How to Create Authentic Content as a Podcaster
Let go of perfectionism
Gone are the days of airbrushed, photoshopped, and autotuned perfection. Audiences today crave authenticity.
Authentic brands, podcasts, and other media create a like-know-and-trust factor with audiences. People want to connect with and buy from brands they feel represent them, live up to their brand promise, show their true selves, and connect with their customers.
In fact, eighty-six percent say that authenticity matters when deciding what brands to like and support (Forbes).
So how can you create authentic content as a podcaster without divulging your deepest secrets?
Know Your Why
When planning your podcast, understand why you want to start one. If you’re going to host a podcast because you see other businesses or professionals in your industry with one, that’s not a strong enough reason. You likely won’t create content that speaks to your audience, and they’ll recognize it as an attempt to follow the crowd.
Start a podcast because you have a message to get across, knowledge to impart to your audience, and because you’re genuinely passionate about communicating to your audience by that medium. Take this step because you’re ready to uplevel your business, connect with your audience in another way, and become an authority in your niche or industry.
Be Yourself
Part of being authentic on your podcast is letting your personality and your passion shine through each episode. It’s bringing you to the table, in whatever way you show up — messy, organized, passionate, or over-the-top enthusiastic.
Listeners don’t want to listen to the same business, marketing, or self-care podcast over and over, but when you show up as your authentic self and share your passion, that similar content might hit differently.
Think about what makes you, your business, and your message unique. If you curse like a sailor on Instagram stories, but you’re prim and proper on your podcast, listeners will take note.
Being yourself and showing your passion will bring listeners in and keep them coming back.
Let Go of Perfectionism
Here’s the hard truth — unless you and your guest sit in an expensive studio with the best equipment and an excellent editor on hand, your recordings likely won’t sound perfect. You might stumble over your words, your guest’s audio might cut out, and your cat might decide she wants to join in the conversation (mine loves to participate).
Sure, you can try to cut out the extra noise, hire a sound engineer, or spend all day making sure it sounds perfect — but will it be real?
The best podcast episodes don’t have perfect or overly produced sound. It’s their content, message, and takeaways that make them the best. When the host brings the right message and their true authentic self to the podcast, it has a greater impact on the audience.
Let go of the need to be perfect and record an episode that will connect with your audience.
Final Thoughts
“We are drawn to leaders and organizations that are good at communicating what they believe. Their ability to make us feel like we belong, to make us feel special, safe and not alone is part of what gives them the ability to inspire us — Simon Sinek”
Producing a podcast with authentic content will draw audiences to you. You’ll make them feel seen and like they belong. They’ll feel a connection with you, your brand, and your business that will have them clicking “subscribe” and listening to every episode you release. An authentic podcast is all about knowing your why, being yourself, and letting go of perfectionism.
Ready to start your podcast but need some guidance? Download my FREE DIY Your Podcast Roadmap and get ready to launch!
**Originally posted to Medium.com