150 Avoid Common Podcasting Mistakes: Learn to Build Your Unique Voice

[00:00:00] This is Episode 150 and if you are a brand new podcaster, you like to listen to certain types of content, whether it's on YouTube or audio, however you do it.

[00:00:14] And because you have your favorites, you will tend to create your content similar to the way they create their content.

[00:00:23] And I'm going to tell you why that's not a good idea.

[00:00:32] Sound Matters. Be Heard.

[00:00:35] Welcome to the podcast where you get exclusive behind-the-scenes tips to make your own show sound truly spectacular.

[00:00:41] This is...

[00:00:44] Podtastic Audio.

[00:00:47] Hey, what's happening? How are you doing today? Thank you so much for being here.

[00:00:53] I am Chris and I started podcasting back in the summer of 2019, not knowing nothing about nothing.

[00:01:01] We came to podcasting. I thought podcasting was just like regular radio and therefore I created my show kind of based around the radio shows I listened to.

[00:01:12] I just assumed that's how you did it.

[00:01:14] But podcasting really is quite different than standard terrestrial radio.

[00:01:20] So to do a podcast that really mimics regular radio isn't really the right way to do things.

[00:01:27] And I learned that out the hard way.

[00:01:29] So the best thing to do is to learn from your mistakes, but the smarter thing to do is to learn from somebody else's mistakes.

[00:01:38] Let me make those mistakes for you so you don't have to.

[00:01:43] So the other day I was kind of thinking like why am I drawn to the audio format?

[00:01:49] Like why do I love audio podcasting more than I love like video chat, zoom chat style of like a YouTube video show.

[00:01:59] I guess quotation marks, let's call it a podcast, but really it's just a YouTube video conversation.

[00:02:05] It's a recorded Zoom call basically on YouTube.

[00:02:09] You can podcast however you want.

[00:02:11] You can call it a podcast if you really want to.

[00:02:13] Technically it's not, but hey, you be you, you do you.

[00:02:18] Myself personally, I have listened to more radio and more radio shows and more podcast audio shows than anything else than any other form of content.

[00:02:30] I've always been on the road driving for work or driving to get to work or traveling and things of that sort.

[00:02:38] So I've never had your typical quote unquote like desk job.

[00:02:43] I've never had an office job where I sat at a computer.

[00:02:46] And if you do sit at a computer chances are you're not just watching YouTube all day long.

[00:02:51] Are you?

[00:02:52] Maybe you are.

[00:02:53] I don't know, but I'm saying is that my whole entire experience with this content creation at all for the most part has been in an audio format.

[00:03:04] And because it's been in an audio format, that was a style of content that I created because that is what I was used to.

[00:03:15] You will tend to see this trend happen across many different podcasts.

[00:03:20] If the person doing the podcast comes from the corporate space and they're used to go into these conventions with the whole convention jargon,

[00:03:32] the presenter jargon that happens on a stage at a typical conference meeting, then their podcast will sound pretty much like that because it's what they're used to.

[00:03:45] Basically what I'm saying is we are all products of our environment.

[00:03:49] Whatever environment we are in day and day out is more than likely going to be the style of the podcast or even if it's a YouTube channel,

[00:03:58] the style of the thing that you physically create.

[00:04:01] If you grew up in a house that only listened to country music and you lived out in the middle of nowhere America and all you listen to was country, your parents listen to country,

[00:04:12] your friends listen to country, you all had pickup trucks, you all went camping and shooting guns on the weekends or whatever you guys do.

[00:04:20] There's a good chance that you will probably also like country music.

[00:04:25] Here's another scenario.

[00:04:27] Let's just say as a kid, you like collecting and reading comic book books.

[00:04:33] You collected all the comic books, you traded with comic books, you saw the comic book cartoons when they came out earlier.

[00:04:40] So when Marvel Studios came around, they decided to make these Marvel movies.

[00:04:45] Guess what?

[00:04:46] There's probably a good chance you went and saw them and there's also a pretty good chance you love them.

