How do I start a podcast? No doubt, the rate at which podcasts are growing is very impeccable. The Apple podcast is reported to have over 2.5 million podcasts with over 80 million episodes available. This gives you an idea of how people are thriving in this part of the industry.
Firstly, starting a podcast might seem very intimidating and scary at first. You might have doubts and so many questions running around in your mind.
However, the simple process of starting a podcast is what it is: simple. For the questions that are in your mind, this article helps you with insightful answers that are interesting.
Moreover, having those questions answered and giving you more information, will reassure you of your doubts. This means that you can go full steam ahead with the plans of opening a podcast with nothing stopping you.
Also, this is a detailed guide with useful materials that will give you a structure you can try and work with. Even as a new beginner who wants to start a podcast, there are some things you must work out first before you launch one.
Why Should I Start A Podcast?
A podcast is one of the most excellent ways that you can reach a target audience. People, there are varying reasons they choose to do so. Some do this to affirm themselves as an authority; others start one because they want to promote a product or a service. Besides, some of the best reasons you might want to start a podcast are:
- It has low setup costs
- You can use this to also make money
- This can be used to promote your product or service
- You can use this to brand or position yourself as an authority
- And lastly, you can use this to build an audience online
Podcasting helps you to achieve certain goals, build an audience that you can speak to without even showing your face, and many more. Besides, the process of setting up a podcast is far less expensive than most businesses.
How To Start A Podcast
If you want to learn the ways how you can start a podcast, this is a detailed guide below on how you can do so. Here are the things you need to do:
Develop A Concept For Your Podcast
The first process that you need to consider when starting out is choosing the right concept. This should be a concept that easily connects with your target audience. So, for this part, this means that firstly, you should think about your goals. Like, do you want to generate leads, earn money, become a leader, etc?
Next, you have to pick a niche for the theme you want. Selecting a niche generates a higher value for the listeners, and reduces competition.
Select A Podcast Format
Now, this section allows you to come up with rules for your own podcast. Do you want to bring guests on your show, do you want to co-host your show or do you plan to do it solo? Pick your own style.
Next, select the style of the podcast you want. That is scripted non-fiction, scripted fiction, news recap, video or informational podcast. In addition, you have to also select the length you want for every episode. Some podcasts are about 30 minutes long or 2—40 minutes long. It’s all up to you.
Select Your Podcasting Equipment And Software
These are another basis of the podcast that you need to focus on. Starting out, you don’t really need expensive equipment to make a podcast in the beginning. You will need some equipment for podcasting such as:
- A good microphone such as a Condenser mic, USB, or XLR connection
- Mic accessories such as shock mount, pop filter, etc.
- Podcast software like Zencastr, Audacity, Garageband, etc.
The software is the platform that gets most of the work done for the podcast series you want to air out.
Plan Your First Podcast Episode
This section, involves you planning your content for the first podcast episode. Planning the content you want to put out gives you confidence and will reduce any unnecessary voice rambling. However, you don’t necessarily have to plan it out as a script. You don’t need a script to work out this on podcasts. You just need to have outlines that give you a clue about what you want to talk about. Some important things to add to your outline will include:
- A hook (the straight to the pint objective of the episode and to attract your listeners)
- An introduction for the guest, if you are bringing any on your episode
- Key points ( Interview questions for your guests or points you want to get across)
- Call to Action
Record Your First Episode
This is the part where you begin recording your podcast based on your outline. Ensure that you record in a room that is clear, but not empty. You simply have to
- Set up your recording equipment, connecting your microphone to your computer
- Position your mic about 3 inches away from your mouth or so.
- Set up the recording system
- Does trial run like checking the audio and the quality?
- Now, you can successfully record your first podcast.
Ensure You Have An Intro And Outro For Your Podcast
This means creating an interesting intro and outro for your episodes. It is often times a voiceover with music that will introduce you and your podcast. It is also about first, engaging impressions.
Edit Your Podcast
Now that you have followed your outline guide in recording your first podcast, you can now proceed to edit it. There is editing software that will allow you to remove all unnecessary parts in the recorded audio. You can also add background music, but it should not be too loud.
Upload Your Podcast To A Podcast Host
Once you have edited the podcast, you can now start sharing with a podcast host that puts your content out there. Note, you cannot upload podcasts directly to Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Some podcast hosts include Libsyn, Alitu, Blubrry, etc. You can simply subscribe to their subscription plan to keep your podcast alive on their servers.
Some other things that you can do are to get listed in podcast directories, create a podcast website, and create buzz for your podcast. Creating a website for your podcast is quite an impressive way to also upload your show notes. This also allows people to stream your podcast directly from the site.
Lastly, creating buzz for your podcast means allowing the audience to anticipate the launch of your show. This means you have your launch day weeks away, but you will create excitement among your target audience to anticipate it. You can run ads or market on social media platforms easily.
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