How to start a podcast
Podcasting is a great way to reach your audience, and if you don't have a podcast yet, it's a great time to start the new year with a fresh project!
I always wanted to launch my podcast, so I grabbed a microphone and just got started.
But starting a podcast can be intimidating. It seems like every podcast you listen to is polished, professional, and delivers value.
But don't worry: I'm here to help! In this post, we'll take a look at everything you need to know about starting your own podcast (and how easy it actually is).
Choose a Topic
The very first step in starting your podcast is to determine a topic. You want to choose a topic you are passionate about and that you can talk about for hours without running out of stuff to talk about.
If you love movies, you can start a movie review podcast, or if you are into sports, you can talk about your favorite team and discuss updates and performance.
When it comes to choosing a topic, there is no right or wrong, as long as you are into it, go for it!
Equipment
If you are just getting started with your podcast, don't overthink the equipment. A simple microphone (mine was under $60), a pop filter (around $10), and a computer to edit and upload your show are enough.
Don't buy a $200 microphone if you are unsure if podcasting is a long-term project you want to commit to. Most people can't even tell the difference between a $60 mic and a $200 microphone, as long as your voice sounds clear. Once your podcast gains traction and you enjoy recording episodes, you can think about upgrading your equipment.
Solo podcast vs. Co-host
You can start a podcast on your own, or you can have a co-host. I decided to start my podcast without a co-host. A solo podcast is easy to plan because you don't need to discuss the show with anyone, which allows you to be in control. It is also easier to edit because it is only one person speaking.
Hosting a podcast on your own is not easy. You are the only voice unless you invite guests, which makes it harder to keep the listener's attention. It can also be challenging to keep up the energy throughout the entire show.
Having a co-host can help your podcast be more dynamic because you have two different personalities speaking and bouncing off each other. Additionally, you have multiple views in the show and more creative opportunities because you can brainstorm ideas.
The drawback of having a co-host is that it involves more planning, and a conversation or discussion can quickly become too long or off-topic. The editing process takes more time, and most importantly, you have to rely on your co-host to have time to record an episode. If, at one point, you decide to part ways, will the person be replaced on the show, or will the show end?
Name your Podcast
Your podcast name is the first thing people will see when they come across your show. It has to be memorable and unique. Be careful not to use puns or acronyms, especially acronyms can have a different meanings for other people and the last thing you want to do is be offensive.
You can use your name or topic as a name for your podcast. I named my podcast the Content Marketing Cheat Sheet podcast. Everyone instantly knows that my podcast is all about content marketing and the word cheat sheet applies that this podcast uncovers tips and tricks.
Research whether or not anyone else has already taken your podcast name or trademarked their own version. Also, stay away from names that are very similar to your podcast name to avoid getting listeners confused. You don't want your listeners to end up on your competitor's show by accident.
Cover Art and Show Notes
The cover art for your podcast should reflect the content of your show, so you don't want to go with something that looks completely off. You can use Canva to create your podcast cover. Canva offers great templates you can customize if you don't know where to start.
Create consistent-looking descriptions for each episode of your podcast series. Include a small blurb about your episode and any links you think are worth mentioning.
Recording and Editing
You need to record in a quiet space without an echo. Make sure there are no other noisy appliances in your room or nearby, like a blender, music, fan, or construction workers. If possible, try to find an empty office or garage for recording. You also want to make sure that the room you are recording in has some sort of furniture (carpet, couch, or curtains) to absorb the sound waves to you don't hear an echo.
Optionally: You can also install foam panels on the walls, like a recording studio, but carpets and curtains are just fine.
You can use programs like Garageband, which is available for Mac users, or Descprit to edit your podcast.
Pro tip: I recorded the beginning and ending of my podcast and saved them as individual soundtracks. This way, I can easily import them to my podcast and ensure a cohesive start and end.
Set up Hosting
Hosting is where your podcast is stored, and it's what makes your podcast available on Spotify, Google podcast, and Apple Podcast.
Hosting can be free or paid—and many options exist! Free hosting usually limits you to a certain amount of storage space and bandwidth each month (depending on the service). Whereas premium services typically offer unlimited storage space with no bandwidth limitations at all.
You can check out Anchor.fm, this website will host your podcast and makes it available on Spotify. Google Podcast and Apple Podcast require additional setup.
Launch and Promote
The best time to publish your podcast is on Tuesday and Thursday, around 5 AM. Yes, you read that right at 5 AM. The majority of people listen to podcasts when they are getting ready in the morning or commuting to work. So make sure you schedule your show in the early hours of the day.
It's time to get out there and promote your show. Start by promoting your show through your social networks. Post links to your podcast on all the major platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Create in-feed posts about your podcast and talk about your show as much as possible, even offline, to friends and family.
Tip: You can also upload your podcast to your YouTube. Use any editing video software (iMovie works) and use your podcast cover as the "movie file," and put your voice recording over it. Export as a movie and upload to Youtube. It's not the most engaging content on Youtube, but users can still find and listen to your show that way.
Conclusion
Podcasting is a great way to share your passion and knowledge with the world. It is also an effective way to connect with people who are on the go because you can listen to a voice recording pretty much everywhere at any time.
If you want success, keep it simple! You don't need fancy equipment or expensive gear, just good content with clear voice-over tones. On top of all that, start sharing content across social media to promote your show.
If you need help getting started, connect with me so I can help guide you through all phases of podcasting, from brainstorming ideas to production and distribution.