[00:04:53] You know now that my kids are a little older, they both have iPhones next sort of thing.

[00:04:58] So they watch a ton of YouTube or maybe TikTok, but mostly YouTube type stuff.

[00:05:03] When I was their age, YouTube wasn't even a thing, but when it did come out, I was all about.

[00:05:09] Let me tell you, I had my own YouTube channel.

[00:05:12] I was making goofy videos because back in the early days of YouTube, that's all it really was was like quick short goofy videos.

[00:05:20] And because that's what my kids like to watch, guess what?

[00:05:25] When they decided to create something, create some kind of content.

[00:05:30] It was a video content on YouTube, whether it's YouTube shorts or longer video.

[00:05:36] But yeah, YouTube was the thing they created because that is the world they are used to.

[00:05:43] It's the thing they enjoy to consume and because they consume that thing, they know that thing.

[00:05:49] So they're very comfortable creating that thing.

[00:05:52] But as content creators, whether it's a YouTube channel or an audio podcast like this one,

[00:05:59] it is very difficult to try to make something that's completely unique, something completely original,

[00:06:07] something that is truly ours.

[00:06:09] It does not sound like or mimic somebody else's because you obviously got to do this thing

[00:06:16] because of somebody else and something you saw them doing.

[00:06:19] Like, hey, I see them doing that.

[00:06:22] I see them making a podcast or a YouTube channel or a TikTok or whatever it is.

[00:06:28] You see somebody else's content and you're like, hey, I wonder if I can make something like that for myself.

[00:06:35] And since you're so new in the game, you don't really know anything.

[00:06:39] You basically see what they're doing.

[00:06:41] You see the equipment that they have and you pretty much say, well,

[00:06:45] I just kind of get the same kind of stuff and I kind of do the same thing that they're doing.

[00:06:51] Then maybe I will be just as successful as they are.

[00:06:55] But if you do that, that can definitely lead to some pitfalls in your podcasting journey.

[00:07:02] Here are the top three mistakes that podcasters make when they try to copy somebody else.

[00:07:11] So mistake number one is obviously you have a lack of authenticity.

[00:07:18] One of the biggest mistakes is trying to be someone you're not.

[00:07:23] Listeners can often tell whether a podcaster is being disingenuous or not true to themselves.

[00:07:32] Instead of copying someone else's style or personality,

[00:07:36] you should probably focus on discovering your own unique voice and perspective.

[00:07:42] Be genuine, share your own experiences and let your personality shine through.

[00:07:49] There's one thing that'll make your show truly unique about you and that is you.

[00:07:56] You have a background in something, you have a story that's different than my story.

[00:08:02] It's different than anybody else's story.

[00:08:05] Stories and unique stories and unique experiences is what's going to set your podcast apart.

[00:08:13] Okay, moving on to the second mistake that podcasters make if they try to copy somebody else.

[00:08:19] And that is, well, you're ignoring audience preferences.

[00:08:25] You see, every single audience is different.

[00:08:28] So what works for one content creator may just not work for you or somebody else.

[00:08:35] It's important to understand your target audience and what they respond to.

[00:08:42] Rather than blindly copying another podcasters format or content,

[00:08:47] take the time to engage with your audience.

[00:08:51] Yeah, this is a good time to actually ask for some feedback.

[00:08:56] And once you have that feedback, you can tailor your content to meet their interests and what they want to listen to.

[00:09:05] Don't forget who the podcast is truly for.

[00:09:08] It's for your audience.

[00:09:10] Hey, if you have to what you could do is you might involve experimenting with different formats,

[00:09:17] maybe some different topics or styles until you find what resonates best with you and your audience.

[00:09:26] And the third mistake that podcasters make when they try to copy another show they admire is that,

[00:09:34] well, they're neglecting quality and originality.

[00:09:40] While it's natural to draw inspiration from other creators,

[00:09:45] simply copying their content can lead to a lack of originality and quality.

[00:09:51] Instead of replicating someone else's ideas,

[00:09:55] focus on creating unique and valuable content that sets your show apart from everybody else.

