Everything I Know About Podcasting: Lessons from Power Hour’s 5 Million Downloads
Podcasting. It's no longer a trend; it's now a massive industry. The global podcasting market size was valued at 2.2 billion dollars in 2022 and is projected to grow to 17.5 billion by 2030. Fortune Business Insights
People often ask me, “Is it too late to start a podcast?” The sure answer is, no. The industry is still growing and there is room for you, so come on in!
Most Popular Podcasts Genres
A survey of 2,000 adults in the U.K, commissioned by Vodafone, found that the most popular podcast genres are comedy *30%, entertainment *25%, sport *23%, and true crime *19%. Following closely are news *18%, health and fitness *16%, and politics *15%. So, what does this mean for you? It means there's a ton of opportunities for diverse voices. Whether your podcast is sharing industry insights, telling personal stories, or conducting in-depth interviews, there's a niche waiting for your unique perspective.
The key is to identify your ‘area of genius’ and connect authentically with those seeking your type of content. What is your unique contribution? Are you passionate about veganism? Do you know all of the best restaurants in your city? Could you explain investing to a group of people who know nothing about finance ? Whatever it is, that’s your ‘area of genius.’
If you’re thinking, “I don’t have an ‘area of genius,’” think again. There’s a reason you’re reading this post. If you’re unsure how to define it, sit down with a trusted friend and get an outside perspective. Often, others can see our potential more clearly than we can.
In 2018, I launched my first podcast, Power Hour.
Since then I’ve interviewed hundreds of guests and the show has now been downloaded more than 5 million times. While that number sounds impressive, it’s important to note that it’s taken a long time and consistent effort to get here. The format is pretty simple, I’m the host, and each week I interview a different guest. I release new episodes at the same day and time each week. Over the years I’ve built a loyal audience who know what to expect when they tune in each week. While the guest may vary, (such as James Clear, Mel Robbins, Grace Beverley & Fearne Cotton) the general theme of self-development and motivation remains the same.
Throughout my six years in podcasting, I've learned lessons, from the practical things, like booking incredible guests and managing content production - to the intangible things - such as improving as a host, building rapport, asking better questions, and creating engaging conversations.
What would I do differently and what would I repeat if given the chance to go back in time? I’ll share it all with you right here. So, whether you’ve just started out or trying to elevate an existing show, here’s Everything I Know About Podcasting. Part 1. . .