The Best Podcast Format for You: 7 Strategies

Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, it's important to know which podcast format is best for your show. Podcasts come in a variety of formats and the one that works best for you will depend on how much time you have, whether your listeners want transcripts, and if you are targeting a niche audience. In this blog post, we'll explore 7 different podcast formats so that you can find the right one for your needs.

Why do you need to choose a podcast structure early?

Building an audience is all about consistency:

  • Consistency in the topics you talk about
  • Consistency in the style of photographs on your blog
  • Consistency in the frequency of when you'll post new content

If you want your podcast to be successful, it's important not only that the content is engaging but also how often and when those episodes come out. Choosing a structure upfront will help deliver consistent results each time someone listens in on an upcoming show!

Here are three good reasons to choose your podcast style upfront:

  • Your podcast format needs to align with your goals. You need a strong “why” to stick with a podcast for the long haul, even if your goal is having as much fun as humanly possible. Try to choose a format that helps you work towards your goal. For example, are you using a podcast to reach a new audience? Then you may want to bring on a different guest each week who can share the podcast with their audience and amplify your reach.
  • You need to ensure you can keep up with the workload. If you narrow your topic or format too much, you may have trouble making a new episode each week or month for the foreseeable future. If it’s too broad, you might have a hard time contributing to the conversation. This is a Goldilocks moment.
  • A consistent podcast style creates a strong value prop for new listeners. If you aren’t clear on what the podcast has to offer, you’ll have a hard time getting people interested. A clear and interesting format can attract new listeners. Once people start listening, it’s an excellent format for keeping your audience’s attention.

Here are the Seven Formats for your show:

1 . Interview podcasts

Interviews are a staple of the podcast world. Whether you're discussing issues in society or just figuring out how to get your car running, an interview provides listeners with valuable insight from someone who knows what they’re talking about - and sometimes even gives them some tips on making sure that never happens again!

The most common type is called 'interview', which means one person interviewing another; it can vary greatly depending upon topic but always has some formality around onset themes such as politics/current events etc

2 . Conversational

Conversational podcasts have a couple hosts that spend each episode taking on the topic. It feels like we're in their living room and they share what's been happening with friends; it makes for an intimate discussion about anything from politics to pop culture!

3 . Educational podcasts

Educational podcasts are great for teaching about a topic, such as growing your business or improving painting skills. These shows often have tons of information and it's important to help consolidate learnings with show notes so you can link out and get more knowledge elsewhere!

4 . Solo podcasts

No co-host, no worries. Solo podcasting is the perfect way to start since you don't need a partner or connections with guests in order produce and release content on your own time! All that's required for this venture are an idea (and basic recording equipment), but first let me tell ya how easy it can be if we go over some basics...

A solo podcaster has less work cut out than those who collaborate because there isn’t anyone else carrying responsibility besides him/herself - everything from set up through editing goes right onto one person's plate while they're working away at their desk behind closed doors

5 . Non-fiction storytelling + news

Planning your podcast further in advance than just the night before recording can be tricky, but there are some great options for non-fiction storytelling like Serial. This award winning show follows one true story each season and shares updates on relevant current events from around America with their listeners!

6 . Podcast theater

The world of storytelling is getting bigger and better with the introduction of new formats. Like radio shows from years past, you can use a podcast to tell your own story in audio episodes that are perfect for listening while driving or working out at home!

7. Bite-sized content or limited-run podcast series

You can create a podcast even if you (or your audience) aren't interested in 40-minute episode broadcasts. Bite sized or limited run series let listeners dip their toes into the world of podcasts while keeping lessons short and snappy for those who may be listening on shorter timescales

A good way to start would be by sampling one longish recording from an artist's album, then breaking it down into smaller bits so that more people get exposed!

How to pick your perfect podcast format?

When deciding which podcast format to start with, think about what will work for you and your listeners. What do they like? Pick a style that matches their interests!

  • If you want to demonstrate your expertise as a coach or consultant, consider recording and releasing one-off episodes focused on particular topics. This will allow potential clients access all of the knowledge they need in order for them work with someone like yourself!
  • We all know that we should be asking our audience what they want to listen, but sometimes it feels like a little too much work. But if you take the time before starting your podcast and survey or ask emails subscribers about their preferences then this can save some straying from being off-base with who’s going into production!
  • It's important to pay attention and ensure you're not repeating anything that another podcaster has done. If your niche or genre is extremely saturated, then it could be time for a change in direction; but before taking this step forward make sure there are no similarities between what other podcasts offer by checking out their content as well as how they operate on air (ease of use).
  • While it is true that starting a podcast takes hard work, you can use the skills which make up for your weakness. The bottom line here? Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and try new things!
  • It's important to be realistic about the workload you can manage. If your podcast will require varying levels of prep, edit and outreach then think carefully before committing time each week because this could impact how much free-time is left over for other things like family or hobbies!

To Wrap Up

These strategies are helpful for you to choose which one is best for you. Get started in podcasting industry, Read our blogs to know more about podcasting