If you're launching a podcast—or even thinking about launching a podcast—consider these 10 benefits you can enjoy before you release your first episode.

In a nutshell, being a podcaster allows you to use the power of your unique voice to expand your influence and make a positive difference in people's lives.

It's not often talked about, but you don't have to wait until your podcast launches to start enjoying some of these benefits.

When I launched Dramatic Travels, I had no social media presence whatsoever. My website got virtually zero traffic, and I didn't spend a dime on advertising.

Despite starting completely from scratch, I discovered a variety of ways to leverage my podcast prior to launching.

If you're launching a podcast—or even thinking about launching a podcast—consider these 10 benefits you can enjoy before you release your first episode.

01. media access

Podcasters are members of the media—pure and simple. Even if your show hasn’t launched yet, a modest amount of social proof may be all that’s required for event coordinators to grant you media access at their event.

My launch was two months away when I applied for a media credential for the San Francisco/Bay Area Travel and Adventure Show. 

Not only was my request granted, but I also received a second media credential for my videographer (a.k.a. my 17 year-old nephew, Anthony, who worked pro bono.)

I got to interview dozens of people at the event, including two of the world’s most recognizable TV travel hosts—Rick Steves and Samantha Brown.

Each video in the playlist below was filmed at the Travel & Adventure Show—three weeks before Dramatic Travels launched. Note the old logo on my t-shirt (collector's item!)

02. connect with influencers

Eric Stoen and John DiScala have three things in common: 

1. Both are on Forbes’ list of top 10 travel influencers of 2017.
2. Both are better known by clever aliases (Travel Babbo and Johnny Jet, respectively).
3. I interviewed both of them for my podcast well before it launched.

Two of the most influential travelers in the world agreed to be interviewed even though neither of them knew me from a hole in the wall.

What was my secret to securing interviews with these two highly influential gentlemen before my podcast was real?

I asked them.

BONUS: After their episodes aired, Eric and Johnny both put links to DramaticTravels.com on their websites, which provided much-needed SEO juice for my new website.

03. media coverage

Your upcoming podcast launch is exciting news, but it's not going to land on the front page of the New York Times. 

However, there are likely to be dozens of websites and media outlets in your niche that may be willing to give your show a little love—particularly if you can offer them value in exchange.

Example: I interviewed the editor of SacramentoKids.net, a blog for parents in my hometown of—you guessed it—Sacramento. Without my even asking, she wrote a blog post about my upcoming podcast and published it on my launch day!

04. be a guest

Whatever niche you’re in, there are likely several podcasts that you can add value to as a guest before your show launches.

Reach out to podcast hosts in your niche and clearly demonstrate the value you can deliver his or her audience.

Show up prepared for your interview, and deliver the goods. This will earn the respect of the host and likely earn you some new fans.

And… There’s no such thing as too much podcasting experience. The extra time behind the mic will serve you well.

05. leverage a podcasting community

There are hundreds of online communities for podcasters of all abilities and experience levels. The moment you decide to launch a podcast, don’t hesitate to start engaging with these communities.

Develop relationships with your fellow podcasters. Give and get feedback. Rate and review their shows on iTunes. Share your wins and losses.

And always remember that no matter where you are on you are in your journey, there is someone who is a step behind you. Help them.

One podcasting community in particular played a critical role in helping me get started, and I'm confident they can do the same for you.

Learn more by clicking this affiliate link.

06. build trust with your audience

The journey of launching a podcast is filled with good, bad, and ugly moments.

Giving your audience a behind-the-scenes peek into your world is a proven strategy in developing the trust you’ll need to someday convert your podcast listeners into customers.

Share the ups and downs of your journey in an honest and genuine way. Hold nothing back. Your true fans will love you for it.

07. grow your email list

Growing your email list is one of the most challenging and important tasks when you’re getting started, so… get started! Generate excitement about your upcoming launch on social media and drive traffic to your website or landing page.

Start growing your list by preparing a short piece of actionable content as a lead magnet for your target audience. The sky is the limit when it comes to lead magnets. Cheat sheets, checklists, and quick-start guides are tried-and-true examples.

If you don’t have a lead magnet yet, you can start collecting email addresses with the promise to notify the individual when your podcast goes live. I have to be honest though, I’ve never subscribed to anyone’s email list for this reason.

08. document your journey

It may not feel like it, but you will gain expertise quickly as you work to launch your podcast.

Sure, you’ll get advice from others along the way, but you’re going to put your unique spin on any outside knowledge you receive. Document your process, and someday you can be the one giving advice (and getting paid!)

09. be the most interesting person in the room (depending on the room)

When friends and family hear you’re launching a podcast, it inspires a lot of fun conversation.

You might find it surprising how many people are still mystified by the concept of podcasting. In their eyes, you’ll be on the bleeding edge of humanity.

Of course, some people will think you’re a big dork, but that’s part of the fun.

10. you are a podcaster!

It doesn’t matter how far off your launch date is, once you record your first episode, you ARE a podcaster! And no one can ever take that away from you. =)​

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