Podcasting Genres & Finding Your Podcast’s Niche

So, you’ve poured your heart and soul into creating a podcast, but there’s just one little problem… you’re not quite sure what genre it fits into.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many podcasters, especially those just starting out, grapple with the elusive question of “What is my podcast’s genre?”

But here’s the thing: defining your genre is crucial for your podcast’s success. It’s like having a clear signpost directing your ideal listeners right to your doorstep. Without it, you’re essentially broadcasting in the dark, hoping the right people stumble upon your show.

Why Genre Matters:

• Discoverability: Listeners search for podcasts based on their interests. A clear genre helps them find you in the vast podcast universe.
• Audience Building: Knowing your genre allows you to tailor your content, style, and marketing to attract and retain a loyal audience. It’s about building a community who connects with what you create.
• Promotion and Growth: Genre clarity is essential for pitching your podcast to networks, advertisers, and potential collaborators. It also opens doors to monetization opportunities down the line.
• Confidence & Direction: Knowing your genre gives you confidence. It provides a framework for your content and helps you make decisions about your show’s direction.

But fear not, intrepid podcaster! Let’s embark on a journey of self-discovery and uncover your podcast’s true genre.

Finding Your Podcast’s Niche

The first step in finding your podcasting niche is to look inward. What sparks your curiosity? What gets you excited and passionate? What topics could you talk about for hours on end? Maybe you love to go fishing, you’re obsessed with Call of Duty, or you can’t stop sewing clothing for your family — all of these are great niches to get into!

To help you uncover your passions and interests, we’ve put together a list of questions and prompts to get you thinking. Take some time to reflect on these, and see what resonates with you. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers – this is about discovering what makes you tick!

Passions & Interests:

• What are your hobbies? Do you love cooking, gardening, playing video games, or collecting vintage stamps?
• What topics do you find yourself researching or reading about in your free time? Are you fascinated by space exploration, true crime, or personal finance?
• What causes or issues are you passionate about? Do you advocate for environmental protection, animal rights, or social justice?
• What skills or expertise do you have? Are you a skilled musician, a tech whiz, or a DIY enthusiast?
• What makes you laugh? What kind of humor do you enjoy – observational, dark, satirical, or something else?

Life Experiences & Stories:

• Have you had any unique or interesting life experiences? Travel adventures, career changes, overcoming challenges – these can all make for compelling podcast content.
• Do you have any funny or heartwarming stories from your childhood or family life?
• What lessons have you learned from your mistakes or failures? Sharing your experiences can help others and create a sense of connection.
• What are your dreams and aspirations for the future? Discussing your goals and ambitions can inspire and motivate listeners.

Conversations & Connections:

• Who are the people you admire or find interesting? Would you love to interview them or discuss their work on your podcast?
• What topics are you obsessed with discussing with friends and family? These conversations could be the foundation for engaging podcast episodes.
• What questions or problems do people often come to you for advice on? Sharing your insights and expertise can be valuable to your audience.

Digging Deeper Into a Niche

1. Reflect on Your Content

• Core Themes and Topics:
  • Make a list of your top 5 most popular episodes. What do they have in common?
  • Imagine you’re explaining your podcast to a friend in one sentence. What would you say?
  • Do you find yourself consistently drawn to specific niches within broader topics? (e.g., within ‘history‘, do you focus on ancient civilizations or modern conflicts?)
• Format and Style:
  • Do you prefer solo chats, lively interviews, or something else?
  • Is your tone serious, lighthearted, or a mix?
  • Do you incorporate storytelling, humor, or in-depth analysis?

2. Analyze Your Audience

• Who’s Listening:
  • Take a look at your current audience demographics and interests. Who is already tuning in to your show?
  • Pay close attention to feedback and comments. What aspects of your podcast resonate most with your listeners?
  • What questions do they ask? What topics spark the most engagement?
• Ideal Audience:
  • Think about your dream listeners. Who are they? What are their interests, demographics, and preferences?
  • What problems do they have that your podcast could solve? What value can you offer them?

3. Explore the Podcast Landscape

• Genre Inspiration:
  • Dive into the diverse array of podcast genres out there. You might find inspiration in genres you hadn’t even considered.
  • Listen to podcasts in similar genres to yours. What do you like about them? What could you do differently?
  • Don’t be afraid to get specific! Niche down if you find a particular sub-genre that excites you.
• Embrace Hybrid Genres (If Applicable):
  • Don’t feel confined to a single genre! Many successful podcasts blend elements of different genres.
  • If your podcast feels like it spans multiple genres, embrace it! Some of the most popular shows have created their unique hybrid genres.

4. Test, Iterate, and Refine

• Genre is Fluid:
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment and refine your genre over time. What works today might not work tomorrow, and that’s okay.
  • Your podcast, like you, can evolve and grow!
• Experiment and Gather Feedback:
  • Try out different approaches and see what resonates best with your audience.
  • Ask your listeners directly what they enjoy most about your show.
• Clarity in Communication:
  • Once you’ve identified your genre (or even a few potential ones!), ensure it’s reflected in your podcast title, description, and promotional materials. This will help attract the right listeners.

Remember, you don’t have to be an “expert” to have a successful podcast. Your unique perspective and passion are valuable. Finding your genre is about discovering the best way to share that with the world.