How Travel Advisors Can Launch a Podcast: Personal Guide & Step-by-Step Instructions

What is a Podcast?

A podcast is a series of spoken-word audio episodes that listeners can stream or download on demand. Podcasts can be audio-only or include video, giving you flexibility in how you present your content. They’re accessible on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, making it easy for audiences to tune in from anywhere.

Why Should Travel Advisors Start a Podcast?

  • Increase Discoverability: Podcasts help you reach new audiences who are searching for travel inspiration and advice.
  • Build Authority: Hosting a podcast positions you as an expert, building trust with potential clients.
  • Showcase Your Personality: Audio and video formats let you connect on a deeper, more personal level.
  • Lead Generation: Listeners who resonate with your content may reach out for your travel services, turning fans into clients.
  • Networking: Inviting guests (suppliers, clients, or fellow advisors) expands your network and audience.

Personal Experience & Encouragement

Having launched several podcasts over the last five years, I can say firsthand that podcasting is incredibly rewarding. It’s hard to start, but once you decide to go for it, it becomes much easier. My motto: get going, get smart, get good. The most important step is simply to begin—the learning and growth will follow.

Types of Podcasts

  • Audio-Only: Recorded and published as audio files. Easiest to produce and edit.
  • Audio + Video: Recorded with video, published on platforms like YouTube. Offers more engagement but requires more setup.

Planning Your Podcast

  1. Define Your Niche: Focus your podcast on a specific travel segment or audience (e.g., luxury travel, family adventures, cruise tips).
  2. Outline Your Season: Plan a full season (e.g., 6–12 episodes) with topics, guest ideas, and key takeaways for each episode.
  3. Record All Episodes Before Launch: Complete the entire season before publishing. This ensures consistency, reduces stress, and helps you evaluate if you have enough content for a full podcast.

Publishing Strategy

  • Release the Whole Season at Once: Publishing all episodes together allows listeners to binge, which can boost your discoverability on podcast platforms. Platforms often promote shows with multiple episodes available for immediate listening.
  • Promote Your Podcast: Announce the launch via email, social media, and your website. Encourage listeners to subscribe, rate, and share.

Getting Started: Step-by-Step

  1. Choose your podcast name and branding.
  2. Decide on your format (audio-only or audio + video).
  3. Invest in a good microphone and basic recording software.
  4. Plan and script each episode.
  5. Record and edit your episodes.
  6. Create podcast artwork and show notes.
  7. Upload your season to a podcast hosting platform (e.g., Anchor, Libsyn, Podbean).
  8. Publish your full season and start promoting!

Tips for Success

  • Keep episodes focused and valuable for your target audience.
  • Invite interesting guests to expand your reach.
  • Include a call-to-action in every episode (e.g., visit your website, follow on social media, book a consultation).
  • Monitor listener feedback and adapt your content to audience interests.

My Personal Platform Recommendations: Libsyn, Riverside, and Podbean

From my own experience, these are the three podcast platforms I’ve found most useful—each with a summary, unique strengths, and a direct link to get started:

Libsyn

Libsyn is one of the podcast industry’s longest-established hosting and distribution platforms, trusted for its reliability and robust analytics. It’s excellent for those focused on distribution, detailed stats, monetization, and scalability.

  • Standout Features:
    • Flexible publishing and scheduling
    • Extensive analytics
    • Monetization via ads or paid subscriptions
    • Advanced control over distribution
  • Best For: Podcasters who want complete control and robust insights, or who plan to grow their shows long-term.
  • Guide & Signup: https://libsyn.com/how-to-start-a-podcast/

Riverside

Riverside is an all-in-one studio for high-quality audio and video recording, remote interviews, and easy editing, including AI-powered enhancements. It’s ideal for those who want a user-friendly, browser-based platform, professional results, and the ability to record with remote guests.

  • Standout Features:
    • Local recording of guests up to 4K video and 48kHz audio
    • In-browser studio, easy scheduling, and reusable “studio” links
    • AI editing and audio/video enhancements
    • One-click publishing to Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
  • Best For: Advisors recording interviews or roundtables, or anyone needing studio-quality video and audio with seamless remote production.
  • Guide & Signup: https://riverside.com/blog/how-to-publish-a-podcast

Podbean

Podbean is a versatile, affordable, and beginner-friendly hosting platform with integrated recording, editing, and distribution tools. It offers a mobile app for creating episodes on the go, and built-in AI to optimize audio quality.

  • Standout Features:
    • Mobile app for recording, editing, and publishing
    • Livestreaming and group recording up to 7 speakers
    • Automatic submission to top directories (Apple, Spotify, etc.)
    • Monetization via ads or listener support
  • Best For: Podcasters who want to manage everything in one place, with particular appeal to those using mobile devices or seeking livestream capability.
  • Guide & Signup: https://www.podbean.com/how-to-start-a-podcast

Each platform is powerful in its own way, so your choice depends on whether you prioritize robust analytics and distribution (Libsyn), high-end remote recording and editing (Riverside), or all-in-one beginner-friendliness on any device (Podbean).

By planning ahead and publishing a full season at once, you maximize your chances of being discovered and turning listeners into loyal clients.

Related Articles