Thinking about starting a podcast? We say do it–just know it won’t be perfect from the start (and that’s part of the fun).
When we launched Cocktails, Tangent, and Answers, we knew two things: 1. We had a lot to say, and 2. We’d probably figure most of it out as we went. Spoiler: We were right on both counts.
Launching a podcast is exciting, but it’s also messy, unpredictable and oddly humbling. You might spend hours tweaking audio levels only to realize you forgot to hit the record button. Or agonize over episode titles when the real magic happened in an off-the-cuff side tangent.
We’re not here to give you a step-by-step how-to. Instead, we’re sharing five lessons we learned in the process in the hope of saving you some time, stress and maybe a few “what are we even doing?” moments. If you’re a marketer, agency owner or creative thinking about starting a podcast, this is for you.
Lesson 1: Invest in a Good Microphone
This might seem obvious, but we promise: audio quality matters more than you think.
We started with decent gear but upgraded quickly after hearing the difference. A better microphone improves your sound and makes the editing process way smoother. If you’re serious about podcasting (even as a side project), invest in the gear.
The same rule applies across the content marketing board. Whether it’s podcasts, video or social content, starting with solid tools saves you time and helps your brand present itself professionally from day one.
Lesson 2: Recording Should Be Fun, Not a Chore
If it starts to feel like a slog, pause. Your audience can hear the difference between a lively conversation and a forced performance.
We noticed our best episodes were the ones where we were relaxed, sipping cocktails and talking like we would off-mic. No one wants to listen to people reading off a script or pretending to have hot takes. Good content comes from good energy. Let yourself go off-topic. Laugh. Get a little weird. That’s where the magic lives.
Lesson 3: Your First Few Episodes Are for You, Not the Algorithm
Let’s be honest–your first episodes probably won’t go viral. And that’s okay.
Think of them as practice runs. You’re building your muscle memory, finding your voice, figuring out your workflow and learning how to hit “record” before you start talking (true story).
Focusing too much on downloads or analytics right away can be stressful and skew your content. We advise our clients the same way: focus on consistency, tone and messaging. Nail the basics, then iterate. Great content compounds over time. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress.
Lesson 4: Cross-Post on YouTube
Even if you’re not recording full video episodes, get your podcast content on YouTube.
Why? YouTube is a discovery machine, especially for niche or evergreen topics. And bonus: it gives you another platform for searchability and another place to pull clips for social. We’ve repurposed podcast content into reels, audiograms, blog posts and even campaign ideas.
Our content strategy motto: One piece of content, multiple touchpoints. More channels = more visibility without doubling your workload.
Lesson 5: Repurpose Everything (Seriously)
Your podcast isn’t just a podcast. It’s a content goldmine–if you treat it that way.
From one episode of Cocktails, Tangents and Answers, we’ve pulled:
- Audiograms for Instagram and LinkedIn
- Quotes for blog intros and email subject lines
- Full blog posts (like this one)
- Creative themes for future content
Don’t let your episodes just sit there. Repurpose them, repackage them and use them as fuel for your broader marketing strategy. It’s how we ensure our podcast supports our business, not just our listener stats.
Final Thoughts: Hit Record, Stay Weird, Keep Going
Starting a podcast isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, learning as you go and creating something that sounds like you. If you can invest in quality gear, keep the recording process fun and stretch your content across channels, you’re already doing better than most.
Thinking about launching your own podcast or content series? We’d love to help. Schedule a meeting with our team to talk strategy, content planning or just geek out about gear–we’re here for it.
