Don't Start a Podcast If...

Everyone's telling you to start a podcast.

"It's the future of branding and marketing!"
"Oh, well, everyone has one now! You should too."
"Just hit record and see what happens!"

But here's what they're not telling you: most podcasts fail within 7 episodes if they even get to episode 7.

This isn’t because people can't talk into a mic or set up their podcast correctly. It is mostly because they want to start a podcast for all the wrong reasons.

What's inside today:

• 7 red flags that scream "don't start yet"

• The real job your podcast needs to do

• How to know if you're actually ready

This Week's Finds

• Podcast discovery platforms like Podchaser and Rephonic are game changers; make sure your show is listed and optimized on these platforms. They’re now top destinations for listeners seeking new shows similar to ones they already enjoy. Include detailed show descriptions, compelling imagery, and actively engage on these apps for maximum visibility.

• Themed mini-series and “first episode clubs” are on the rise, according to Buzzsprout. Craft several episodes around a hot topic, and feature a handpicked set of “gateway” episodes for new listeners. This sharpens SEO and gives newcomers a clear entry point.

• Podcast ad revenue is set to reach $4.46B globally in 2025, vastly outpacing radio and showing no sign of slowing. CPMs for host-read ads can reach $40 thanks to high trust and engagement with loyal audiences.

• Tools like Auphonic are now removing non-speech noises with AI, while video podcasting debates are intensifying, balancing listener needs on audio vs. the push for multi-platform video presence.

• Apple Podcasts made changes to artwork requirements, now calling their featured graphic the “Showcase Hero.”

Quick Win This Week

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Reply to this email with the words "GUEST ACCELERATOR" for details.

Don't Start a Podcast If...

I've seen too many passionate, gifted people launch podcasts that die within months. Not because they lack talent or ideas, but because they misunderstood the job a podcast is supposed to do.

Using the popular Jobs to be Done framework, your podcast isn't just content. It's a tool your audience "hires" to help them make progress in their life or business.

But if you're starting a podcast for any of these 7 reasons, you're setting yourself up to join the nearly 95% who quit before episode 7 even launches.

1. You Just Want to "Share Your Thoughts"

Your thoughts aren't enough.

People don't hire podcasts to hear random opinions. They hire them to solve problems, learn skills, or be entertained.

If your show concept is "I'll just talk about stuff I find interesting," you're building a diary, not a strategic asset.

The FIX: Ask yourself what specific problem your podcast solves for listeners. What progress do they make after listening to what you have to say?

2. You Think It's Easy Money

I see this constantly: "I'll start a podcast, get sponsors, and make passive income!"

Here's reality: The average podcast needs 3000 to 5000+ downloads per episode to attract decent sponsors. (And these numbers are on the very low end.) Most never hit 150 downloads per episode.

If quick monetization is your main goal, you're going to quit the moment you realize building an audience takes months, not weeks.

And as an aside, anything passive requires major work that most never ever speak of.

The FIX: Treat your podcast as a relationship-building tool first, revenue stream second.

3. You Can't Commit to Consistency

Podcasting success compounds over time. But compound effects require showing up repeatedly.

If you're already struggling to post on social media consistently or deliver projects to your clients on time, adding a podcast to your plate will overwhelm you fast.

Your audience needs to trust that you'll be there when you say you will. Ghost them twice, and they'll find someone more reliable.

The FIX: Start with a realistic schedule you can maintain for at least 6-12 months. Biweekly is better than weekly if weekly simply isn't sustainable.

4. You Don't Have a Clear Message

"My podcast is for entrepreneurs" isn't clear enough.

Which entrepreneurs? New ones? Scaling ones? Female ones? Tech ones?

And in which industry? Finance? Tech? Construction? Education?

"I help people with productivity" is too vague.

If your elevator pitch for your show takes more than 15 seconds or confuses people, you're not ready.

The FIX: Complete this sentence: "My podcast helps [specific person] achieve [specific outcome] by [your specific unique approach]."

5. You're Copying Someone Else's Format

I get it. You love Joe Rogan's long-form interviews or Amy Porterfield's teaching style.

But copying their format without understanding why it works for their audience and for their goals is a recipe for mediocrity and ultimately failure.

Your podcast needs to reflect your strengths, serve your audience, and support your business goals.

The FIX: Design a format that plays to your natural communication style and serves your specific audience's needs.

6. You Don't Have a Backend System

Your podcast isn't a business by itself. It's a marketing tool for your business.

If someone loves your show and wants to work with you, what happens next? Do you have a website? An email list? A way for them to reach you? A clear offer? A way to stay connected?

Too many podcasters focus just on creating the show and forget the systems that turn listeners into leads and customers.

The FIX: Build your funnel first. Know exactly where you want to guide people after they finish an episode.

7. You're Starting Because "Everyone Says You Should"

This is the biggest one.

If you're starting a podcast because it's trendy, because everyone around you says you have a great voice and should start one, because your coach told you to, or because you feel like you "should," you're starting for the wrong person.

The most successful podcasts come from people who genuinely believe their message needs to be heard and are willing to show up consistently to share it.

The FIX: Ask yourself: Would you record episodes even if only 10 people listened? If the answer is no, wait until you have a stronger why.

Podcasting can absolutely transform your business and personal brand.

But only if you start with clarity, commit to consistency, and build systems that turn listeners into relationships and revenue.

If any of those 7 points hit home, don't start yet. Take time to get clear on your message, build your backend, and understand the real job your podcast needs to do.

Your future self (and your audience) will thank you.

If you need help getting clear on your message, building out your funnel, and defining what you want your podcast to do for you and for others, my calendar is open over the next couple of weeks to help you do just that. Book your 1:1 30-minute session today.

Talk soon,

—Danni White (connect with me on LinkedIn)