[00:10:03] Put your own spin on topics, bring in your expertise and perspective,

[00:10:10] and strive to offer something new and fresh to your audience.

[00:10:14] If they've heard it once, they've heard a million times,

[00:10:17] but you can do things a little different than everybody else is doing.

[00:10:22] Practice, practice, practice.

[00:10:24] Maybe you should invest more time in honing in on your craft.

[00:10:29] Improving your production quality, maybe you get a better microphone,

[00:10:33] maybe you get some better software,

[00:10:35] maybe you actually stop using that Blue Yeti microphone four feet away from you

[00:10:41] because you don't want it in the camera shot.

[00:10:43] And then maybe, just maybe, you can deliver content that's both engaging and completely original.

[00:10:51] So those are the three common mistakes that podcasters make

[00:10:56] when they try to literally copy another show that they like or admire.

[00:11:01] And I get it, I totally understand.

[00:11:03] I did the exact same thing.

[00:11:05] There were some radio shows that I liked to listen to.

[00:11:08] There were some podcasters, like big name podcasters that I listened to many, many years ago.

[00:11:15] They're still doing shows today.

[00:11:17] They're celebrity type shows.

[00:11:19] You've probably heard of them or heard them.

[00:11:22] But like I said, as a content consumer, we pretty much just kind of jump into this whole content creation space

[00:11:31] based on the things we've already seen and watched previously.

[00:11:36] So we kind of take those tips and ideas and strategies.

[00:11:40] We take how they do them.

[00:11:43] And we kind of put it into our own show.

[00:11:45] Whatever show it could be, whether it's a YouTube channel or an audio podcast, doesn't matter.

[00:11:50] Basically saying is that we like somebody.

[00:11:53] We kind of mimic the way they do things and it kind of comes out into our own production.

[00:11:59] And you can kind of tell when you hear somebody show, that sounds exactly like somebody else's show, like a bigger show.

[00:12:06] Or you see the style that they do things or even on YouTube, you see this a lot on YouTube a lot.

[00:12:12] Hey, remember unboxing videos?

[00:12:14] Is that even still a thing?

[00:12:16] Unboxing videos.

[00:12:17] There were so many unboxing videos with the new iPhone came out.

[00:12:20] Everybody unbox that and show all the parts and stuff, whatever computer they get, the unbox it, show all the cool cables and stuff.

[00:12:26] There really isn't much to really see when I unbox my MacBook Pro.

[00:12:30] It's the computer in the cord.

[00:12:31] That's it.

[00:12:32] I mean, what else is there?

[00:12:33] I mean, the box looks cool.

[00:12:34] I get it.

[00:12:35] But I remember those big unboxing videos were like all the rage.

[00:12:39] And I think that everybody started copying everybody else when they did those same things because once you've seen one,

[00:12:46] you've seen them all because when I buy an iPhone 15, unless it's a different color than your iPhone 15,

[00:12:52] chances are the parts in the box are going to be the same.

[00:12:55] So if I make a video exactly like your video, I'm copying you and so on and so forth.

[00:13:01] That person, I mean, who's to say that person didn't copy the video from somebody else and it just goes on and on and on.

[00:13:07] And you've probably seen it in podcasting too.

[00:13:10] I mean, I know there's a ton of podcasts about podcasting like this one just like there is a ton of movie review podcasts about movies,

[00:13:20] Marvel shows, comic books, whatever you name it.

[00:13:24] There has got to be multiple shows covering the exact same thing.

[00:13:29] So what makes their shows unique and different from all the other shows out there?

[00:13:36] Now, let's just say that maybe just maybe your show tends to possibly maybe mimic or copy another content creator's craft or show.

[00:13:47] Well, what do you do?

[00:13:49] You know, how do you fix that?

[00:13:51] How do you be original?

[00:13:52] Here are three tips that you can put in practice right now to avoid the mistake of like physically copying somebody else.

[00:14:02] So tip number one is basically a simple one and that is study, don't copy.

[00:14:10] What do you mean?

