While podcast production is often both a collaborative and a commercial endeavor, it’s also deeply personal. The best material comes from introspection. For your podcast to succeed, it needs a strong foundation in the first two elements – collaboration and commercial viability – but it must also stem from your own passion and expertise. The intersection of these elements is where your true “purpose” lies.
Purpose
Why you are making this
Tips & Tricks
The purpose of your podcast is what you will return to when things get tough. Your purpose can be as lofty as “exposing corruption” or as essential as “bringing joy”. It helps to formulate this mantra early on. It’s why you’re putting your time and energy into this project which probably, at least initially, offers little financial reward.If you have a clear purpose, your listeners will have a solid idea about why they’re listening. That will keep them on board and help you grow your audience.Burning Question
What if I don’t know my purpose? You can still start producing, but be aware that the best media products (in any format) find their audience only once they have this key mantra in place and apply it to everything they do.Common Mistake
Being inflexible. Think of yourself as running a small business. Changing your purpose is like pivoting your business in a new direction. Sometimes it’s a good idea or even necessary. The challenge in these moments is to bring your audience along with you.Links
- Article: Aligning Your Podcast’s Purpose with Your Why and Your Audience
- Article: Purpose-Driven Podcasting: What Is Your “Why”?
- Article: The Power of Purpose in Podcasting: Crafting Your Podcast Mission Statement
TIPS from OUR Network
- Don’t mix up purpose and passion. Purpose is the reason for your podcast. Passion inspires you and your podcast.
- What do you love enough to talk about for hours every week?
- A well-defined purpose can help you stay enthusiastic.