Looking to start a podcast but feeling daunted by the whole process? It’s not as difficult as you may think. Here’s how to start a podcast in 10 easy steps:
1. Identify Your Podcast Niche and Target Audience
When starting a business, one of the first things experts say is “find your niche”. As Tim Ferriss would say, find 100 true fans and you’re set. The same goes for a podcast.
It’s incredibly important to choose a niche and to find your ideal target audience within that niche. For example, perhaps you want to start a podcast in the self-help arena. You might want to narrow in on relationships, family, friendship, or business instead of making a generalized podcast about all of them.
Then, you’ll want to focus on a target audience. Maybe you’re interested in reaching young mothers with a podcast about breastfeeding. Maybe it’s best to focus on entrepreneurs in your podcast about happiness and success.
The idea here is to focus and stay narrow instead of generalizing and missing the mark when starting your own podcast.
2. Naming Your Podcast (Keep It SEO-Friendly)
It goes without saying the search engines hold a lot of the power in terms of what becomes popular and what doesn’t. You have to “play the game”, so to speak, in order to get noticed. Name your podcast appropriately, but make sure it’s something a person might actually search.
Your podcast title should be in line with the vibe of your content. If it’s a girly relationship podcast, perhaps a funny or punny title makes sense. If it’s a serious podcast about political ideas, perhaps a more straightforward title is best.
3. Choose Your Podcast Frequency and Duration
The next step in how to start a podcast involves deciding on the frequency and duration of your podcast episodes. Consistency is key and no matter what you choose, it’s best to pick parameters that you know you can stick with.
Podcast frequency refers to how often you’ll post a podcast. Whether that’s daily like Joe Rogan or once a week which is probably the most common, it’s totally up to you. Some people might record four podcasts in a day and get a whole month’s worth of content done in a day – we call this batching. Others like to spread them out and devote one morning a week to podcasting.
The point is to find a system that works for you and is maintainable.
Then you’ll need to decide how long each podcast will last. Long-form content is very popular and maybe you’re up for two-hour-long podcasts in order to do a deep dive into subjects you’re passionate about. Or, maybe you like listening to podcasts that are short and sweet. In that case, you might want to keep it down to 30 minutes.
Again, make sure you keep it consistent and set a goal that is maintainable. As you go along, you’ll learn what your audience likes – and surely, what they don’t. It might need some tweaks from there, but having an idea of the frequency and duration you’d like to achieve is a good place to start.
4. Choose Your Podcast Platform
Next, you’ll need to choose a reliable podcast host. A podcast host stores all your MP3’s and creates your podcast feed. It’s similar to a website hosting platform and is a company that allows you to store your media. Being listed in major and smaller podcast directories is also crucial for enhancing reach and listener engagement.
A good podcast hosting service offers features and functionalities such as analytics, monetization tools, and compatibility with various podcast directories, which can significantly enhance your overall podcasting experience.
With new hosting sites popping up all the time, there are many to choose from. According to Podcast Insights, there are five in particular that are worth looking into:
– Podbean
– Castos
As with anything, they’ll all have their pros and cons but based on what’s important to you (like an easy-to-use dashboard or low cost), surely one of these sites will prove to be the best podcast hosting site for you.
5. Purchase Essential Equipment
When starting a podcast, you’ll need to invest in some quality podcast equipment including headphones, a podcast microphone, and professional editing software. Choosing the right podcast microphone is crucial for achieving optimal audio quality. That way you can record podcasts from your home or office without necessarily going to a recording studio, although that is a viable option for some business owners as well.
Noise-canceling headphones that cover your entire ear are best and Blue Yet microphones are popular in the podcasting space. Then, once you’ve recorded everything, editing software like GarageBand or Audacity are relatively easy to use and readily available.
From there, just make sure your recording room doesn’t have an echo. Putting up thick curtains or more traditional soundproofing can help if you’re in an empty-ish room.
6. Plan Your Podcast Content
Now, you might be super excited to get right to it after learning how to start a podcast, but hold your horses! There’s a lot of planning involved and it’s smart to have at least a month’s worth of recordings under your belt before announcing your new endeavor to the world.
Preparing and recording the first episode is crucial. Overcoming perfectionism, choosing the right recording environment, and setting up your equipment properly are essential steps to ensure a successful launch.
That means you should be scheduling guests and generating topics in advance so you have a content calendar to work with. Planning ahead keeps you organized and it keeps your podcast on-brand. You don’t want to go in blind and end up on a tangent about wild monkeys if your podcast is meant to be about real estate.
7. Choose Podcast Recording and Editing Software
Choosing the right podcast recording and editing software is crucial for producing high-quality episodes. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to use. Here are some factors to consider when selecting podcast software:
- Ease of Use: Look for software that is user-friendly and easy to navigate, even for those who are new to podcasting.
- Features: Consider the features you need, such as multi-track recording, editing, and mixing.
- Compatibility: Make sure the software is compatible with your computer or device.
- Cost: Determine your budget and choose software that fits within it.
Some popular podcast recording and editing software options include:
- Audacity: A free, open-source option that is great for beginners.
- GarageBand: Free for Mac users, offering a range of features for recording and editing.
