18 Elements Of A Good Podcast

Here at Dear Media, there’s one thing we know for sure— Each and every podcast creator aims to produce great content. But, how do you create amazing content every time? There isn’t any one perfect or foolproof way to make a podcast, but, there are some essential elements that are common in high-quality podcasts. 

Successful podcasts did not become popular just by luck or chance. The podcast creators and/or podcast hosts put in a lot of time and effort into creating them and learning by trial and error. So, now, we have a much better picture of what it takes to create an all-around fantastic podcast. With the right strategy and the incorporation of these key elements, you’ll be creating chart-topping podcasts in no time. 

Ready to learn the secrets for turning a good podcast into a great one? Let’s dive right in! 

18 Elements Of A Good Podcast

Preparation

Whether you’re creating a solo podcast or an interview podcast, preparation is key. Prepping for your next podcast episode might include researching topics, creating an outline, preparing questions for your guest, testing your equipment, stocking studio snacks, and so on. Proper preparation can make a huge difference in the overall quality of your episode. 

Appeal to Audience

Appealing to your audience means knowing what they want. It also means knowing what problems or issues they have and how to solve them. A great podcast will appeal to its target audience, each and every episode. This really contributes to an overall sense of community, building a foundation for trust and authenticity. 

But, how can you accomplish this? Appeal to your specific audience by researching your niche, keeping up with current events, engaging with your listeners, and choosing modern and culturally relevant topics. Need a little topic inspiration? Check out this article to read more about how to choose awesome and interesting topics for your podcast. 

A Clear Concept

After you figure out what your podcast theme and niche is, figuring out your podcast format is key. This also involves how long each episode you put out will be! Are you into long-form content once a week, or are you producing multiple short-form episodes? The answer to this can involve what type of engaging content you’re putting out, along with what your listeners may expect from you. Don’t be afraid to write a podcast script, either! This can save you time and effort (and awkward pauses) when you go to record each episode.

A Catchy Name

What’s in a name? Well, EVERYTHING! The more interesting, informative, and intriguing your podcast name is, the more likely it is that someone will give your podcast a listen. Your podcast name should give a little insight into your overall brand, yet still maintain a catchy and positive vibe.

If you don’t have a name yet, or if you’re looking to revamp your existing name, we’ve totally got you covered. Read How to Name a Podcast to learn more about the key steps and elements involved in creating a top-notch podcast name. What you name each episode is important as well. To learn more about how to title podcast episodes, click here. And don’t worry, we came up with some catchy and cool podcast names for inspo, too. 

Strong Branding

Branding. is. EVERYTHING. This involves a professional logo, eye-catching cover art, what typography you use in your episode summaries. These are all things that draw you in when you look at other podcasts within the podcasting market, but they’re easy to overlook when considering your own. You want something that feels easy-to-brand, while staying authentic to your unique style. Listen to this episode of Let’s Get Dressed for advice on the best ways to build a unique brand.

Intriguing Summaries 

A podcast summary, sometimes known as show notes, is a short blurb about what information, guests, or topics are discussed in a particular podcast or podcast episode. There is usually a summary for both the actual podcast and each episode that the podcast releases. Podcast summaries are between 3-7 sentences long and they tell potential listeners why they should listen to that specific podcast or episode.  

But, why are these summaries so important? Well, they are the first thing a listener sees before clicking on your podcast or one of your episodes. So, making sure your podcast summaries are on point will help you garner more listeners and create a lager, and more loyal, fanbase. Read this article to learn how to create perfect podcast summaries for both your podcast and all your future episodes, and this article for writing a good podcast description. 

Interesting Content

One of the most important, if not THE most important element to a good podcast, is quality content. If your content is incorrect, lacking, or if you’re not passionate about your topic, it will make for a much less interesting and enjoyable podcast. If you don’t seem passionate or into the information you’re talking about, then how will you keep your listeners engaged?

As you research and decide on things to talk about, be sure to always choose interesting and intriguing topics. Stay away from overdone and generic topics. And instead, focus on new and exciting topics that your readers want to hear about. The best way to find out what your readers want to hear is by asking them directly and reading your comments. When creating interesting content—engagement is key. 

Regular Release Schedule  

Here at Dear Media, we produce a variety of successful podcasts. These include, but are not limited to TSC Him and Her, Not Skinny But Not Fat, and What We Said. While these three podcasts are completely different, you will see that they all have one thing in common—regularity. For example, new episodes of Him and Her are released every Monday and Thursday and new episodes of What We Said are released every Tuesday. 

Releasing new episodes at a steady rate and on a regular schedule is so important. Releasing new content regularly will help you build and maintain a loyal fanbase as well as give your listeners something to look forward to. If your listeners know a new episode is coming each and every week, they will more likely catch up on those past episodes and they will excitedly anticipate your new content each week. For more on setting up a successful routine, listen to this episode of Transform.

