Most Common Podcasting Problems And How To Fix Them

Podcasting. What a great form of content to use, right? And one which has truly blown up in popularity over the last few years. In fact, did you know that there are 464.7 million podcast listeners globally as of 2023? That’s about 20.3% of all internet users.
It goes without saying that podcasting is an increasingly popular way for individuals and businesses to reach wider audiences and share their ideas, stories, and expertise.
However, we can’t ignore the virtual elephant in the room. While podcasting can be a fun and rewarding endeavour, it is certainly not without its challenges. Like anything, podcasting takes commitment. But what if you’re giving it your all and still need to get the results you’re looking for?
Fear not, as in this blog post, we’ll explore how you can create a podnail rather than a podfail (see what we did there?) through our checklist of the most common problems you may encounter when running a podcast, and more importantly, how you can instantly fix them.

1. The Consistency Cracks 

One of the most common problems podcasters need is maintaining consistency with their publishing schedule. When you first start a podcast, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and produce several episodes quickly. However, as time goes on, it can take time to keep up the momentum and create content regularly.  

The Avalanche Fix: Create a production schedule and structure and stick to it. Consistency is key when it comes to building and maintaining a loyal audience. You can download software (such as Hubspot) to help you organise or make your own through a new content calendar! 

2. Hello…123…Is This Thing Working? 

You guessed it. One of the top things that can become a problem with your podcast is the audio. 

Is your podcast cutting out, or is it a bit muffled? Audio quality is essential to the success of your podcast. Poor audio quality can be a major turnoff for listeners and may cause them to lose interest and tune out. In fact, according to a survey by Edison Research, 23% of listeners said they would stop listening to a podcast due to poor sound quality. Yikes!

The Avalanche Fix: To ensure the best audio quality possible, invest in a good microphone, soundproofing equipment, and editing software. Take the time to learn how to use these tools effectively, and test your audio quality before publishing. 

3. Lack of Promotion

Even the best podcast will only gain traction if it’s properly promoted. Many podcasters make the mistake of assuming that if they produce high-quality content, listeners will come naturally. Unfortunately, this is only sometimes the case. Even if you create great content, it will only get noticed if you promote it. 

The Avalanche Fix: To promote your podcast effectively, similar to creating a content calendar, by creating a marketing strategy that includes social media promotion, guest appearances on other podcasts, and collaborations with other content creators. Ensure you’re sharing your blog posts on social media, building an email list, and networking with other bloggers in your niche. And why not promote with some giveaways with some personal brand packages? A sentimental gift can go a long way!

4. Difficulty in Finding Guests 

Granted, finding guests can be a challenge. It’s important to identify individuals or businesses that align with your brand and audience and to reach out to them with a clear value proposition.  

The Avalanche Fix: Consider offering something in exchange for their time and expertise, such as exposure to your audience or a reciprocal appearance on their podcast. You can also open your channel to the floor by creating stories, polls, forms, etc., to see who would be interested in joining. This might be a difficult one, but we strongly recommend asking your prospects if they know anyone who could be interested in joining your podcast. The worst that could happen is they say no, but who knows if that’s a no for never or just a no for now? The key here is to open up the opportunity!

5. Limited Monetisation Opportunities 

While there are several ways to monetise a podcast, it can take time to generate significant revenue. Many podcasters rely on sponsorships, merchandise sales, or paid memberships to generate income. However, it’s essential to remember that monetization should not be the primary focus of your podcast.  

The Avalanche Fix: Focus on producing high-quality content to attract and retain listeners. The monetization opportunities will come naturally over time. 

The Round Up

Running a podcast can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s not without challenges. Lack of consistency, poor audio quality, lack of promotion, difficulty finding guests, and limited monetization opportunities are some common problems you may encounter. By addressing these challenges head-on and producing high-quality content, you can build and maintain a loyal audience and ultimately achieve success with your podcast.

Did you find this article useful? We’d love to know your thoughts!