If you’re considering launching your podcast, one of the first questions you might have is, “What should my first episode be?” Many first–time podcasters struggle with the first episode, so don’t stress it too much—you’re not alone!
But what should your first podcast episode be about? Your first episode should be about building a connection with your audience and should give them a little insight into what your show is about, why you’re talking about it, and who you are!
If your first episode doesn’t do all those things, don’t panic. In all honesty, this is just a recommended strategy, and while it works, I also want you to know that there is no perfect right or wrong way to start your podcast. It’s important to just get started, and you’ll learn a lot as you go!
Now, if you are curious about how (and what) you should share in your first podcast episode, I’m going to break it down for you:
As always, you can listen to the related episode on Moms Who Podcast here:
5 Things to Include in Your First Podcast Episode
The main goal of your first episode is to build a connection with your audience and a sense of trust. Part of this is sharing who you are and why you’re starting this podcast and talking about your topic. It’s a great opportunity to share your why with your ideal audience and touch on the pain points they might be experiencing.
To share with you a little more about what to include in your first episode, I broke it down into five main parts:
#1. Who You Are
Go beyond your name and occupation. Share your hobbies and tell a little about your family and life outside of work. Give your listeners a peek into your life to really let them know you’re the same as them.
For example, in my first episode, I share that I’m a mom of four girls and a boy, I’m happily married, I love mermaids, and I love reality TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy and 911.
#2. What Your Business
Next, you’re going to share what your business is and what you offer/sell. If you don’t tell them, they won’t know, and if they don’t know, they can’t buy. Share your services and your packages, and keep them simple.
You don’t necessarily need to break down pricing or every single detail of each offer, but you should share what they are.
#3. Why You Started Your Podcast
You don’t have to do this, but it is fun to share! But tell your audience why now was the time to start your podcast and why you want to share the information you’re sharing with them. Do you want to provide value? Do you have a specific pain point or problem you want to solve?
This is also a great opportunity to share any story or reason behind your name and why you chose it or how you came up with it!
#4. What to Expect From Your Show
This is probably the most fun, in my opinion, but you can share what you plan to do with your show! For example, what type of episodes to expect or guests that you’re bringing on. You can even tease your next few episodes to keep them interested.
You should also share your episode schedule, such as how often you publish and what day you release new episodes.
#5. How to Connect With You
While it’s amazing that they’re listening to your show and keeping up with you here (and you should absolutely tell them to follow you), you should share where else you’re active. Tell them about other social media platforms where they can get in touch with you and what your website is.
Obviously, you’ll need to include the links to these profiles in your show notes to make it even easier for them to contact you.
What to Consider When Starting a Podcast
I mentioned this in the beginning, but you don’t have to do any of the things I mentioned above. You can pick and choose or do something completely different – this is YOUR podcast, your platform for sharing!
Just remember that while you’re starting a podcast, you may be promoting to your existing audience, and your listeners may know you from somewhere else; that can change. The beauty of podcasting is that you have the opportunity to expand your audience with every episode.
This means that your listeners may be discovering who you are for the very first time while listening to your show – and a first episode that gives them all the details is exactly what they need!
Now, this is one of three main episodes that I encourage my clients to publish the day their podcast goes live. If you’re curious about the other two or just want some support in launching your podcast, book a free discovery call and see if we’re the perfect fit to get your podcast off the ground!
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