Podcasting for Indie Podcasters: Podcasting Tips for How to Start and Run a Podcast

In this episode, we break it down the eight essential tips for preparing your podcast guest to be interviewed.First, we stress the importance of headphones (you’d be surprised at how many people skip this). Next up, we talk about the mic situation; because nobody wants to hear your guest’s laptop struggle to pick up their golden nuggets of wisdom. We also explore giving your podcast guest an outline of topics or questions. This helps them prepare and alleviates any pre-interview jitters.Plus, we dive into how to promote their offerings during the episode. The real clinch of this episode, though, is bringing it back to the very real point that it's no-one's responsibility to promote your podcast episodes other than you.Read the Blog Post >> How to Prepare to Host a Podcast Interview to Get the Best Out of Your Podcast GuestsTakeaways:Always ask your podcast guest to wear headphones for better audio quality, trust me, it makes a difference!Using a separate microphone instead of a laptop mic is a game-changer for sound quality, even a cheap one works wonders!Make sure to explain where your guest should record to avoid noisy disasters - quiet, comfy spaces are key!Share an outline of questions or topics with your guest ahead of time, it's courteous and helps them prepare!Encourage your guest to promote any offers or freebies during the episode, it’s only fair since they’re giving their time!Don’t forget to clarify who your audience is because assumptions can lead to awkward interview moments and miscommunication!Episodes Mentioned in This Episode:Ep 121: Everything You Need to Know About Hosting a Podcast InterviewEp 96: Do You HAVE to Wear Headphones When Recording Your Podcast Episodes? with Ash from Shure 📧 Subscribe to the Newsletter >> https://veritysangan.com/newsletter🔗 Read the Blog >> https://veritysangan.comDon't forget to subscribe to the show!

If you’ve had a podcast for any amount of time, you’ve probably wondered to yourself if you’re doing things ‘right,’ or how you can reach more people to boost your audience.In this case, a podcast audit is probably one of the best activities you can do for your podcast.Why?Because auditing your podcast helps you see where your show currently is and helps you to map out where you can make improvements for your show.In this episode, we’ll explore the benefits of auditing your podcast, as well as some tips and tricks for doing so effectively.We will cover:What is a Podcast Audit?Why Run a Podcast Audit?Identifying Areas for ImprovementImproving Listener EngagementMaintaining Your Own StandardsStaying Organised and On TrackHow Often Should You Audit Your Podcast?7 Tasks for How to Audit Your Own PodcastIf you've only just started your podcast and are only a few months or episodes in, or if you've been podcasting for ages, there are plenty of podcasting tips for how to improve your show in a variety of ways.Takeaways:A podcast audit helps you see where your show currently stands and where to improve.Regularly reviewing your podcast can help you recognise both strengths and weaknesses effectively.Gathering feedback from listeners is crucial for understanding how to grow your audience.Improving your podcast SEO is essential to getting more listeners and boosting your visibility.Read the Blog Post: How to Do a Podcast Audit in 7 Easy-to-Follow Tasks >> https://veritysangan.com/is-your-podcast-performing-at-its-best-how-to-audit-your-podcast/

Today, we're diving deep into the emotional rollercoaster and worried that people have when they start and launch their podcast.The big questions we will cover are:What if my show is rubbish?What if people laugh at me?What if no one listens?The number one way of growing your podcast and getting new listeners is still through word-of-mouth recommendations, and so being able to talk about your show and share it with others is so important.So grab your blanket (I’m cosied up on my sofa as we speak), and let’s chat about how to shake off those fears and get your voice heard.Read the Blog Post: 9 Essential Things to Do Before Starting a Podcast in 2026Episode Mentioned in this Episode: Ep 109: Why Unique Listeners Are More Important Than You ThinkTakeaways:Starting a podcast can feel scary, especially if you worry about it being rubbish, but remember that everyone starts somewhere and your early episodes are just part of the journey.If you’re nervous about what people will think when you launch your podcast, don’t fret too much. Most people are more impressed than critical, and if anyone laughs, they might just be jealous! (I said what I said.)The best way to get the word out about your podcast is still by word of mouth.Having a small number of engaged listeners is way more valuable than a huge audience that tunes out after 10 seconds; focus on creating content that resonates with even a few people.Don't stress about starting your podcast only to hear crickets; someone out there will listen.Podcasting is a craft that takes time to develop, so enjoy the process, build your skills, and give yourself the grace to grow along the way.

