Podcasting is an incredible medium for storytelling, education or entertainment, but starting one isn’t as simple as just hitting the record button. As a podcaster myself with The Lifeboat, I’ve encountered my fair share of mistakes and learned valuable lessons along the way. Many new podcasters dive in with passion but often overlook critical aspects that can make or break their show. If you are just getting started, here are some common mistakes to avoid as a podcaster.
Not defining what your podcast is about: Every great podcast begins with a passion. But before you start recording and it’s crucial to “define your podcast’s concept”. Are you conducting expert interviews or offering guidance and advice? what format will your podcast follow, will you have guests? Who exactly are you speaking to: young entrepreneurs or working professionals? Not having your ‘what’ and ‘why’ defined can but leave your audience confused for an understanding of the intention behind your podcast. The more intentional you are in your approach, the more likely you are to build a loyal listener base that keeps coming back for more.
Poor audio quality: One of the biggest turn-offs for listeners is bad audio. A great topic and engaging conversation won’t matter if the sound is muffled, incoherent, or echoing. You don’t need an expensive studio setup, but investing in a decent microphone and recording in a quiet space makes all the difference. Use pop filters, monitor levels, and experiment with editing tools to enhance clarity. No matter how great your content is, poor audio quality will drive listeners away.
Lack of structure and planning: Many new podcasters assume they can just “wing it” and have an organic conversation, but a lack of structure leads to rambling episodes that lose listeners quickly. Before recording, outline key points and map out the episode’s direction. This doesn’t mean scripting every word, but having a clear plan ensures a more engaging and cohesive episode.
Inconsistent posting schedule: Consistency builds trust and keeps listeners coming back. One of the biggest mistakes new podcasters make is publishing a few episodes and then disappearing for months. Whether it’s weekly or monthly, set a realistic schedule and stick to it. I batch-record episodes in advance to avoid last-minute scrambles, which helps maintain consistency even during busy periods.
Not engaging the audience: A podcast shouldn’t be a one-way street. Many beginners fail to interact with their listeners, which limits their growth. Encourage feedback, ask for questions, and engage with your audience on social media. I make it a point to respond to listener comments and even include their thoughts in episodes to make them feel valued. Understanding your audience—who they are, what they seek from your podcast, and what value you bring to them—is essential for creating content that resonates.
Overlooking editing and post-production: Editing is vital in creating a smooth and enjoyable listening experience. Long silences, excessive “umms” and “ahs,” or jarring audio shifts can make even great content hard to sit through. Use basic audio editing software to fine-tune episodes, adjusting pacing, removing distractions, which results in a polished final product
Ignoring podcast SEO and promotion: Many podcasters put all their effort into creating episodes but forget that promotion is just as crucial. SEO matters even in podcasting—optimizing episode titles, descriptions, and keywords helps new listeners discover your show. Having a purpose and end goal for your podcast is important here. Are you looking to build a community, establish yourself as an industry expert, or simply share knowledge? Knowing why you’re doing this will help guide your promotional efforts and ensure that your podcast reaches the right audience. Sharing episodes on social media, collaborating with other podcasters, and encouraging reviews and ratings all help increase visibility.
Too long or too short episodes: Finding the right episode length is key. If an episode is too long, you risk losing listeners. Too short, and you may not provide enough value. The ideal length varies by niche, but generally, 40-80 minutes works well for most audiences. A crucial factor in determining episode length is understanding your podcast’s purpose. If you’re aiming to educate, you may need longer episodes with in-depth discussions. If your podcast is for entertainment, shorter, punchier episodes may work better. Tracking listener retention and adjusting accordingly ensures that your episodes remain engaging.
Not having a call-to-action (CTA): Many podcasters forget to guide their audience on what to do next. Whether it’s subscribing, leaving a review, or following on social media, a strong call-to-action (CTA) encourages engagement. I always make sure to end each episode with a clear CTA, whether it’s directing listeners to exclusive content or asking them to share their thoughts. Having a defined purpose also strengthens your CTA — when you know your end goal, you can guide your audience accordingly and ensure they stay engaged with your content beyond just listening.
(Vinayak Burman is a corporate lawyer, entrepreneur, advisor to new startups, partner at VERTICES Law Firm & Founder of The Lifeboat Podcast)