- Adobe Audition: A paid option with professional-grade features.
- Riverside: Offers both free and paid options, ideal for remote recording.
- Hindenburg Field Recorder: A paid option designed specifically for journalists and podcasters.
When choosing podcast software, consider your specific needs and goals. If you’re just starting out, you may want to start with a free option and upgrade later as you become more comfortable with podcasting. Remember, the right podcast software can make a significant difference in the quality of your podcast recording and editing process.
8. Create a Podcast Website or a Podcast Page on Your Existing Website with Podcast Cover Art
Not only is a podcast a great way to offer extra content for your followers, but it’s also an opportunity to ramp up the traffic on your website or blog. Once you’ve figured out how to start a podcast, the next step is creating a website for it. Or, if you always have a website, make sure you include a page devoted to your new podcast content.
Here, you can add show notes which include links to more information on what was mentioned, social handles for the guest you interviewed, include a summary of the conversation, or, if possible, you can post full transcriptions of your podcasts on its website for some added SEO. Additionally, ensure you have a well-crafted podcast description that conveys the essence of your podcast, enhances branding, and strategically uses keywords to appeal to your target audience.
It’s a place to share freebies or discount codes from sponsors and will be a fabulous added resource for your listeners.
TIP: You can transcribe the audio of your podcast using a service called Rev!
9. Submit Your Podcast to iTunes and Apple Podcasts
This part may seem confusing but trust me – it’s super simple. To submit your podcast to Apple Podcasts, all you need to do is follow these easy steps.
- Record the podcast.
- Make sure to complete the podcast details such as title, description, and summary.
- Choose a podcast hosting platform (which are listed in step #4)
- Get your podcast RSS feed URL. This feed is crucial as it distributes your podcast to various directories and platforms.
- Download and create an iTunes account
- Submit your podcast recording to the iTunes Podcasts Connect
- Wait for approval (could take between 24 hours to two weeks)
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10. Submit to Podcast Aggregators
After submitting your podcast to iTunes, you don’t want to stop there. Submit your podcasts to other podcast directories and aggregators like TuneIn, Overcast, Podcast Addict, and any other podcast providers where people might be listening.
Each aggregator has a different submission process and most will require some sort of one-time application. Check out their websites for more information.
11. Promote Your Podcast on Social Media
Finally, once you’re good to go and your brand new podcast is live for the world to listen to, it’s time to promote the best way we know how – using social media, of course!
The best social media platforms to use when promoting your podcast is Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. You’ll want to create media-rich content that shares snippets of audio or fun teasers and soundbites to get people interested. Make sure to include eye-catching podcast artwork to represent your show visually. Effective podcast cover art can attract a larger audience by reflecting the quality of your content and establishing your podcast’s unique identity. Additionally, consider creating a video podcast to connect with your audience in a more engaging way.
Lots of podcasters film video footage of their podcasts as well to create even more content which turns out great for YouTube and gives your listeners yet another way to engage with your brand. Each podcast episode should be carefully edited and produced to maintain high quality and keep your audience coming back for more.
12. Monetizing Your Podcast
Monetizing your podcast can be a great way to earn income and support your show. Here are some popular ways to monetize your podcast:
- Sponsorships: Partner with brands to promote their products or services on your show. This can be a lucrative option if you have a dedicated listener base.
- Advertising: Use ads to generate revenue, either through a third-party network or by selling ad space directly to brands. This is a common method for many podcasters.
- Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services and earn a commission on sales. This works well if you can recommend products that are relevant to your audience.
- Selling Products or Services: Use your podcast to promote and sell your own products or services. This could include merchandise, online courses, or consulting services.
- Membership or Subscription-Based Models: Offer exclusive content or perks to loyal listeners who support your show financially. Platforms like Patreon make this easy to set up.
To monetize your podcast, you’ll need to have a clear understanding of your audience and their interests. You’ll also need to create a solid plan for promoting your show and engaging with your listeners.
Some popular platforms for monetizing your podcast include:
- Spotify for Podcasters: A free platform that offers various monetization options.
- Apple Podcasts: Another free platform with a large audience base.
- Google Podcasts: Free and easy to use, with growing popularity.
- Patreon: A paid platform that allows you to offer exclusive content to subscribers.
- Memberful: A paid option for creating membership programs.
When monetizing your podcast, be sure to follow the guidelines and rules set by each platform. Additionally, be transparent with your listeners about any sponsored content or ads, and always prioritize their experience and engagement. Monetizing your podcast can be a rewarding way to turn your passion into profit while providing value to your audience.
FAQ’s
What do I need to do first to start a podcast?
Start by choosing a specific topic or niche for your podcast. Then, think about who your audience will be and what they want to hear.
How do I choose a name for my podcast?
Pick a name that matches your podcast’s theme and is easy for people to find through search engines.
How often should I release new podcast episodes?
Decide on a schedule you can stick to, whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Consistency is key.
What equipment do I need to start a podcast?
You’ll need a good microphone, noise-canceling headphones, and editing software to record and produce your podcast.
How can I promote my podcast?
Share your podcast on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Use eye-catching visuals and short audio clips to attract listeners.