Welcome to 2026! In this episode, we're kicking the year off by diving into the nitty-gritty of launching your podcast in 2026 with the first five burning questions that’ll set you on the right path.We're all about keeping it real, so I’ll share how I podcast on the cheap without sacrificing quality. Plus, we’ll chat about how long your episodes should be, whether you need video (hint: you totally don’t), and how often to hit that record button without turning your creative vibes into a stress fest.In this episode, we will answer the following questions:Do you Need Expensive Equipment to Start a Podcast?How Long Should Podcast Episodes Be in 2026?Do You Need Video for Your Podcast?How Often Should You Release Podcast Episodes?Do You Need Social Media to Grow a Podcast?Read the Blog Post: Your 10 Questions About Starting a Podcast in 2026 Answered (No Fluff, Just Honest Answers)Episodes Mentioned:Ep 12: What’s The Perfect Le ngth For Your Podcast Season?Ep 63: Why I Quit Promoting My Podcast on TikTokEp 103: How I Dropped My Podcasting Costs By 65% - How to Run Your Podcast for LessEp 112: 7 Tips to Get Out of a Podcasting Creative SlumpEp 114: 7 Signs You're Taking Your Podcast Way Too Seriously (And How to Fix It)Takeaways:You definitely don't need to break the bank on fancy gear to start podcasting; a decent USB mic and headphones will do!Finding the perfect podcast episode length is all about what works for you and your audience; there's no one-size-fits-all answer.Video isn't a must for podcasts; if you want to keep it audio-only, embrace that freedom and do what feels right!Consistency in posting is key, but it should fit your life—don't force yourself into a schedule that stresses you out.Social media can be helpful but it's not mandatory; focus on platforms you enjoy instead of spreading yourself too thin.SEO is your best friend for growing your podcast; invest time in optimizing your content to attract more listeners.

Podcasting is a wild and amazing journey. One minute you’re excitedly recording your latest episode, and the next you’re drowning in editing and second-guessing every little detail. In this episode, we dive into the seven telltale signs that you might just be taking your podcasting journey a smidge too seriously...because taking your podcast too seriously is possible.We chat about how obsessing over minor editing mistakes can suck the joy out of your creative process. I mean, have you ever listened to a popular podcast that sounded like it was recorded underwater? Probably Yet, they still have tens of thousands of listeners. This just goes to show that your audience is more interested in the content that you can give them rather than a perfectly polished audio track. So, are you finding yourself giving up fun for perfection? If you’re stressing over a missed breath sound or an awkward pause, it might be time to reevaluate your approach.In the episode, we also tackle the pressure of posting schedules. Yes, consistency is key, but if that pressure is making you want to pull your hair out, it’s time to hit the brakes. Remember, podcasting should be a joy, not a chore. And comparing yourself to full-time creators with fancy studios? Let’s just say it’s a recipe for burnout. We’re all just trying to make magic happen from our dining tables, right? Plus, we discuss the dangers of over-planning. If you find yourself exhausted before even hitting record, that’s a sign you might be overthinking it. Let’s embrace spontaneity and authenticity instead.Whether you’re podcasting as a hobby or a business strategy, it’s crucial to keep the fun alive. So, if you’ve ever wondered, ‘should I quit my podcast?’, or are wondering how to re-inject the fun back into your podcast, this episode is for you.Takeaways:Taking your podcast too seriously can drain the joy out of creating, so keep it light and enjoy the creative process.If you find yourself obsessing over every tiny editing mistake, it’s time to relax a bit. No-one is going to mind about the odd breath or 0.2 second pause.Remember, podcasting can be a fun hobby, not just a business strategy or stress-inducing chore.Comparing yourself to full-time creators may lead to burnout, so embrace your unique journey and what your individuality can bring to your show.Over-planning your episodes can kill spontaneity. Keep it real and authentic for you and your audience.If recording feels like a chore, it might be time to reevaluate why you started podcasting in the first place and fall in love with the podcasting process all over again.Read the Blog Post: 7 Signs You’re Taking Your Podcast Too Seriously (and How To Fix It)Podcast Episodes Mentioned:Ep 43: Should I Quit My Podcast?Ep 100: Why It's Okay to Take a Break from PodcastingEp 112: 7 Tips to Get Out of a Podcasting Creative Slump

