How to Start a Podcast with No Audience: 17 Tips

So, you want to know how to start a podcast with no audience? It’s not as impossible as it might sound. With the right strategies, a bit of patience, and some creative thinking, you can build a podcast from the ground up—even without a built-in fanbase.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from finding your niche to promoting your show and keeping listeners engaged.

Should you start a podcast with no audience?

HECK YES! Starting a podcast without an audience is entirely doable, but it does come with challenges. The biggest hurdle is building awareness from scratch. Without a built-in audience, you’ll need to work harder to attract listeners and create interest in your content. Accepting that growth will take time, consistency, and strategy is essential.

On the other hand, starting from zero also provides opportunities to experiment, find your voice, and refine your format without the pressure of a massive following. It’s a chance to create something unique and build an engaged, loyal audience over time.

16 Ways to Start a Podcast With No Audience

So, how to start a podcast with no audience? Here are sixteen of our top tips to help you start your podcasting journey.

1. Define Your Niche

Your niche is your podcast’s focus—the specific topic or area of interest that sets it apart. With over 3 million active podcasts available worldwide, carving out a unique niche is critical. A well-defined niche ensures your podcast appeals to a clear, specific group of listeners rather than trying to cater to everyone.

Start by identifying your passion and expertise. What topics can you consistently discuss without losing interest? Then, research other podcasts in the same space. Look for gaps, underserved audiences, or angles no one else is addressing. Your niche should strike a balance between something you love and something others care about. If you are stuck for ideas on what niche to focus, going through a list of podcast theme ideas could be a beneficial starting point.

☝️ Extra Tip: Spend time listening to podcasts in your niche. Take notes on their strengths and weaknesses. What can you do differently or better? Use this insight to refine your approach and stand out.

2. Identify Target Audience

Your target audience is the group of people most likely to listen to your podcast. This goes beyond demographics like age and location. Think about psychographics—values, interests, behaviours, and preferences. What do they care about? What problems are they trying to solve? Understanding their needs will help you shape every aspect of your podcast.

For example, if your target audience values short, actionable content, aim for episodes under 20 minutes. If they’re busy professionals, release episodes during commutes. Knowing your audience ensures your content, format, and marketing resonate.

Our tip? Create a listener persona. Write down a detailed profile of your ideal listener. What are their hobbies, challenges, and goals? This exercise helps keep your audience in mind as you plan episodes.

3. Develop a Unique Concept and Format

Once you’ve defined your niche and target audience, it’s time to decide how you’ll deliver your content. Your podcast’s format is its structure—how episodes are organized and presented.

Different formats have unique benefits:

Interview-based: Great for showcasing experts and diversifying content with multiple perspectives.
Solo episodes: Perfect for sharing expertise, personal experiences, or storytelling.
Co-hosted: Adds dynamic conversation and chemistry but requires coordination.
Narrative or scripted: Ideal for in-depth storytelling or investigative content.
Panel discussions: Engages multiple voices for debates or expert opinions.

Experimentation is key, especially when starting without an audience. Try mixing formats to see what works best, but don’t overcomplicate things. Limit yourself to one or two core formats to maintain consistency.

☝️Extra Tip: You can find more details about how to format and structure your podcast in this comprehensive guide on How to Plan a Podcast: The Ultimate Guide for Podcasters.

4. Create a Memorable Title

A strong title is your podcast’s first impression, so it’s essential to get it right. Your title should be short, clear, and relevant to your content while sparking curiosity. Aim for no more than 30-40 characters—longer titles may be cut off on podcast platforms.

Avoid the word "podcast" (listeners already know it's a podcast). Check for duplicates using a platform like Podchaser or by searching on major directories. Test your title on friends or potential listeners to see if it resonates. If you’re not a public figure, avoid using your name—unless it adds credibility or uniqueness.

☝️Extra Tip: Use a title that includes relevant keywords for SEO. This will help potential listeners find your podcast when they search for related topics.

For more on this, check out this in-depth guide: The Step-By-Step Guide to Choosing a Podcast Name

5. Invest in Branding

Branding is more than just a logo—it’s your podcast’s entire identity. Strong branding makes your podcast recognisable and professional. It includes visual elements like:

Logo: Simple and clear. Use colours and imagery that reflect your niche.
Fonts and colours: Consistent across your social media, website, and promotional materials.
Cover art: Eye-catching and meets platform requirements (e.g., 3000x3000 pixels, legible at small sizes).

