We’ve all worried about making mistakes at one point or another. I’ve certainly experienced the fear of failure or rejection. Today, I want to share some common mistakes I’ve encountered or observed in podcasting, along with lessons learned.
- Lack of Consistency
Consistency is crucial for a successful podcast. If you’re not consistent, you’ll lose your audience, and it’s unlikely they’ll return (unless you’re already a huge influencer). For example, I produce five episodes a week, every week. Others I’ve worked with maintain at least a weekly schedule. Sporadic releases will hurt your credibility and audience retention. - Unclear Podcast Purpose
Make it extremely obvious what your podcast is about. This is a major pitfall. DO NOT TRY TO BE CLEVER. Share what’s on your heart and what matters to you, but ensure you’re marketing it in a way that draws people in. Remember, people are looking to solve their problems or challenges—not for a fancy or abstract podcast title. Your podcast’s title, description, and episode topics must be 100% clear and direct. - Rambling and Lack of Structure
Avoid rambling about unrelated topics, like the weather or a random event from your morning. Structure your podcast so it’s engaging and valuable. Start by telling the listener what they’ll gain from the episode, share a relevant personal story, and provide actionable guidance. While personal stories can help listeners connect with you, they must always tie back to the episode’s main topic.
Podcasting is incredibly rewarding, and as a Podcast Strategist and Host, I’m always learning. These are some of the key lessons I’ve picked up along the way, and I hope they help you avoid common pitfalls.
Jonny Pardoe,
Top 1% Podcast Host of The Self Esteem and Confidence Mindset and The Men’s Mental Health and Growth Podcast
Podcast Strategist
Founder of The Self Esteem and Confidence Mindset Ltd
