to recording in a dedicated studio is a quiet room with plenty of soft furnishings and curtains on the windows.
AI noise reduction software is fantastic, but if you’ve done a good job recording, you won’t need it. Bonus points if you can convince your dog, kids, and noisy neighbour to stay silent during recording.
For the love of God, please DON’T think you can get away with recording in a café. You can’t control the environment, background noise, or other people enjoying their coffee and cake.
Next, let’s talk about preparation. Winging it might work for a casual conversation, but when you’re creating content, planning goes a long way. Create an outline for your episodes, jot down key points, and research your topic. If you have a guest, prepare questions that show you’ve done your homework. Structure your interview with open questions like Who, Why, Where, What, When, and How.
Being professional also means respecting your time and others’. If you’re working with guests, confirm recording dates well in advance and send them any necessary materials or instructions beforehand.
Some guests WILL cancel on you at the last minute, so have a backup plan for the episode. For example, can you edit previous or unused content into an episode? A guest’s lack of professionalism isn’t an excuse for you to be unprofessional. Don’t cancel at the last minute unless you’re dealing with an actual emergency. A flat tyre? Reasonable. Forgot to charge your laptop? Not so much.
Now, let’s tackle branding and presentation. Your podcast logo, intro music, and episode titles should all scream, “I’m worth listening to!” Invest a bit of time (or money, if you can) into visuals and audio that reflect the vibe of your show. Whether you’re a laid-back conversationalist or a polished expert, your branding should match your energy. If it’s appropriate, have your headshot on the show’s cover art – people like to put a picture to the voice.
If audio production and branding aren’t your thing, then hire someone who knows what they’re doing; someone who can make you look and sound great and move your production up to the level it should be. We have decades of experience working on podcasts and are more than happy to help and advise – just get in touch.
Professionalism extends to how you interact with your audience. Being professional doesn’t mean losing your personality. It’s about treating your podcast with the respect it deserves. Show your audience you’re serious about giving them a great experience, and they’ll keep coming back for more.
Engage with listeners on social media, respond to their comments, and acknowledge their feedback on your podcast. Yes, even that one person who keeps nit-picking. Building a relationship with your audience shows you care about more than just the number of downloads.
Gone are the days when podcasts were strictly audio. In 2025, video podcasts are stealing the show – quite literally. Why? Because people are visual creatures. Video allows you to connect with your audience on a deeper level. When people see your face, they feel as though they know you. It’s the podcasting equivalent of eye contact – powerful and personal.
Of course, video podcasting comes with its challenges. Editing is more time-consuming, but the benefits far outweigh the effort. In a saturated market, being “video-first” might just help you stand out.
Why is video so important? Because platforms like YouTube and TikTok are the go-to places for discovery. They act as springboards into audio-only podcasts.
Audio-only platforms such as Spotify are still fantastic, but adding video to the mix expands your reach exponentially.
Start by recording your episodes with a decent camera (or even your smartphone). Set up some good lighting – no one wants to watch a host who looks like they’re broadcasting from a dungeon. If you’re feeling fancy, add a branded backdrop or subtle decorations that match your podcast’s theme. Plants, books, or even a quirky mug can give your space personality.
Visual clips can more easily be repurposed into short-form social media teasers, which draw in new listeners who might not have found you otherwise. Edit your podcast into bite-sized segments and post them across social media platforms. A snappy 60-second clip of your best moment can go viral and lead curious viewers straight to your full episode.
Nearly all our current podcast content starts in video form. From this, we strip and re-edit the audio for platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, and Spotify.
Sometimes, we also re-process the audio to give it a broadcast radio sound quality.
Why? Because if the audio is, for example, recorded on a laptop over Zoom or in a busy environment, we need to make the speaker’s voice clearer and easier to hear. Audio is consumed differently from video, usually when people are multitasking and on the go – at work, driving, walking, exercising, cooking, cleaning, etc. This means the listener can’t pick up on the visual clues we get when watching a screen. Additionally, we often need to cut through ambient noise. The extra editing and work on the audio really make a difference and enhance the professionalism of the podcast.