[00:14:11] Chris, I'm studying them.

[00:14:13] I don't want to copy them but you're studying them.

[00:14:15] Yeah, just study them, but don't copy them.

[00:14:19] Instead of directly copying another content creator, study their work to understand what makes it successful.

[00:14:30] And I know that sometimes you'll see a big major celebrity with a massive show with a massive following and you'll wonder why is their show so successful?

[00:14:41] They come on and talk about X, Y and Z.

[00:14:44] I come on to talk about the exact same things.

[00:14:47] But did it occur to you that that celebrity is also a celebrity and being a celebrity for many, many years before they even started their podcast?

[00:14:59] You started your podcast last week.

[00:15:02] Well, you're pretty much not on par with them.

[00:15:06] They can talk about whatever they want because they built up to that point.

[00:15:11] Not saying you can't.

[00:15:13] I'm just saying they're on third base.

[00:15:16] You're still trying out for the team, but you can still study them.

[00:15:21] Identify the elements such as their story telling techniques, presentation style or engagement strategies that resonate with you and your audience.

[00:15:33] Use the good parts that work best for you.

[00:15:37] Then adapt and integrate these elements into your own unique approach.

[00:15:43] You see the goal here is basically to not mimic, but learn from their success and apply it to those lessons in a way that aligns with your own voice and your own content goals.

[00:15:59] Because your show is completely different.

[00:16:02] Whether you believe it or not, it is completely different than somebody else's show who is doing the exact same content.

[00:16:10] Okay, moving on to tip number two.

[00:16:13] And this is one that we tell you a time and time again.

[00:16:17] That is you need to know your audience intimately.

[00:16:23] And I'm not saying like you have to know them naked or anything like that.

[00:16:27] What I'm saying is that you need to know exactly who your audience is.

[00:16:33] Like you create a show for who, who is the person listening to your show?

[00:16:39] What is their name?

[00:16:41] What do they like to do?

[00:16:42] You need to know them inside and out.

[00:16:45] Take the time to deeply understand your target audiences, preferences, interests and pain points.

[00:16:54] Engage with them through maybe surveys.

[00:16:57] That's a good way.

[00:16:58] Social media interactions like I love to interact with you on social media.

[00:17:03] If you find me on social media, hit me up and I will always respond to anything you say on social media.

[00:17:09] Alongs is not too negative.

[00:17:11] Like, hey, I can't take the hate, all right?

[00:17:13] But positive stuff, send your positive love my way.

[00:17:16] I definitely will write you back and share it and all that great stuff.

[00:17:20] But what this does is that it actually gathers insights into what they value in your podcast.

[00:17:27] The best way to know what your listeners want to know about your podcast is to ask them

[00:17:32] and for them to give you feedback on your own show.

[00:17:36] You can use this information to tailor your content to meet their needs while staying true to your own voice and personality.

[00:17:46] By catering to your audience's specific preferences, you'll create content that resonates more deeply

[00:17:55] and fosters a stronger connection with your listeners.

[00:18:00] And let me tell you, when you have that deep, strong personal connection with your audience,

[00:18:07] it is stronger than watching something on an Instagram reel or watching something on a YouTube short.

[00:18:15] The audience engagement and the connection with that content is very, very minimal.

[00:18:21] But there's something about an audio podcast that really connects deeply with the audience.

[00:18:27] And the third and final tip that you can put in practice right now to make sure your show doesn't sound like anybody else.

[00:18:36] You're not copying anybody else is that is because it's your show, you have to embrace your uniqueness.

[00:18:44] Whatever is about you is about you.

[00:18:48] That's where great storytelling, personal storytelling really comes into play.

[00:18:53] Because the stories that I share about my journey, about my life, the things that I have gone through are going to be completely different

[00:19:01] about you or anybody else or any other show about podcasting.

[00:19:06] Our stories are all unique and completely different.

[00:19:10] You need to recognize and embrace what sets you apart from other content creators.

[00:19:17] Your unique perspective, experiences and personality are your greatest assets.

