If you’re planning on starting your own podcast, this guide is for you. Here, you’ll find advice on choosing the best equipment, growing and publishing your podcast, and everything related to preparation, recording, and editing. You’ll be introduced to a step-by-step guide taking you through the whole process of starting your own show, from recording to promotion and publishing. This includes inspiring ideas on why you should start a podcast, choosing a name for your podcast, setting up your recording equipment, and scripting your own show. Starting a podcast from scratch can often be difficult, but this guide will help you get there. Here are the 6 top tips that will help you lay the foundations of your new project.
-
Choose A Topic
The first step is planning and spending a good amount of time thinking about your options. You want to have a whiteboard or a notebook ready so that you can write down your ideas like a pro. Your podcast needs to have a specific niche or topic, start by narrowing your thoughts down to a particular topic you can talk about for many episodes. Make sure you don’t pick a topic that is too broad to attract your audience. For example, you can talk about hiking instead of making an episode or a podcast about outdoor activities.
-
The Show Format
There are many factors to consider when planning your show format. For example, consider the length of your episodes or how long you should keep the show running. There are really no certain limits when it comes to the episodes’ duration. There are podcasts that only go for 15 minutes, and there are others that last 5 hours. It’s really about what you choose to talk about, however, stay away from going off-topic and making your show longer than it has to be. You also have to think about the show style, for example, do you want it to be a co-hosted podcast, a solo podcast, or an interview podcast?
-
The Microphone
Although you need a first-rate microphone for your podcast, you don’t have to spend a ton of money. Many online reviews will help you spot the best-quality mic with the most ideal price within your budget. You can also look for other podcasters’ recommendations and pick the one you feel most comfortable using. Many brands will offer models that come with an XLR connection so that you can upgrade your equipment without needing to buy a new microphone.
-
Hosting Your Podcast
In order to publish your podcast or make it seen, well, “heard” in your case, you’re going to need a podcast hosting account, a hosting platform, or a media host. These services store your recorded audio and make it available for your listeners to download, listen to, and even subscribe to your channel or podcast. These services are not free, but you may use a promo code online in order to get a free month to use one for your podcast. Remember to try different platforms before deciding on your favorite host.
-
Choosing Podcast Guests
If you’re planning on having guests for your show, or if you’re trying to create an interview podcast, this is the best time to make a list of all the names you want to be featured. The best thing about this is that it can be easily done through plenty of automated services options. There are services and apps that allow your guests to book their own episodes according to their own schedule. These apps will also let you request the desired information from your guests such as their Skype usernames, or the intro they need you to say before you introduce them in your show.
-
Submitting Your Podcast to Directories
Directories are the places where your listeners can discover your show, download your episodes, and subscribe to your channel. You’ll need to submit your podcast to many different directories after you establish your desired media host. The more directories you use, the wider you expand your coverage and the more listeners you get. The most popular podcast directories include Spotify, Google Podcasts, iTunes or Apple Podcasts, TuneIn Radio, and Podcast Index.
This list contains every step you need to make before you can create your own podcast. After choosing the topic of your podcast and the ideal name for your show, you’ll need to think of your podcast’s style and how you want to sound in front of your audience. You’ll also need to consider the people you invite to your episodes and the ideas you’re going to be presenting to your listeners before publishing your show. This list will help you achieve every step in the process.
