How to Start a Podcast for Your Business: A Complete Guide to Branded Podcast Production

published:
October 1, 2025

If you’ve ever wondered “Does my business need a podcast?”—the growing evidence says yes. Absolutely!

Podcasting is no longer just a hobbyist’s playground. It’s a powerful tool for modern brands looking to build trust, deepen relationships, and stand out in crowded markets. According to a 2024 report from SoundsProfitable, 43% of listeners are inclined to tune into a branded podcast, and of those who are very likely to do so, 59% have consumed a podcast in the past week.

Translation: the people most willing to hear from your brand are already listening.

And they want your show. 

This guide walks you through exactly how to start a branded podcast—from ideation to launch and beyond. Whether you’re exploring this in-house or hiring a branded podcast agency, you’ll learn what it takes to do it well and why it’s worth it.

What Is a Branded Podcast?

Let’s start with a clear definition of what we are talking about.

A branded podcast is a podcast created and funded by a business to deliver valuable content that aligns with its mission, audience, and voice. Unlike traditional advertising or sponsorship, the company owns the show—but the content isn’t a commercial. It’s thoughtful, strategic storytelling that builds trust while entertaining or informing.

You’re not selling. You’re showing up as a voice of insight, credibility, or curiosity in your space.

Why Branded Podcasts Work for Business

Listeners Are Leaning In

Branded podcasts are sticky. They hold attention in a way few marketing mediums can match. People might skip a banner ad or scroll past your Instagram post—but they won’t easily skip a podcast they chose to subscribe to.

Listeners tune in:

  • 83% to hear discussions on topics they care about
  • 82% to explore new hobbies
  • 80% to have audio companionship during their day

That’s not passive attention. That’s relationship-building.

Your Brand Becomes a Trusted Voice

Done right, your podcast positions your brand as a go-to authority. You can:

  • Interview industry experts
  • Share behind-the-scenes looks at your company
  • Tell meaningful customer stories
  • Teach valuable lessons from your niche

This kind of long-form content builds thought leadership and deepens connection—without the pressure of a hard sell.

You’re Reaching the Right Audience

Who’s listening to branded podcasts? According to The Power of Branded Podcasts study:

  • 37% of brand fans are aged 18–34, 41% are 35–54
  • They’re ethnically diverse, with strong Hispanic and Black listener representation
  • Almost 3/4ths of brand fans reconmend podcasts they listen to in their social circles

If your target audience overlaps with these demographics, branded podcasting isn’t just useful—it’s a golden opportunity.

The 3 Keys to a Successful Branded Podcast

According to the Signal Hill 2025 Benchmark Report, the branded shows that grow—and actually improve brand perception—share three core traits. Jot these down:

1. They focus on a topic interesting to the audience

It’s not about your product. It’s about what your listener already cares about. Start there.

2. They make that topic relevant

Great branded podcasts connect the dots. They don’t just inform,; they apply insights to real-world situations your audience actually faces.

3. They keep it entertaining

Whether that means humor, emotional storytelling, or simply not being boring—your podcast should be a joy to listen to.

Sound simple? It’s not. But if you start with curiosity and respect for your listener’s time, you’re already ahead.

Step-by-Step: How to Start a Branded Podcast for Your Business

Let’s break down the branded podcast production process into clear, doable stages:

Step 1: Define Your Goals

Ask yourself:

  • What do we want this podcast to accomplish?
  • Are we building awareness, driving engagement, nurturing leads?
  • Who is our ideal listener?
  • What action do we hope they’ll take after listening?

This clarity will shape everything else—from content and tone to format and promotion.

Step 2: Choose the Right Topic

Start with your audience’s interests, not your service offering. Then find the overlap with your brand expertise.

Examples:

  • A wellness company might launch a podcast on burnout recovery and mental resilience.
  • A B2B software brand could create a show interviewing leaders on operational challenges and wins.
  • A design agency might explore creativity, branding trends, or storytelling techniques.

Not sure what your audience wants? Ask them. Poll your followers. Interview a few clients. See what lights them up.

