Common Podcasting Challenges + Solutions to Tackle Them
Starting your podcasting journey is a fun adventure but it also comes with its own set of challenges.
Whether you are just starting or have been podcasting for a while, you’ve probably already faced your fair share of problems and issues that have left you with hours of research trying to figure out how to fix them.
That’s why today, I am diving into common podcasting challenges and solutions to help you navigate through the twists and turns of podcasting. Let’s jump in!
Challenge 1: Technical Challenges
This is one of the first issues that you may come across which is trying to figure out all the technical stuff. And there are a few different ways that you may face technical challenges.
Examples -
Audio quality issues such as background noise, poor microphone quality, or inconsistent audio levels.
Equipment issues such as choosing the right podcasting equipment, optimizing, or troubleshooting with your equipment.
Struggles with programs such as your hosting, recording platforms, or even your website.
How to solve them -
For Audio quality, you can use tools like Auphonic to help with leveling your audio or for noise & reverb reduction. There are also features within your editing programs such as “noise reduction” in Audacity or Adobe Audition can help do the trick too.
When it comes to equipment, finding the right equipment can make a big difference. In our last blog, I discuss tips for finding the right one within your budget, which you can read more about here. Note: as you look to select your equipment, consider how difficult it would be if something were to come up - do they have articles to support your questions, a team you can ask, or even make sure you don’t get equipment that you don’t understand and are just selecting it to select it. This will help you if you ever run into troubleshooting issues.
Finally, issues with programs. Again, similar to the equipment if you haven’t selected any of these items yet, look into how good their support team is, go look up reviews and see what other people are saying to get an idea if you’ll run into regular issues (and how they solved them) or if there are good articles/videos to help support you if you run into problems. No matter how much we avoid problems, they can still come up but having programs that are quick to help and give helpful information from the get-go can save you a ton of time in the long run.
Challenge 2: Brain Blocks
Another issue that many podcasters run into is brain blocks. As you get going sometimes you can hit a slump and feel stuck in it.
Examples -
Writer’s block - whether when writing your content for the episodes or social media
Burnout
How to solve them -
Writer’s block is common and can happen at any time, some strategies to help overcome it are…
Get out of your space! As simple as it sounds sometimes just walking away from what you are working on and taking a walk can help get those brain juices flowing again.
Take a break! Sometimes you just need to take a break and not come back for a bit. Focus on other things that aren’t related to help get you inspired again.
Figure out the time and place that you tend to be the most creative and motivated, then try and always tackle your writing tasks during that period.
And here are some tips for getting through your burnout
Batch content to help you plan ahead and not be constantly doing things back to back.
Set realistic goals + expectations - sometimes we can put too much on our plate and it leads to wanting to do less than more. Be realistic with what you can take on!
Outsource - sometimes you just need the extra helping hand to help you stay afloat and not overwhelmed.
For additional tips, check out our blog on strategies to avoid burnout!
Challenge 3: Staying Consistent
Staying consistent seems like it would be something that would just happen when you get started with podcasting but it can be easy to start pushing off episodes and tasks.
Examples -
Getting off schedule
Pushing tasks off
Struggle with time management
How to solve this -
If you struggle with getting off schedule, start by creating a consistent calendar. So, figure out the days you find are the best time to record and mark those on your calendar. Same with editing and reaching out to guests (if you have them). And then stick with it! When those calendar reminders pop up, include them in your daily tasks and make them a priority.
If you are having issues maintaining a regular publishing schedule, batch your content to get multiple episodes and tasks done at once. For example, if you batch your recording, you are already in a recording mindset and it can be easier to just bust them out.
Are you needing more time? Prioritize the important tasks and if you can, outsource the tasks that are overwhelming and time-consuming to help give you time back.
Challenge 4: Audience Growth
Another big issue that we hear often from podcasters is trying to grow your audience. Once you get going sometimes the growth can get stagnant and feel disheartening.
Examples of audience growth challenges -
Discoverability issues
not enough engagement/interaction from listeners
How to solve it -
To get help with your discoverability issues…
Make sure you are on all directories and that your show is easy to find.
SEOify your podcast in the title, descriptions, if you have show notes on your website, etc. anywhere to help people find it by their search terms.
Get on platforms that your audience is on (but I would start with 1 or 2 to not get overwhelmed). Don’t be everywhere and anywhere because others are, think about where your target audience hangs out to reach them.
Look for additional promotional strategies to help grow your show such as guest podcasting, podcast swaps, paid ads, etc.
And if you are struggling to get engagement and interaction from your community consider…
Start encouraging feedback from your listeners. Ask questions in an episode to have your audience answer on social media or by email. Or you can address them in your next episode. Or make interesting and interactive posts on social media to begin engaging.
Challenge 5: Making Money
Finally, something that most podcasters want but have run into challenges with is making money. Monetizing your show can feel like a daunting task but it doesn’t have to be!
Examples of where you may run into issues -
Knowing where to monetize
Finding and attracting sponsors
Setting up your own products/services to sell
Tips for solving it -
If just started with monetization - start small. Look at your target audience and see where your show can fill a need. You can look at affiliate marketing, this is a great way to start making a little bit of money and see what your audience responds to. Plus, this can help give you data that you can use to pitch to sponsors. Another thing is to consider looking for local sponsors that fit your show, again, these aren’t going to be paying you like some bigger sponsors would but it’s a great way to start making money and get a start at sponsorships.
If you are ready and want sponsors. It’s time to do some research on what products you use and what your audience uses as you want this to be a win-win-win situation. You want to promote products you love, that your audience will love and in turn will make money for your sponsorship (win-win-win). Then you can set up your pitch and start reaching out.
Which can be another big hurdle, doing it! But if you are ready, push that self-doubt aside and ask, as they say, those who don’t ask won’t receive!
Also, remember to have patience and persistence in the monetization journey. Facing the reality that this can take time to land the right sponsorships and get started monetizing your show. You will get no’s, your programs and products may take time to land with your audience, but that doesn’t mean to not stick with it. Your yes is right around the corner!
Snags to Solutions
Podcasting is fun and comes with a lot of incredible opportunities but it can also come with some bumps in the road. But if you can stay creative and persistent you can make it through any challenge that comes your way.
To recap, some areas you may experience some snags are:
Technical challenges
Brain blocks
Staying consistent
Audience growth
Making money
But if you follow these solutions, get creative, and persist through you will be able to take on any of these challenges and more.
But if you run into something that you just can’t seem to figure out, send us a message and we can work through it together. You got this!
Aleea
