Starting a new project can be scary, and podcasting is no different. If you are anything like I was, I was terrified of starting my podcast. I was afraid that my message would not resonate with my audience. I was fearful that my sound quality wouldn't be good enough, which would turn off listeners. I found so many reasons I couldn't start my podcast, and I want to share 7 tips that helped me overcome my fear.

1. It Doesn't Need to be Perfect

When I was starting out, I wanted my podcast to sound like a professionally edited one. I wanted transitions that faded in and out and sound effects to 'wow' my audience. The only problem was that I couldn't afford any of this. This made me procrastinate for a long time. I questioned who'd want to listen to a poorly produced podcast, and I talked myself out of just getting it done (more about this later). It was the beginning of the craziness in 2020, and I had just been furloughed from my job, and oh yeah -- I was pregnant, so I had to be wise about my finances. I bought an affordable microphone and recorded using the free version of Zencastr.

2. You Don't Need Expensive Equipment.

Some of the most popular podcasters in the world use the most expensive equipment to give them the best sound quality, and that's great. But you're not at that level yet. Start off small. Some folks, like myself, invested in a Blue Yeti, which is roughly $150, while others just used their smartphones. As long as the message is clear, you'll have listeners gravitating to your content every time you release an episode. Just so you know, expensive doesn't always mean better.

3. Your Episodes Don't Need to be Hours Long.

Doing research about what your audience wants to hear is one of the most important things to do BEFORE you launch your podcast. Some listeners want something short and sweet. Others may enjoy a 30 - 45 minute show to get what they need, while others could care less about the length. This may require trial and error initially, or you can do what I did and send out a survey to people you believe are in your target audience. They will tell you what they want. Remember, the longer the episode doesn't guarantee success, and the shorter the episode doesn't mean failure.

4. You Don't Have to Have Guests.

Having guests on your show is a great thing. It allows you to share the expertise of someone else with your audience. It's interactive and can be a great way to get new listeners on board. However, it's not mandatory. When you're starting out, your listeners want to hear from you. They want to know who you are, what you do, why you started the podcast. It's like going on a date with someone you've liked for a while and bringing a friend to entertain them. That's a turnoff. Don't beat yourself up if you don't have or can't find guests in the beginning. There are many Facebook groups and other resources dedicated to helping you find the perfect guest. Besides, as you grow, people will start reaching out to you for a spot on your show. Give it time.

5. You Don't Have to Have a Co-host.

This was also a big thing that held me back from starting my podcast. I thought that a podcast couldn't be interesting if I didn't have a co-host. At the time, all the podcasts I listened to had co-hosts, and they were interactive and exciting. I wanted that. Here's the truth. Depending on what your podcast is about, you may not need a co-host. There are so many other ways to get your audience engaged. Inviting guests to share their perspectives is an excellent method. Remember, a successful podcast is what you make it. It doesn't have to look like or have a similar format to podcasts that are out now.

6. You Don't Have to Know it All.

When I was contemplating starting my first podcast, I procrastinated for months. I felt that I didn't know enough or that I wasn't an expert in my field. Let me tell you right now, imposter syndrome is real, and you cannot allow it to take over your life. It's natural to become somewhat anxious about the unknown, but if you've done your research and preparation, the best advice I could give is to just do it. Do it scared! That's the only way you'll figure out your strengths and your areas of opportunity.

7. You Won't Have Sponsorship Opportunities Right Away

Everyone wants to monetize their podcast, which is not bad at all, but in the beginning, that's not what your focus should be. Focus on finding your niche and building an audience that wants to come back for more every week. Also, companies and brands want to partner with someone who has made a name for themselves in their field. They want to see your numbers. How many downloads are you getting per episode? Where are the majority of your listeners located? They want to see if their brand would be a good fit for your audience. Getting those analytics could take months, or even a year or two. So don't beat yourself up in the beginning. Focus on growing and getting your podcast in the ears of the people who want to hear it.

It doesn't need to be perfect. You don't need expensive equipment, an hour-long show with guests, or a co-host who knows everything about the topic you want to discuss. In fact, this is one of the most appealing things about starting your own podcast - it can be as simple and casual as you like! If you're feeling overwhelmed by all these requirements for success in podcasts, I've got some good news. Podcasting is still new enough that there are no rules yet on doing it right (there may never be). So if you have something worthwhile to say and a few minutes spare each day for recording, then start today! What's holding you back?

7 Things They Didn't Tell You About Starting A Podcast