How to Start a Podcast for Creatives When You're Already Spread Too Thin

How to Start a Podcast When You're Already Spread Too Thin (Alternatives to Instagram Marketing)

We’ve all been there. You have a fantastic discovery call, you send over a custom proposal, and then... crickets. You've been ghosted. A few weeks later, you see they hired someone else — usually someone who just seemed to have a bit more visible "authority" in your industry.

It is a frustrating feeling, especially when you know you can deliver an incredible client experience. But as a busy solopreneur (perhaps one balancing a growing business while raising a family) the idea of getting on the short-form video treadmill to build that authority sounds exhausting. You don't have the hours to learn trending dances or churn out three reels a day just to satisfy an algorithm.

You need an alternative to Instagram marketing. You need a way to build deep trust, showcase your expertise, and find clients sustainably.

Enter podcasting.

To help us break down exactly how to use long-form audio to grow your business, we sat down with Elisa, the founder and CEO of ZealCast Studio. Her agency specializes in podcast management specifically for female creatives.

Want to hear the whole conversation? Grab your AirPods, pour a fun drink, and listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube!

Here are the most actionable takeaways from our chat with Elisa on how to launch a podcast that supports your life and business, rather than consuming it.

Why Podcasting is the Ultimate "Slow Growth" Marketing Lever

When we talk about sustainable business growth, we always anchor back to our core levers, the first being Finding Clients. Podcasting is a powerhouse for lead generation because it naturally builds your authority.

When someone chooses to listen to your show, you are building the "know, like, and trust" factor in a 60-minute window. They are willingly sitting there, giving you their undivided attention. This is vastly different from someone scrolling past a 30-second reel and instantly forgetting what they just watched. Long-form content allows you to get into the nitty-gritty of your expertise.

And yes, it absolutely translates to sales. Elisa shared an incredible case study about one of her clients who dropped a single, value-packed episode that resulted in five inquiries. These were five-figure sales inquiries. During a recent course launch, that same client saw 20% of her conversions come directly from her podcast audience.

Actionable Tip: If you want to know if your podcast is actually finding you clients, use a specific podcast-related promo code. This makes tracking your return on investment incredibly simple, giving you peace of mind that your efforts are paying off.

The "Scrappy" Setup (No Fancy Studio Required)

One of the biggest roadblocks creative entrepreneurs face when starting a podcast is the pressure to have a perfect, aesthetic studio. Let's take a collective deep breath: done is better than perfect. Right now, video podcasting is being pushed everywhere, which can feel incredibly intimidating. But Elisa offered a massive sigh of relief for busy moms and creatives: her "hot take" is that you do not need video right away. Managing a YouTube channel requires a lot of extra energy, and it is a beast of a platform on its own. If going audio-only is what gets your podcast out into the world, start there. You can always add video iteratively in the future.

To get your podcast up and running this weekend, here is the scrappy, free setup Elisa recommends:

  • Record: Just use your phone and the built-in voice memos app.
  • Edit: Drop that audio file into a free platform called Audacity to easily clean up "ums," dead spaces, or trip-ups.
  • Host: Publish your final audio to Spotify for Creators, which is a completely free hosting platform.

You literally do not need anything else to get started.

The First 100 Days Plan (Setting Up for Consistency)

Consistency is key in marketing, but it has to be a consistency you can actually maintain without burning out. In the podcasting world, the "algorithm" is simply your audience expecting you to show up when you say you will.

If you are mapping out your first 100 days of podcasting, here is your framework for success:

  • Batch Your Content: This is Elisa's number one piece of advice. Batching is a boundary that protects your peace and keeps you from scrambling to record an episode every Thursday night.
  • Hit the 14-Episode Milestone: Aim to release episodes bi-weekly at a minimum. One hundred days breaks down to about 14 weeks, so hitting 10 to 14 consistently posted episodes is a massive milestone.
  • Nail the First 5 Minutes: About 20% to 30% of listeners will drop off within the first five minutes of an episode. Prioritize a strong beginning to hook them.
  • Audit Your Audio: While you don't need a fancy microphone, prioritize clear audio quality. Nothing makes someone jump off a podcast faster than spotty, scratchy, or static-filled background noise.

Working Smarter: Growing Your Show

Because podcasts operate on a following feed rather than a viral algorithm, you have to be intentional about getting your show in front of new people. While clipping audio for Instagram or TikTok is great, you should also be leaning into search engines.

Google SEO is a huge driver for podcast discovery. Work smarter, not harder, by turning your audio into written content. Take the full transcript of your episode, write a summarized blog post, and publish it on your website. From there, create Pinterest links that drive traffic back to that blog post (see this interview with Coley to learn more about podcast strategy). This creates a long-term, passive traffic engine that brings ideal clients to your website while you are off playing with your kids or reading a good book.

Additionally, never be afraid to ask for ratings and reviews. It feels redundant, but it only takes a listener 30 seconds to hit five stars and leave a short comment. Because there is no central algorithm, those reviews are exactly how new people determine if your show is worth their time.

Staying True to Your Brand (Monetization)

As your podcast grows, you might start thinking about monetization. While landing sponsorships is a great goal, it is a long game. Brands will want to see consistency, loyal listenership, and active audience engagement.

When you are ready to pitch sponsors, protect your brand's premium feel. Only pitch products that you genuinely use and that offer real value to your listeners. If you are a web designer or photographer, you probably don't need to be reading ads for a greens powder just for a quick paycheck.

Elisa also warned against using "easy button" ad networks that automatically insert random commercials into your episodes. While it might bring in a few dollars, it can make you feel like you have lost control of your show and do nothing to build your own brand awareness. Keep your listener's experience top of mind.

Build Your Sustainable Business With Us

Starting a podcast is a beautiful way to share your voice, build authority, and find your ideal clients. But remember, it is a long-term strategy designed to support your life, not take it over.

If you want to connect with Elisa and learn more about her podcast management services, you can find her at zealcaststudios.com or on Instagram at @zealcaststudios.

If you are looking for a community of people who "get it", a place with other creative entrepreneurs building sustainable businesses where you can ask for help, map out your marketing strategies, and learn together, we would love to invite you inside The Breakroom. It is our safe, supportive membership designed to help you grow your income while freeing up your time.