Beyond visuals, branding is also about your podcast’s tone, style, and the experience you create for your listeners. Is your tone formal or casual? Do you use humor or stick to facts? Every interaction with your audience—from episode descriptions to social media posts—should align with your brand.

Create a brand guide to document your colors, fonts, and style choices. Use free tools like Canva to create logos and keep your visuals cohesive.

6. Invest in Quality Equipment

When starting, it’s tempting to think you need high-end gear to produce a professional podcast. The reality is you don’t have to break the bank. Affordable equipment options can still deliver excellent sound quality. Here are the basics:

Microphone: A USB microphone like the Audio-Technica ATR2100x or Samson Q2U offers professional-grade audio at an affordable price.
Headphones: Invest in over-ear headphones to monitor your sound during recording and editing.
Pop filter: Minimises plosive sounds (like "p" and "b") for clearer audio.
Recording software: Free tools like Audacity or GarageBand are perfect for beginners.

Sound quality is crucial. Even if your content is excellent, poor audio can turn listeners away. Record in a quiet, echo-free space, and consider using soft furnishings (like rugs and curtains) to reduce background noise.

For a detailed guide on podcast equipment, check out Everything You Need For A Great Set Up.

7. Put Together A Content Plan

A content plan is your podcast roadmap. It outlines what topics you’ll cover, how you’ll present them, and when episodes will be released. This ensures consistency, helps you stay organized, and avoids last-minute scrambling for ideas.

Key elements of a content plan include:

Episode topics: Write down ideas for 10-20 episodes to start.
Episode outlines: Include key points, guest questions, or segments.
Release schedule: Decide how often you’ll publish (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly).
Themes or series: Group related episodes into mini-series for deeper exploration.

Working at least 4-5 episodes in advance is recommended, especially to avoid podfade—a common phenomenon where new podcasters lose momentum and stop producing content. By pre-recording and scheduling episodes, you’ll always have something ready to release, even during busy periods. You can take it one step further and make sure to create a podcast content strategy to go along with your content plan.

8. Be Consistent and Publish Everywhere

Consistency is the backbone of a successful podcast, especially when starting without an audience. Publishing on the same day and time every week builds trust with your listeners and creates anticipation. So, if your podcast drops every Thursday at 11 AM, don’t miss that schedule. Inconsistency can lead to listener drop-off and hinder growth.

Additionally, consistency isn’t just about timing; it’s also about delivering reliable content quality. Whether you’re doing interviews, storytelling, or educational episodes, ensure every release meets a high standard.

Since you’re starting with no audience, you must also publish your podcast across all major directories. Many podcast hosting providers (like Podcast.co) offer automatic publishing to these platforms, saving you time and ensuring your podcast reaches as many potential listeners as possible.

You can create the best podcast in the world, but without listeners, it won’t gain traction or grow. That’s where social media comes in—it’s a powerful tool to market your podcast, build an audience, and engage with potential listeners. Without promotion, even high-quality content can go unnoticed.

Social media lets you connect directly with your target audience, share updates, and promote episodes. However, it’s important to avoid spreading yourself too thin. Instead of trying to dominate every platform, focus on mastering one or two where your audience is most active. Building a presence takes time, so invest your efforts strategically.

Social media isn’t just about posting content. It’s about engaging in conversations, responding to comments, and fostering a community around your podcast. Use your platforms to share highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and teasers for upcoming episodes.

☝️Extra Tip: Create a Facebook Group for your podcast. This will give your audience a dedicated space to engage with you and each other. Use the group to share exclusive content, get feedback, and build a community. Over time, a strong, engaged group can become one of your most loyal listener bases.

While social media gets the most attention in podcast marketing, it’s not the only tool in your arsenal. A comprehensive marketing strategy goes beyond platforms like Instagram and Facebook to include different approaches to expand your reach, like:

Website: Create a dedicated website for your podcast. Include an “About” page, links to all episodes, a blog with related content, and a contact form. A website helps with discoverability via SEO and establishes credibility.
Blog Posts: Blogs can drive traffic to your website and attract new listeners who find your content through search engines.
Email Marketing: Build an email list from the start. Send newsletters with updates, episode highlights, and exclusive content. Email campaigns can nurture loyal listeners over time.
Press Releases: Share news about your podcast launch or milestones with relevant media outlets and bloggers in your niche.
Networking Events: Attend industry meetups, conferences, or virtual webinars to spread the word about your podcast.