I know what you’re thinking – all of this seems like a lot of work. But from a content perspective, one 30-minute video podcast allows us to create a couple of weeks’ worth of other content: one or two audio podcasts and around 10 social media clips.
Podcasting isn’t just about creating great content; it’s also a brilliant way to meet fascinating people and expand your professional network. Think of your podcast as the ultimate icebreaker – your invitation to talk to anyone you admire and build lasting connections along the way.
Inviting someone to your podcast is infinitely less awkward than sending a cold email that screams, “Please notice me!” When you ask someone to be a guest, you’re offering them a platform to share their expertise, promote their projects, and showcase their personality. It’s a win-win – they get exposure, and you get to pick their brains.
But don’t stop at recording the episode. The real networking happens afterwards. Follow up with a thank-you email or message and be sure to share the episode link once it’s live. Tag them on social media and make them feel like the VIP they are.
This is the beginning of a professional relationship, so nurture it. Who knows? That guest could end up being a collaborator or someone who opens doors you didn’t even know existed.
Networking through podcasting also works the other way around. When you become a guest on other podcasts, you’re tapping into a new audience while building relationships with other creators. The podcasting world is full of generous people who are more than happy to swap guest appearances or share advice. Don’t be shy about reaching out – after all, we’re all in this for the love of good conversations (and maybe a bit of personal branding).
One key tip: choose your guests wisely. Think about who aligns with your podcast’s theme and audience. Inviting random people just to fill an episode won’t help you grow or make meaningful connections. Instead, focus on people whose values, expertise, or personality naturally fit with your show.
I strongly advise being strategic. Does your guest have a good social media following, and will they share the episode with their followers? Don’t be afraid to turn down guests if they’re not a great fit or are likely to just promote their products or services.
Networking is about fostering genuine relationships that enrich your podcast as well as your personal and professional life. With every guest you bring on, you’re creating another set of connections that could lead to endless opportunities – and a few landmarks along the way.
When people first think of starting a podcast, they rarely consider the value of collaborating with others. Why struggle alone when you can join forces with other creators? Swapping interviews and working with fellow podcasters isn’t just smart – it’s genuinely fun, and you can save time and money too.
Imagine this: you appear on another podcast, bringing your insights and charisma to a whole new audience. In return, that host comes on your show, sharing their expertise with your listeners. It’s a beautiful, symbiotic relationship, like bees and flowers.
John Lee Dumas from Entrepreneur on Fire and I swapped guest appearances. His appearance on the Let’s Talk Business podcast and radio shows reached over 27 million listeners. I still receive calls from people who heard my segment on his podcast too. https://www.eofire.com/podcast/alancoote/
But collaboration doesn’t stop at interviews. Consider teaming up for special episodes, co-hosting a mini-series, or brainstorming ways to cross-promote each other’s shows.
The key is to find people whose content complements yours. A finance podcaster and a comedy podcaster might not seem like an obvious pairing, but who wouldn’t want to hear a hilarious take on budgeting tips?
The bottom line for any podcaster (I’m borrowing this from my previous employer, the BBC) is to inform, educate, and entertain.
When searching for collaborators, start by reaching out to podcasters in your niche. Send them a personalised message explaining why you admire their work and how you believe your audiences could benefit from a partnership.
Podcasting can be a lonely gig, so working with others is a great reminder that you’re part of a larger community. Collaboration will bring you fresh perspectives, new audiences, and a boost of creativity. It’s also an excellent way to shake things up if your podcast is feeling a little stale.
Don’t be afraid to ask!
Your podcast is a treasure trove of content waiting to be repurposed. If you’re not turning your episodes into blogs, social posts and emails, you’re leaving potential listeners on the table and reducing your potential reach. Here’s how you can fix that.
Start with transcriptions. Converting your episodes into text isn’t just great for accessibility; it’s also an SEO goldmine. If you’re doing ‘video first’ podcasting and uploading to YouTube you can easily get the transcript.
Go to your video. And in the “Description panel, click “…more” and then look for the “Show transcript” button.