Structure

Structure plays a big role in the success of your podcast. In general, a podcast episode should have an intro, a section of main content, and then an outro. In most cases, your intro will explain who you are and what you’re talking about that day. Next, you’ll dive right into your main content and/or your interview with a podcast guest. And last, you will close with an outro. This section usually includes a reminder to your listeners to like and subscribe, a shout to out your website, blog, or merch, and letting listeners know when the next episode is set to release. 

There are other structures you can follow as well. But, it’s important that each and every episode has a clear structure. Without a clear structure, podcast episodes can be all over the place. And, in turn, this can make it harder for your audience to follow along and increase your bounce rate. Whether you follow a generic structure or create one all on your own, just make sure it’s easy to follow. 

Authenticity 

When it comes to being a podcast host, authenticity is critical. If you lack authenticity or passion about your podcast or the topics discussed within, your listeners will know. As you narrow down podcast ideas, be sure to choose topics that you are truly excited about. This way, you can ensure that your episodes will be upbeat, informative, and exciting for your listeners. Looking for a way to reignite your passion? Try listening to one (or more!) of these confidence boosting podcasts! 

Call to Actions

With authenticity and structure comes call to actions (CTAs). Once you establish a solid target audience, you can ask them to do things like leave reviews, subscribe to your social media platforms, visit the website to purchase some merch—you get this gist. This kind of falls in line with consistency—if you begin to incorporate CTAs, it’s important to do it every episode so your format stays consistent.

High-Quality Equipment

Another key element in the creation of a successful podcast is equipment. When listening to podcasts, listeners prefer high-quality sound, minimal flaws, and smooth transitions. If your podcast is hard to hear, scratchy, or contains too many background noises, you are much less likely to garner repeat listeners. It’s like watching a show but the quality is glitchy and skippy—we’re exiting right out.

The best way to ensure high-quality audio is to invest in high-quality equipment or hire a podcast producer. Depending on your situation, you may find it cheaper to simply invest in the equipment yourself, or, you may find it easier to hire a professional. Either way, excellent sound quality should be a main priority as you grow your podcast. 

High-Grade Software

Like high-quality equipment, high-grade recording and editing software are also key elements in creating a chart-topping podcast. This is especially true when it comes to recording video podcasts. Without excellent editing software, your podcast will contain errors and bloopers that may drive away listeners. Plus, having great editing software will greatly improve your overall editing process. 

Not sure which recording and editing software are the best? Don’t worry! Check out these blog posts on the best recording software and the best editing software to help you choose which ones are the best for you!

Music and Special Effects

When it comes to podcasting, it doesn’t have to be all talk. And, in fact, it shouldn’t be. Listeners love hearing music and special sound effects throughout podcasts for many reasons. It keeps things interesting, it breaks up all the talking, and it adds character to your podcast. Most importantly, music and sound effects make your podcast more unique and helps it stand out from the rest. So, if you’re looking to take your podcast to the next level, be sure to add some unique and personalized special effects to really hook listeners. 

Effective Marketing 

Last, but certainly not least, every good podcast requires effective marketing. Without effective marketing, how will people hear about and want to listen to your podcast? Marketing might include posting on social media, blogging, asking other podcast host’s to shout you out, billboards, affiliate marketing, commercials, and so on. 

As you market your product, just remember to match your marketing strategies to your target audience. This way, you can ensure maximum return on your marketing investment. Looking to up your marketing game? Check out these financial podcasts for beginners! And if you’re having a little bit of imposter syndrome, listen the episode You Deserve Money from The Nicole Walters Podcast.

Audience Engagement

Encouraging audience engagement is a great tool for keeping current listeners around while also prompting audience growth. This can be through things like support through social media, engaging Q&As each episode, or even a few shoutouts here and there. When you involve your audience into your content through different segments, it makes them feel apart of the community (and appreciated, which is always a plus!).

Cross Promoting

Even if you do decide to focus your energy on a solo podcast, having guests from time to time can increase multi-platform presence and garner more listeners. It’s a great way to establish yourself in the community, especially when you join forces with other content creators who create content in the same (or similar) niche as you! Listen to this episode of Career Contessa to discover some key tips for networking.

Establish a Presence

When you establish yourself through your podcast, don’t stop there! There are tons of ways to create a unique imprint through your brand, like creating a jingle or starting a website. Anything that you can use to establish a stronger and more personable connection to your brand, the better. For some fantastic podcast website examples, click HERE!

Take your podcast to the next level by ensuring you have these 18 essential elements! 

Okay folks—now you know the 18 most important elements that you absolutely have to include in your podcast. From choosing a fun and catchy name to ensuring effective marketing, all of the above are key to making sure your podcast gets the attention and popularity it deserves! Since you’re in this new successful era, you need this mug from the Dear Media shop to start your day off in the right way.

If you have any additional questions or comments about the ever changing world of podcasting, let us know below. And for more on podcasting, self-development, and the most popular podcasts out right now, head on over to the Dear Media Blog!