Top 5 Reasons Why You Should NOT Start a Podcast

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Not Start a Podcast

Podcasting is everywhere. It feels like every entrepreneur, influencer, and even your neighbor down the street has a show. And that’s because there’s a certain allure to it. You might think, If they can do it, so can I.

But here’s the catch: podcasting isn’t the easy, instant-win platform people make it out to be. It takes time, effort, and a rock-solid strategy to make it work. If you’re jumping in without knowing what’s ahead, you might find yourself disappointed or overwhelmed.

Let’s find out why podcasting isn’t always the right move (especially if you’re expecting quick wins).

Posted on November 18, 2024

Podcasting is booming, but is it right for you?

The rise of podcasting is undeniable. As of 2024, there are:

over 4 million podcasts worldwide
more than 500 million people listening every month
by 2027, this number is expected to climb past 650 million listeners (eMarketer)

That’s a lot of ears - and a lot of competition.

It’s no wonder so many people want in. Podcasting offers an intimate way to connect with audiences, build a personal brand, and even monetize your expertise.

But just because podcasting is popular doesn’t mean it’s the right move for everyone. The hype can sometimes overshadow the effort required to create a successful podcast.

Before you get swept up in the excitement, let’s finally break down why podcasting might not be the shortcut to success you’re hoping for.

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Podcasting takes more work than you realize

At first glance, podcasting looks simple. All you need is a mic and a topic, right? Not quite. The reality is that podcasting demands a lot more time and effort than most people expect.

It’s not just about hitting record

Recording your episodes is just the tip of the iceberg.

There’s a mountain of prep work behind every successful podcast. Think about it: you need to research topics, script your content, and, if you’re doing interviews, coordinate schedules with guests.

And then comes the technical side - editing, mixing, and uploading episodes to hosting platforms. Plus, you can’t just sit back after publishing. You’ll need to promote your episodes on social media, create show notes, and maybe even build an email list to keep listeners engaged.

Quality is non-negotiable

Podcasting isn’t forgiving when it comes to subpar quality. Listeners can forgive a bad joke, but they won’t stick around for bad audio. Investing in decent equipment, like microphones, headphones, and editing software, is non-negotiable.

And let’s not forget hosting fees, soundproofing your recording space, and promotional costs. A good podcast isn’t cheap to produce - and a bad one? Well, it can damage your credibility more than help.

Read: How AI Can Boost Your Podcast Quality (& Reach)

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There’s no such thing as overnight profits

Many aspiring podcasters jump in thinking they’ll start earning from ads and sponsors right away. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Podcasting is a relatively long game that requires consistent effort to see any financial returns.

Monetization isn’t automatic

To make money, you need an engaged audience - and building that takes time. Sponsorship deals, ad revenue, and merchandise sales are all tied to how many people are consistently tuning in.

Even then, sponsors typically look for niche audiences with specific interests, not just large numbers.

If you’re starting a podcast solely for the money, you might find yourself frustrated. Podcasting is long-term, not a quick cash grab.

Your first episodes will likely flop

It’s tempting to dream about thousands of downloads on your first episode, but the reality? Your early episodes might only reach a handful of people. And that’s okay.

Most successful podcasters started with small audiences and built their way up. The key is to stay consistent and keep improving, even when the numbers are discouraging.

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Consistency separates hobbyists from successful podcasters

Ask any seasoned podcaster, and they’ll tell you the same thing: consistency is the secret weapon. Without it, you’ll struggle to keep listeners coming back - and that’s assuming they find you in the first place.

But staying consistent is easier said than done, especially when life gets busy or inspiration runs dry.

You can’t ghost your audience

Listeners expect regular episodes. If you disappear for weeks or months without explanation, they’ll move on to other shows. Consistency is very important, whether you’re publishing weekly, biweekly, or even monthly.

Pick a schedule that works for you and stick to it.

Burnout is real

Creating fresh, engaging content isn’t easy. It’s not uncommon for podcasters to feel overwhelmed or drained after a few months of keeping up with the demands. This is why so many shows start strong but fizzle out quickly.

If you’re considering podcasting, think about how you’ll sustain your energy and creativity long-term. Batch recording, taking seasonal breaks, or partnering with a co-host can help lighten the load.

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Following trends isn’t a strategy

It’s easy to feel the pressure to start a podcast when it seems like everyone else is doing it. But trends fade, and without a solid foundation, so will your podcast.

Jumping in just because it’s popular is like throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping it sticks. (Spoiler: it usually doesn’t).

Successful podcasts aren’t copy-paste ideas

Copying what’s already out there won’t get you far.

Established podcasts succeed because they reflect the creator’s authentic voice and passion. A cookie-cutter show with no unique value won’t stand out in a vast ocean of audio content.

Trends won’t sustain your motivation

Following a trend might feel exciting at first, but that energy can fade quickly if you’re not genuinely invested in your podcast’s topic or purpose.

Ask yourself: will you still be excited about this in six months, or are you chasing temporary hype?

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No story? No show.

Every podcast needs a reason to exist. If you don’t have a clear story, topic, or unique perspective, your show might feel aimless - and listeners can sense that.

Starting without a focus is setting sail without a destination. Sure, you’ll drift, but where are you actually going?

A podcast needs a purpose

Your podcast should offer something specific: whether it’s educational insights, entertaining stories, or a mix of both.

If you can’t sum up what your show is about in one sentence, you might need to refine your idea before starting.

The audience needs a reason to care

Listeners tune in because they’re looking for value. That could mean learning something new. Being inspired. Or simply having fun. Without a clear hook or takeaway, it’s hard to keep their attention - and even harder to grow your audience.

Refining your story saves time and frustration

Spending time upfront to craft a strong vision for your podcast will save you from scrambling for ideas later.

Think of it as building a foundation - if it’s solid, everything else becomes easier to manage.

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Final Thoughts

Podcasting is worth it if you’re in it for the long game.

Podcasting can be an amazing tool for building connections, sharing knowledge, and even growing your brand. But it’s not a shortcut, and it’s definitely not for everyone. If you’re willing to put in the time, effort, and consistency it demands, podcasting can be incredibly rewarding.

However, if you’re expecting instant results or diving in without a plan, it might be worth reconsidering. Take a step back, evaluate your goals, and decide if podcasting aligns with your strengths and resources. It’s better to wait and do it right than to jump in unprepared.

Want to know more if podcasting is worth it for your business or personal brand? Book a consultation with Trelexa today for expert and tailored advice.