These tools complement your social media efforts, making your marketing strategy well-rounded and effective.

12. Invite High-Profile Guests to your Show

High-profile guests can elevate your podcast, but attracting them when you’re new requires strategy. Flattery works—research their work, reference specific achievements, and explain why they’re a great fit for your show. Highlight the value of the conversation rather than promising an audience you don’t yet have.

Remember, not all guests will share your episode with their followers. While it’s a possibility, it’s not guaranteed. Focus on creating an engaging interview experience and building rapport for potential future collaborations. Start with approachable guests in your niche and build credibility over time.

Looking for great guests or want to get booked on more shows? You're in the right place! Use MatchMaker.fm to connect with thousands of podcasters and guests, all in one place.

For more tips on booking guests, read: Tips For Booking Guests Interviews.

12. Be a Guest On Other Shows

Appearing as a guest on other podcasts is an excellent way to introduce your voice and expertise to a new audience. The key is to focus on shows that align with your niche or share a similar audience. This will ensure that their listeners will likely be interested in your content.

When pitching to a podcast, be strategic. Don’t send a generic email. Instead, explain why you’d be a valuable addition to their show. Show how your expertise or story complements their existing content and audience needs. Remember, they’re not doing you a favor—you’re offering something valuable in return.

☝️Extra Tip: Prepare a "guest media kit" with your bio, topic ideas, and links to previous interviews (if applicable). This will help hosts better understand why you’re the right fit.

Want to increase your chances of getting booked? Check out The Podcast Guest Academy for expert tips on crafting the perfect pitch and standing out to hosts.

13. Collaborate with Other Podcasters

Collaboration isn’t just about inviting other podcasters onto your show—it’s about building a network and creating a sense of community. By connecting with others in the industry, you can exchange tips, share experiences, and cross-promote each other’s work. A strong network can lead to future opportunities like guest spots, partnerships, or referrals to potential listeners.

Engage with podcasters in your niche by joining online forums, engaging on social media, or participating in podcasting communities. Collaboration strengthens your presence and helps you tap into shared audiences.

14. Attend Podcasting Events

Podcasting events, whether in person or virtual, are valuable opportunities to learn, network, and grow. These events allow you to meet industry experts, discover new tools, and stay updated on trends. Attending conferences or workshops can also connect you with potential collaborators, sponsors, or mentors.

15. Engage with Your Audience

Building a connection with your listeners fosters loyalty and keeps them coming back. Interaction is key—reply to comments on social media, encourage feedback, and involve your audience in the podcast. For example, you could ask for topic suggestions, run polls, or feature listener questions in episodes.

Creating opportunities for your audience to participate makes them feel like a part of your podcast. This engagement strengthens relationships and encourages listeners to share your show with others, helping it grow organically.

15. Monitor Analytics

Tracking your podcast’s performance helps you understand what’s working and where to improve. Use analytics tools from your hosting platform to monitor metrics like downloads, listener retention, and geographic data. Identify which episodes perform best and analyze trends to shape future content.

Pay attention to listener drop-off points to refine your format and pacing. Don’t get discouraged by low numbers initially—focus on steady growth and using data to make informed decisions.

17. Be Patient and Persistent

Last but certainly not least, remember that growing a podcast takes time. Without an existing audience, it’s normal to experience slow growth early on. Focus on producing high-quality content consistently and trust the process. Podcasting success often comes from persistence and a commitment to improvement.

Celebrate small wins, like gaining your first loyal listeners or hitting a download milestone. Building an audience is a marathon, not a sprint—stay consistent, keep learning, and your efforts will pay off over time.

Final Thoughts: How to Start A Podcast With No Audience

Building a podcast audience from scratch takes time, strategy, and persistence. Following these tips and staying consistent will set you up for long-term success. Podcasting is as much about the journey as the destination, so focus on creating meaningful content and fostering genuine connections with your listeners. Growth will follow.