In the golden age of podcasting, it's no surprise that comedians are flocking to the medium in droves, drawn by the allure of unfiltered expression and the potential to reach a global audience from the comfort of their living rooms.
However, the journey from stand-up stages to podcast fame is fraught with pitfalls, and many comedians find themselves blaming everyone else but themselves when their podcast never takes off.
Here's a deep dive into where they go wrong and how they can course-correct for podcasting success.
Why Most Stand Up Comedians Get Podcasting Wrong
The most common issue I see with stand up comics is they just assume the people on the internet assume they have something to say. And to be fair, once you're famous or well known, that does hold true.
However until then, you need to treat this like a job.
Even the most popular podcasts that seen like "two guys just joking around" have expensive studios, proper audio equipment, a release team that handles all the creative materials, and a calendar with topics and current events they want to riff on.
The best podcasts don't seem planned, but they almost 100% are.
While the actual conversations may be spontaneous and improvised, they likely have a list of bullet points they want to cover on each episode and then go from there.
How to Start a Comedy Podcast and Mistakes to Avoid
As the saying goes for a famous shoe brand, the best way to start is just do it. Avoid these pitfalls that most comedians make when starting a podcast and the rest will easily fall into place.
1. The Lack of a Concrete Plan
The first misstep many comedians make is diving into podcasting without a clear plan. While spontaneity is a hallmark of great comedy, a successful podcast requires a roadmap.
Comedians often underestimate the need to outline what they want to talk about in each episode. This leads to aimless conversations that fail to hook listeners or build a loyal audience.
A well-structured plan doesn't mean scripting every joke, but rather having a clear theme or topic for each episode, understanding the target audience, and setting achievable goals for the podcast.
Ask yourself:
What teaser is going to hook my listeners in the first 15 seconds?
Am I willing to spend $5 on Fiver to design a good podcast cover?
Have I researched my guest I'm interviewing or am I just trying to use them to get their followers onto my channel?
Do I have an idea for the title of this episode?
Have I jotted down at least 5 to 10 bullet points of things I can keep as backup topics?
2. Underestimating the Power of Packaging
A podcast isn't just about the audio; it's a brand that needs cohesive packaging.
Many comedians overlook the importance of visual elements like thumbnails, titles, graphics, and promotional materials.
These elements are crucial for making a podcast stand out in an overcrowded market. A compelling title and an eye-catching thumbnail can be the difference between a potential listener clicking play or scrolling past.
High-quality graphics and consistent branding across all promotional materials create a professional image that attracts sponsors and a wider audience.
Sites like Canva have replaced the need for graphic designers and if you can't even do that, you're not taking this seriously.
Honestly the barrier for entry has practically been eliminated entirely so now it's just how bad do you want it?
3. Relying Solely on Banter
While riffing with friends can make for some hilarious moments, it's not enough to sustain a podcast.
Comedians often think that their natural wit and banter will be enough to captivate an audience, but without a focus or a unique selling point, these podcasts can quickly become indistinguishable from the sea of other content out there.
It's crucial to bring something new to the table, whether it's a unique format, engaging guests, or a fresh perspective on everyday topics.
Remember, your fans that don't exist yet will only be drawn to your podcast if there is something for them. That could be motivation, entertainment, tips on something like fitness or cooking or anything else.
4. Ignoring Audience Engagement
Engagement is key in building and maintaining an audience, yet many comedians neglect this aspect. Interacting with listeners through social media, Q&A sessions, or live streams can foster a community around the podcast.
Feedback from the audience can also provide valuable insights into what works and what doesn't, allowing for continuous improvement of the content.
Most people who create a podcast have a rude awakening when it's time to be vulnerable to the public. They also think what they don't know can't hurt them.
If I never check my analytics, I won't have to learn I only have 2 listeners.
The harsh reality is only once you address the facts can you begin to improve them. So make sure you learn to reply to suggestions, accept criticism well and continuously focus on how you can get better.
5. Inconsistent Release Schedules
Consistency is king in the world of podcasting. Listeners look forward to their favorite podcasts as part of their routine.
When comedians fail to maintain a regular posting schedule, it can lead to a decline in listener numbers.
It's important to set a realistic schedule that can be adhered to, ensuring that the audience remains engaged and the podcast stays relevant.
Whenever a new comedian asks me to jump on their podcast, I say no. Then I say "But I'll be on your 100th episode." I learned that tip from Gary Vee and it makes complete sense.
Convince them to be consistent and you'll likely realize they were never serious in the first place or they won't even need you by the time they're at 100.
6. Neglecting Audio Quality
Last but not least, audio quality can make or break a podcast.
Some comedians underestimate the importance of investing in good recording equipment and proper editing.
Poor sound quality can be a major turnoff for listeners, regardless of how good the content is. It's worth investing in a decent microphone and learning the basics of audio editing, or even hiring a professional to ensure that the podcast sounds as good as it possibly can.
7. Misguided Hashtag and Social Media Strategies
A common oversight among comedians venturing into podcasting is the incorrect use of hashtags and underdeveloped social media optimization strategies. Social media platforms can be powerful tools for growing a podcast's audience, but they require careful and strategic use.
Hashtags, for instance, need to be relevant, targeted, and not overly generic to effectively reach the desired audience. After content creation, content distribution is probably the next most important aspect of knowing how to start a comedy podcast.
Comedians often either overuse hashtags, making their posts seem spammy, or use irrelevant ones that fail to attract listeners interested in their content.
Moreover, a comprehensive social media strategy encompasses not only hashtags but also engaging content, interaction with followers, and collaboration with other creators.
Neglecting these aspects can significantly hamper a podcast's visibility and growth.
I know it's annoying, but if million dollar movies have to spend all that effort making the movie and then almost as much effort promoting it...does your little garage podcast get to skip the same responsibilities?
8. Overlooking the Potential of Video Content
In today's digital landscape, video content reigns supreme, yet many comedians overlook the potential of incorporating video into their podcasting efforts.
Not recording video content is a missed opportunity for deeper audience engagement and expanded content reach. Platforms like YouTube offer a vast user base and can serve as an additional channel to attract listeners.
Video podcasts allow for a more dynamic interaction with the audience, showcasing the comedians' expressions, body language, and on-the-spot reactions, which can enhance the comedic experience.
Furthermore, video clips from podcast episodes can be used as promotional material on social media, drawing in viewers who prefer visual content over audio. By embracing video, comedians can not only diversify their content but also tap into a broader audience base, enriching their podcasting venture.
Conclusion
Podcasting offers a fantastic platform for comedians to expand their reach and connect with audiences on a more personal level.
However, success in this medium requires more than just being funny. By planning content, investing in packaging and promotion, focusing on engagement, maintaining consistency, and ensuring high audio quality, comedians can avoid the common pitfalls and make their mark in the podcasting world.
Remember, a great podcast is like a great comedy set – it's all about timing, delivery, and connecting with the audience.
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