Now in the top right, you’ll find the Transcript”
Click the three vertical dots and then click “Toggle timestamps”.
You can then copy and paste the text into your editor of choice. All you need to do is add a TL; DR and then upload the document as a blog on your website.
We use the transcript as a starting point for the blog because we need our website’s content to be fully SEO-ed along with its correct page metadata. If you want to know more about SEO you can read this blog post.
An alternative way to get a transcript is by using tools like Otter or Descript, which generate transcriptions from uploaded video and audio files.
Social media is another must. Pull out the juiciest soundbites and quotes from your episode and turn them into graphics. Platforms like Canva make it easy to create eye-catching designs, and you don’t need a degree in graphic design to make it look professional.
What makes a great soundbite? It’s a stunning fact, a brilliant insight, or a funny moment.
What about clipping short sections of the original video for social media using an app like Descript? While the technology is impressive and will surely improve, you’ll either find yourself spending too much time in the app editing and finessing content or, if you leave it to the technology, your results will be variable, to say the least.
If you have time, my advice is to record some great 90-second clips specifically for social media. Or, if time isn’t on your side, ask a production company like Monogram Media to edit your long-form content into social media shorts for you.
Now, don’t forget email. Whether you’re sending out a regular newsletter or a one-off email, your podcast episodes are the perfect solution to gain and keep in touch with subscribers. Simply summarise the podcast’s key points, trail the podcast’s guest, and include a link to the full episode. Bonus points if you add a personal anecdote or behind-the-scenes titbit to make it feel truly exclusive to your email subscribers.
This strategy doesn’t just promote your podcast; it creates a whole ecosystem of content. Your blog readers can become listeners, your social followers will subscribe, and your email list will engage more deeply with your brand. The more ways people can discover you, the better.
Let’s talk about taking your podcast beyond the microphone. If you’ve built a loyal audience, they probably want more from you – and not just more episodes. Here, books and merchandise are a great way to diversify your income, deepen audience engagement, and subtly encourage your listeners to carry your brand everywhere.
If your podcast has a clear theme or a treasure trove of episodes packed with advice, insights, and stories, you’re already halfway to writing a hugely valuable downloadable booklet. Compile your best content, organise it into chapters, and add a bit of fresh material to make it feel exclusive. You don’t need to be the next Shakespeare – just focus on giving your audience something valuable they can hold in their hands (or swipe through on their e-reader). Whether it’s a how-to guide or a deep dive into your niche, a downloadable PDF can be an easy way to gain subscribers to your email list.
From there, you can take it a step further and create a whole book; this will cement your authority in the field. A great non-fiction book is typically between 150 and 250 pages and 30,000+ words. To break it down, a book with, say, eight chapters of 4,000 words each would total 32,000 words. Just in case you’re wondering, a chapter is about the same word count as this blog.
Last year, we started Monogram Media (Print) on the back of publishing our own book Business as Unusual - 48 Ways to positively influence your customers.
Remember, it’s the 21st century, so when I say ‘book,’ I mean eBook and audiobook as well as the traditional printed format.
Let’s talk about merchandise – the gift that keeps on giving, both to your audience and your income. Mugs, T-shirts, tote bags, stickers, cue cards, notepads, or anything your audience will use proudly. The key to great merch is making it meaningful. A funny quote or a catchphrase from your podcast is far more appealing than slapping your logo on a generic product. And don’t forget to make it high quality – no one wants a T-shirt that shrinks to toddler size after one wash.
Limited editions or special bundles are also a great way to create buzz. Once, we had a large batch of mugs digitally printed. Alongside our branding, each mug had a unique serial number. From time to time, we’d randomly select a number, and the owner of that mug would win a goodie pack – which, by the way, was always provided by a sponsor.
Don’t forget to promote your books and merch on your podcast. Mention them casually (“Grab our new mug – it’s perfect for your morning brew!”) rather than sounding like an infomercial. Make them easy to find by adding links to your show notes and website.
Books and merch aren’t just revenue streams; they’re a way to build a stronger connection with your audience and create a community around your brand. Every time someone sips coffee from your mug or reads a chapter of your book, they’ll feel a little closer to you – and that’s priceless.