Feeling stuck in a podcasting rut? We totally get it! In this episode, we're diving into seven super handy tips to help you shake off that creative slump and reignite your podcasting passion. Whether you're wondering "what to podcast about" or contemplating “should I quit my podcast?”, we’ve got your back with some fun and practical advice to get those creative juices flowing. From revisiting your most downloaded episodes to answering listener questions, we’ll explore ways to make your podcasting journey enjoyable again. So grab a snack, get comfy, and let’s figure out how to podcast like the pros (or at least like we know what we’re doing)!Takeaways:Revisiting your most downloaded episodes can spark new ideas and help you understand what your audience loves.If you're in a creative rut, just record a messy voice note when inspiration strikes, no matter how wild the idea!Audience interaction is key; asking for listener questions can turn into multiple episode ideas, so don’t be shy!Repurposing old content can breathe new life into your podcast; consider turning popular blog posts into episodes.List episodes are super easy to create and great for SEO, so why not make a top five or seven mistakes episode?Taking a break from podcasting doesn’t mean you have to explain yourself; prioritise your well-being and come back when you're ready.Read the Blog Post: 7 Tips to Get Out of a Podcasting Creative Slump >> https://veritysangan.com/7-tips-to-get-out-of-a-podcasting-creative-slump/Podcast Episodes Mentioned:Ep 43: Should I Quit My Podcast?Ep 100: Why It's Okay to Take a Break from Podcasting

Do you really need a podcast coach or course? That’s the million-dollar question we’re diving into today! We’re peeling back the layers on the podcasting coaching scene, where it seems like everyone and their grandma has a “how-to” course to sell. I might even be eating my own words from past episodes because, let’s be real, it’s totally okay to change your mind.We’ll explore whether a coach can actually help you level up, or if maybe, just maybe, you could save your cash and find what you need in free online communities instead.Spoiler alert: not all that glitters is gold, and sometimes the best stuff is lurking behind the free curtain. So, grab a cuppa of your favourite drink and let’s get into it!Takeaways: In this episode, we dive into whether you really need a podcast coach or course. Changing your mind about podcasting advice shows growth and adaptability in the industry. Many people call themselves coaches, but some are more like mentors—know the difference! Before spending big bucks on a course, assess what specific outcomes you truly want. Free resources abound for aspiring podcasters, so do your homework before hiring a coach. Shiny object syndrome is real; just because someone succeeded doesn't mean they can help you.Links referenced in this episode:Free Podcasting Course from Captivate.fm >> https://www.captivate.fm/launch-podcast-courseMy blog >> veritysangan.com

Fearne Cotton has managed to attract a massive audience for her Happy Place Podcast, even with episode titles that primarily feature just the name of her guests. This raises the intriguing question of how she gets away with this, especially when indie podcasters are often advised to use SEO-rich titles to attract listeners.In this episode, I delve into the reasons behind Fearne's success, highlighting her established brand and the loyal following she's built over the years. Unlike indie podcasters, who may struggle to gain visibility, Fearne's fame and the broader Happy Place movement provide her listeners with a clear understanding of what to expect.I also share essential tips for indie podcasters on crafting compelling episode titles that can help them attract their ideal audience and stand out in the crowded podcasting landscape.Takeaways:Celebrity podcasts can thrive with simple episode titles due to their established brand.Indie podcasters, however, need to utilise SEO-rich titles to attract new listeners effectively.Fearne Cotton's podcast success illustrates the importance of building a loyal audience over time.Episode titles should highlight the benefits of the content to engage potential listeners.Creating specific and descriptive titles helps clarify what listeners can expect from each episode.Trial and error with title formats can improve visibility and listener engagement for indie podcasts.Read the Blog Post: 5 Ways to Make Your Podcast Episode Titles SEO-FriendlyEpisodes Mentioned:Ep 104: Why SEO is So Important in PodcastingEp 107: 5 Ways to Boost Your Podcast's Google RankingLinks Mentioned:ListenNotes - https://www.listennotes.com/Happy Place Podcast - https://www.happyplaceofficial.co.uk/podcast/This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.