[00:19:24] Instead of trying to fit into somebody else's mold, celebrate your own individuality

[00:19:32] and use it to differentiate yourself in the crowded podcasting landscape.

[00:19:38] Like I said earlier, there's so many different shows out there.

[00:19:41] But what's going to make your show truly unique and truly special is you.

[00:19:47] You are the common denominator on every single podcast.

[00:19:52] Well, how do you do that?

[00:19:54] Well, obviously sharing personal stories.

[00:19:57] And you also can dive into extremely niche topics that you're passionate about.

[00:20:05] Or maybe if you're kind of funny, not saying you are, not saying you're not,

[00:20:08] but maybe you can inject some humor and authenticity into your content.

[00:20:14] By being true to yourself, you'll naturally stand out and attract an audience that appreciates you,

[00:20:22] your authenticity and your originality.

[00:20:26] You know, by following these tips, you can avoid the pitfalls of blindly like copying somebody else,

[00:20:33] copying another content creator, instead of creating a podcast that reflects on your own unique voice.

[00:20:40] And those are the things that are going to attract the audience,

[00:20:44] not the massive everybody in the world audience, not the big wide open net,

[00:20:50] I'm going to catch everybody audience, your own unique audience.

[00:20:55] There is going to be an audience for you that is attracted to the things you're talking about.

[00:21:00] It can't merely be content for content's sake.

[00:21:04] It's got to be more than that.

[00:21:06] And how do you do that?

[00:21:07] By injecting your own personality and your own storytelling.

[00:21:11] The things that you have said and the things that you have gone through are different than anybody else.

[00:21:17] And that's one thing I thought about the other day when it came to like video podcasting versus audio podcasting.

[00:21:24] I think because now there are so many like video shows and video elements,

[00:21:30] whether it's on short form video or long form video, video,

[00:21:34] even video recording, like doing say a zoom chat or even a stream yard recording or squad cast,

[00:21:41] something of that sort.

[00:21:42] When you do the interview and you're physically watching the other person and they're watching you and you're talking.

[00:21:49] I think I noticed this quite a bit is that as content creators,

[00:21:53] because of the whole video stuff, we are lacking the ability to tell really good stories and good storytelling.

[00:22:02] Because if you think about it, most of us all live in a visual world.

[00:22:08] All social media is visual.

[00:22:10] YouTube obviously is visual.

[00:22:12] There's lots of visual stuff out there.

[00:22:14] So you just say, Hey, look at this thing or hey, check that thing out.

[00:22:17] Oh, that looks pretty cool.

[00:22:18] Hey, this car looks like this.

[00:22:20] Here's this car.

[00:22:21] Here's this house.

[00:22:22] Here's this thing.

[00:22:23] Here's this thing.

[00:22:24] And you do not have to describe anything because it's on the screen in front of your audience.

[00:22:30] I think this causes people to lack the ability to tell good stories because they don't have to.

[00:22:39] But if you are one of those YouTube first content creators before you do the podcast,

[00:22:44] but you still have a podcast, just remember people do listen to the show without physically seeing anything.

[00:22:51] So just be mindful of the audience that actually listens to your show rather than watching it when you create your stuff.

[00:23:00] And speaking of listening, thank you for listening all the way to the very end of this episode.

[00:23:07] I do truly appreciate you spending your time with me today.

[00:23:11] I create these shows directly for you so that you can create an amazing podcast of your very own.

[00:23:20] And if you got any value today at all, maybe you learned something new.

[00:23:25] Maybe you took these tips and tricks and you put them in practice into your show

[00:23:30] and now you have something that's truly original to you.

[00:23:34] Not a copy of somebody else, but it's truly yours.

[00:23:38] If you got some value from that today, if you could do me just a small favor,

[00:23:43] head on over to Apple Podcasts, maybe Spotify or wherever you can leave reviews

[00:23:48] and leave me an honest rating and review of this podcast.

[00:23:53] I would really appreciate it.

[00:23:55] It tells me you love me doing these things so I can keep making them for you.

[00:24:00] And until next time, happy podcasting.