There are currently around 4 million active podcasts, so standing out is a necessity. The good news is no one else can create a podcast quite like you, so that immediately give you a unique advantage.
Start by asking yourself: What’s your angle? Maybe it’s your detailed knowledge, a quirky sense of humour, your unusual background or your no-nonsense advice. Whatever it is, use this as a starting point and remember to let it shine through. Listeners are drawn to authenticity, so don’t be afraid to show your true personality.
Then there’s your format. No one says podcasts have 60 minutes of interviews. In fact you must play the percentages.
According to YouGov (https://business.yougov.com/content/45191-what-situations-do-americans-listen-podcasts) 42% of people said they listen to podcasts while commuting and the average commute time in the UK is 27 minutes. (https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/transport-statistics-great-britain-2023/transport-statistics-great-britain-2022-domestic-travel)
Making your podcast fit a time slot is really important – think about the time of day your listeners are likely to tune in. Mornings are all about setting people up for their day, so shorter segments work best. During the day, people tend to look for more in-depth content, while in the evening, more absorbing story-based or relaxing content will work better.
While it’s advisable to keep your podcast production simple, it’s worth mixing things up occasionally. Consider holding debates, creating mini-episodes, or producing themed series. How about getting out of the studio? One of our most popular podcast series regularly visited exhibitions and industry events to speak to traders and attendees. The vast majority of event organisers are fine with this, as long as it doesn’t disrupt the smooth running of their event.
Getting access to paid events is somewhat different, as you’ll need to prove your credentials and demonstrate that having you there is beneficial to the organiser. Media accreditation may be required, but this is becoming less common – always check beforehand.
Your branding plays a huge role. From your podcast artwork to your intro music, everything should reflect your vibe. Use bold visuals, catchy titles, and a tagline that grabs attention. Let’s not forget your podcast name – “The Marketing Show” is fine, but “Marketing Mayhem with Molly” is far more memorable.
Finally, dare to be bold with your topics. Tackle subjects no one else is covering, or approach common topics in an unexpected way. If everyone in your niche is talking about X, find a way to talk about Y (or X, but upside down).
Being different doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel; it’s about adding your unique spin.
If you’ve skipped here and not read all the above (okay, even if you’ve read the above), then with all this work, you’re definitely going to need a producer to help get your podcast produced, recorded, and published.
Let’s face it: podcasting can be overwhelming. Between brainstorming topics, recording episodes, editing audio, promoting your show, and keeping up with analytics, it’s enough to make anyone’s head spin. That’s where a producer comes in—they are the superhero who keeps everything running smoothly.
So, what does a podcast producer actually do? For starters, they handle the technical stuff: editing, mixing, and making sure your episodes sound like they were recorded in a professional studio. They can also help with planning, scheduling, guest management, and even social media promotion. In short, they free you up to focus on what you do best – creating great content.
Hiring a producer doesn’t mean handing over the reins. You’ll still have creative control, but you’ll have someone in your corner who knows the ins and outs of podcasting. Think of it as outsourcing the stress.
Of course, not all producers are created equal. When looking for one, consider their experience, portfolio, and communication style. Do they get your vision? Are they as enthusiastic about your podcast as you are? And most importantly, can you afford them? Rates vary widely, so shop around to find someone you can easily work with and who fits your budget.
If hiring a producer feels like a big step, start small. Maybe you just need help with editing, or perhaps you want someone to handle promotions. Many producers offer à la carte services, so you can customise the support you need.
Across our portfolio, we’ve helped podcasters with every aspect of their own production. We’ve even co-presented podcasts alongside our customers when they needed a second person in the show or an additional voice.
Our unique professional broadcasting background and a series of highly popular podcasts make it more likely we’ll understand what’s needed to make your podcast a stunning success. Having a producer who knows what it takes to put an amazing podcast together and grow an audience is what makes Monogram Media stand out.
At the end of the day, getting a producer is an investment in yourself and your podcast. With help, you can elevate your show to professional levels, grow the audience, and (most importantly) save time and money.