In this episode I’m sharing the 11 things I won’t be spending money on for this year. From avoiding costly podcast managers and editors to steering clear of unsustainable promotion tactics, I’ll explain my reasoning behind each decision.It’s easy to get caught up in shiny object syndrome, but I’m determined to focus on what truly enhances the listener experience and streamlines my workflow.Additionally, I’ll reveal the four key areas where I will invest, including website hosting and my trusted podcast platform, Captivate FM. Join me as I delve into smart budgeting strategies that prioritise quality content and effective SEO for the Lazy Girls Guide to Podcasting.Takeaways:In 2025, I'm prioritising spending on tools that enhance the listener's experience and streamline my workflow.I've identified 11 podcast-related expenses I won't incur in 2025 to maintain my budget.Rather than using expensive podcast promotion strategies, I focus on organic growth through SEO.I'm sticking with my Blue Yeti microphone in 2025, as it meets my podcasting needs perfectly.Investing in my website hosting is essential because it boosts my podcast's visibility online.I believe that customised intro or outro music is unnecessary and I won't be investing in it.Read the Blog Post: Podcast on a Budget: 11 Things I’m Not Spending Money on in 2025 for the Podcast and 4 That I AmTimestamps:00:00 Intro01:58 Not Spending on the Podcast in 202514:20 What I Am Spending Money On19:08 Financial Strategies for PodcastingLinks referenced in this episode:Visit the blog:https://veritysangan.com/blogTry Captivate.FM free for 30 days:https://veritysangan.com/captivateTry Riverside:https://veritysangan.com/riversideTry Descript:https://veritysangan.com/descript

SEO is crucial for boosting your podcast's visibility, and in this episode we will look at how effective keyword strategies can lead to increased both your podcast's downloads and your audience engagement. I'll share my surprising experience of gaining nearly 2,000 downloads during a hiatus from new content, attributing this success to a strong focus on podcasting SEO. We will discuss the importance of crafting clear, keyword-rich episode titles and show notes that resonate with what listeners are actively searching for. By identifying evergreen content topics and utilising tools like Google and YouTube for keyword research, podcasters can enhance their discoverability.This episode will give you clear, actionable tips for helping you to rank your podcast on Google, YouTube, and other search engines. We'll discuss how to figure out the keywords that your audience are using to search for your content, how to make your podcast episodes searchable, and how you can optimise your podcast assets to get your podcast found on search engines such as YouTube and Google, and podcast directories such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Read the Blog Post: Podcast SEO: Getting Your Show Found by Your Ideal ListenerFree SEO Masterclass >> https://veritysangan.com/stupid-simple-seo-masterclassSign up for Stupid Simple SEO >> https://veritysangan.com/ssseoEpisodes mentioned:Ep 93: How to Create and Launch a Podcast - Full TutorialTakeaways:SEO is crucial for podcast visibility; prioritize keyword-rich titles and show notes.Create evergreen content that remains relevant regardless of when it's published.Use platforms like Google and YouTube for effective keyword research and audience insights.Don't underestimate the power of SEO; it can attract listeners even without promotion.Focus on clarity in your episode titles to ensure they resonate with potential listeners.Remember to engage with your audience's search queries to improve discoverability.Timestamps:00:00 Intro02:48 Understanding Podcasting SEO05:11 Creating Engaging Podcast Content07:59 Implementing SEO Strategies for Podcasts09:35 Exploring Evergreen Content for SEO12:16 The Importance of SEO in PodcastingLinks referenced in this episode:Get a free 30-day trial of Captivate.FM -https://veritysangan.com/captivateAnswer the Public -answerthepublic.com

