Let’s talk show format and structure! These may not send like the sexiest topics, but trust us, having a consistent format and structure is so important for your pod. It tells your audience what they can look forward to each time they tune in. Everyone likes to know what to expect! 

We suggest trying out a few formats and structures until you find what feels most authentic to you and your show.

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Here are some show format options to consider:

• Interview Style: The host interviews experts, thought leaders, notable figures, or simply anyone with a compelling story.
• Solo: A solo host speaks directly to the audience. This style is often done by comedians.
• Narrative/Journalistic: The host tells a long-form story that unfolds over many episodes.
• News: The host informs the audience on current events and gives fresh insights into the news.
• You can combine any of these structures or create your own — pave the way! 

If you’re not sure how to decide, ask your target audience what they want to see by doing market research. You can create an Instagram Story and ask your followers via a poll. Or, if you already have an email newsletter or blog, you can do a survey via Survey Monkey or Survey Gizmo. 

It’s not only super important to decide on a format — structuring your show is also a huge part of building a successful podcast. You can definitely play within the structure, but make sure you have a general outline to help you stay on track.

Here’s an example of our show structure to give you an idea: 

• Welcome
• What this is (what the show is about, an introduction to who you are — this can be brief if you have a longstanding show) 
• What you’re talking about this week on the podcast
• Show content 
• Closing
• Show summary and call to action to subscribe, share, etc.

As your podcast evolves, your structure may too. With an established audience, you’ll need less time to explain who you are and what your show is about. You may also get looser and more conversational over time. Still, it’s important to stick to a general outline and hit all your key points. When this is consistent and on point, your show will flow naturally and your audience will be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy your content!

If you want to get even more into the nitty gritty of making a successful podcast, there’s so much more to learn with our full PodcastPro Program!