Step 3: Develop Your Podcast Format

There are several formats to choose from:

  • Interview: You or your host talk with experts, customers, or influencers
  • Solo commentary: A single voice sharing stories, tips, or lessons
  • Narrative/documentary: Scripted storytelling with voiceovers and scenes
  • Panel/conversational: Casual discussions between multiple voices

Pick a format that fits your goals and the strengths of your team.

Then decide on:

  • Episode length (typically 20–45 minutes)
  • Release schedule (weekly, biweekly, seasonal?)
  • Video or audio only?

Step 4: Build a Team (or Hire One)

You don’t have to do it all yourself. Depending on your budget and in-house skills, you can:

  • Hire a branded podcast agency to handle strategy, production, and promotion
  • Bring on freelance editors, writers, or voice talent
  • Produce in-house with a small content team and outsource post-production

Either way, make sure you have the right support in place for:

  • Planning and scripting
  • Recording and editing
  • Marketing and distribution

Step 5: Invest in Solid Gear

You don’t need a full studio, but clean, professional sound is non-negotiable.

At a minimum:

  • USB or XLR microphone ($100–$300)
  • Over-ear headphones to monitor sound
  • Webcam or camera (for video episodes)
  • Recording software like Riverside.fm or SquadCast
  • Editing software like Audacity, GarageBand, or Adobe Audition

You can also work with a studio or remote producer to ensure quality from day one.

Step 6: Record and Edit Your First Episodes

Always plan your first 3–5 episodes before launch. That way, you build momentum and don’t scramble after week one.

Keep in mind:

  • Write a loose outline or script—but don’t read word for word.
  • Keep energy high. This is a conversation, not a lecture.
  • Edit for clarity, flow, and pace. Remove “ums” and dead air, but don’t over-polish.

If you’re handling this in-house, editing is the most time-consuming part of branded podcast production. Many brands outsource here for efficiency and quality.

Step 7: Publish and Promote

Once your episodes are ready:

  • Upload to a hosting platform (Buzzsprout, Podbean, or Transistor). We reconmend Buzzsprout and right now you get $20 off if you sign up at this link.
  • Submit to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, and Amazon
  • Optimize your titles and descriptions with relevant keywords

Then promote across every channel you own:

  • Social media clips
  • Blog posts summarizing each episode
  • Email newsletters
  • LinkedIn articles
  • YouTube versions

Pro tip: Brand fans discover podcasts in all kinds of places—66% on YouTube, 44% on Facebook, 37% on Instagram, and 35% through search. Don’t rely on just one platform.

Step 8: Stay Consistent and Evolve

Podcasting is a long game. Commit to at least one full season (8–12 episodes) before evaluating performance.

Watch for:

  • Downloads and listen-through rates
  • Feedback from listeners
  • Social shares and engagement
  • Website or lead conversions tied to your show

Refine your format, guests, or content based on what resonates.

So... Does Your Business Need a Podcast?

Not every business needs a podcast. But if you’re a values-driven brand with something meaningful to say—there’s never been a better time to start one.

  • If you want to build trust, long-form audio lets you tell real stories.
  • If you want to grow your authority, hosting a show puts you in the driver’s seat.
  • If you want loyal fans, podcasting is where they’re already hanging out.

And unlike ads or short social content, podcasts give you uninterrupted attention.

That’s rare. That’s powerful. And it’s why so many brands are getting in now—before their competitors do.

Need Help Creating a Branded Podcast?

At Theophany Media, we specialize in creating branded podcasts that don’t just sound great—they actually connect.

From strategy and scripting to editing, promotion, and launch support, we help businesses turn their ideas into shows people actually want to listen to.

🎙️ Book a free discovery call today to explore what’s possible for your brand.

You’ve got a voice. A mission. A message.

Let’s make sure people hear it.

Blog Categories
Jake Doberenz
Through my company, Theophany Media, I’ve launched and managed multiple shows from the ground up. I’ve hosted, edited, produced, marketed, and booked guests. I've sold a show and now run a Top 25% in the world podcast!