In this podcast episode, we'll discuss 10 key learnings from recording over 100 episodes of this podcast. We will talk about having no rules in podcasting, not needing to quit your day job to have a successful podcast, taking breaks from podcasting, assessing the quality of advice from podcasting “gurus”, embracing the supportive community, debunking the need for expensive equipment+video, and defining podcast “success” on your own terms. Main Discussion Points:Podcasting has no rules - you can talk about anything and structure your show however you likeYou don't need to quit your day job or go "full time" with your podcastIt's fine to miss publishing episodes some weeksSome self-proclaimed podcasting "gurus" repeat outdated or questionable adviceThe podcasting community wants to see everyone succeed"Podcast strategy" means different things to different peopleYou don't need to monetize your podcastPodcasting can be very inexpensive to produceVideo is optional for podcastsDefining a "successful" podcast depends on your goalsEpisodes Mentioned:Ep 6: How to Have a Successful Podcast – Hint; It’s Not What You Think!Timestamps:00:00:00 Intro00:01:58 The Freedom of Podcasting00:02:27 Lessons Learned from Over 100 Episodes of Podcasting00:03:26 Tips for Managing a Podcast as a Side Hobby00:05:02 Podcasting Tips: What You Need to Know00:07:12 Podcasting Insights from Verity Sangan00:08:40 Monetizing Your Podcast vs Keeping it Non-Monetized00:09:17 Tips for Podcasters: How to Save Money and Time📧 Subscribe to the Newsletter >> https://veritysangan.com/newsletter🔗 Read the Blog >> https://veritysangan.comDon't forget to subscribe to the show!

It's episode 100 of The Lazy Girl's Guide to Podcasting!! And in this episode I discuss the importance of taking a break from podcasting when needed. This summer, I reduced my activity to prioritise self-care. It's crucial to prioritise health and well-being over maintaining a strict episode schedule.Managing all aspects of the podcast on my own can be challenging, but I value the support from you guys, my awesome listeners!Highlights:Importance of taking a break from podcastingChallenges of managing all aspects of the podcast aloneSelf-care to sustain creative energyAvoiding burnout in podcastingBalancing podcasting with self-careTimestamps:00:00:00 Intro00:01:48 Taking a Break from Podcasting00:06:22 The Importance of Self-Care in Podcasting📧 Subscribe to the Newsletter >> https://veritysangan.com/newsletter🔗 Read the Blog >> https://veritysangan.comDon't forget to subscribe to the show!

From the vault we are diving back into episode 43: Should I Quit My Podcast!Are you thinking of quitting your podcast? In this episode, we explore the taboo topic of wanting to quit or take a break from podcasting. Quitting your podcast doesn't equate to failure, but it's important to consider your reasons for wanting to quit before you actually give up your podcast.I'll discuss the common reasons why podcasters give up podcasting, such as a lack of immediate results or effective strategies. We also talk about the attrition rate of podcasters, with many quitting before their eighth episode due to unrealistic expectations and time commitments.I'll then go through six signs that indicate it might be time to quit, including loss of passion, running out of quality content, and feeling overwhelmed. Instead of quitting outright, we'll also discuss taking a break from podcasting to re-evaluate your podcasting goals and strategies.Read the Blog Post: Should I Quit My Podcast? (And How to Quit Gracefully) >> https://veritysangan.com/should-i-quit-my-podcast-and-how-to-quit-gracefully/📧 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://veritysangan.com/newsletterRecording equipment:🎙 Riverside: https://veritysangan.com/riverside🎙 Blue Yeti Microphone: https://amzn.to/3pxNvSa🎙 iPhone: https://amzn.to/44q0x30Freebies:✅ Podcast Launch Checklist and Episode Planner – https://veritysangan.com/launchchecklist🎉 Grow Your Podcast Audience 5-day Email Challenge – https://veritysangan.com/5daychallenge🙋‍♀️ Podcasting – Getting Your Business Heard – https://veritysangan.com/podcastwebinar