So, you’re thinking of starting your own podcast?
You aren’t alone. In the past few years, podcasts have become increasingly popular. In fact, according to Spotify, over 1.2 million new shows were added to its catalog in 2021 alone.
That eye-popping number is likely since anyone can start a podcast with little to no experience or upfront costs. You need a microphone, some recording software, and an internet connection.
Of course, just because starting a podcast is easy doesn’t mean it will be successful. To stand out in such a crowded field, you need to work and make sure your show is high quality.
Here are some helpful tips for starting your own independent podcast.
Preparing to Launch Your Podcast
1 – Define Your Target Audience
Before you even start recording, you need to know your target audience. This will dictate everything from the topics you discuss to the format of your show.
Think about who you want to reach with your podcast and what kinds of things they would be interested in hearing about. Once you have a good idea of your audience, you can start planning out content that will appeal to them.
2 – Choose a catchy name and description
You only have a few seconds to make an excellent first impression, and that starts with your show’s name. Pick something easy to remember and gives listeners an idea of what they can expect from your podcast.
Your show description is also essential. Use a few sentences to describe what your podcast is about and what listeners can expect to hear. Be sure to use keywords that people might search for when looking for a new podcast to listen to.
3 – Define Your Format
There are a variety of ways you can structure your podcast. You could have interviews, solo episodes, or even roundtable discussions.
Think about what format will work best for the type of content you want to produce and the audience you’re trying to reach. Start planning out your first few episodes once you have a format in mind.
Video is a must-have to capture the largest possible audience. You can use a webcam or your smartphone to record.
4 – Invest in quality equipment
If you want your podcast to sound professional, you need to invest in quality equipment. This doesn’t mean you have to break the bank, but you should get the best microphone and recording software that you can afford.
Some popular microphone options include the Blue Yeti and the Rode Podcaster.
5 – Be prepared to promote
Just because you build, it doesn’t mean they will come. To get people to listen to your podcast, you need to do some promotions.
There are many ways you can promote your show, including:
- Listing it in directories like iTunes and Stitcher
- Asking friends and family to listen and leave reviews
- Reaching out to guest speakers or other podcasters in your niche
- Running social media ads
Technology You Need to Start a Podcast
1 – A hosting solution for your show
There are several different hosting platforms, each with its own set of features and pricing plans. Do some research to find the one that best suits your needs.
Some things you might want to consider include:
- How much storage space do you need?
- Do you want features like statistics or the ability to sell ads?
- How much are you willing to spend each month?
2 – A microphone
As mentioned above, you don’t need to spend a ton to get a good microphone. However, it is crucial to invest in something that will produce clear sound quality.
There are some things you can do to elevate the sound of your podcast (more on that later). But choosing a good microphone will ensure you start with the best sound possible.
3 – Recording solution
There are some different recording software platforms, both paid and free. Do some research to find the one that best suits your needs.
Some things you might want to consider include:
- What features do you need?
- How easy is it to use?
- How much are you willing to spend?
You can use standalone digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Adobe Audition or Audacity. However, these programs are not designed for podcasting. They can be challenging to use if you’re not familiar with audio editing.
Cloud-based solutions are another option for recording. Call recorders like Zoom and Google Meet offer options for recording and exporting audio files. However, they’re built for conferences and meetings rather than podcasts.
A hybrid solution like Boomcaster combines the features of a DAW with the ease of use of a cloud-based recorder. By recording locally on each participant’s device and uploading simultaneously to the cloud, you can eliminate network issues and get pristine audio and video every time.
4 – Editing software
Once you have your audio files, you’ll need to edit them before releasing your episodes. Again, there are a number of different software platforms out there, both paid and free. Do some research to find the one that best suits your needs.
Some things you might want to consider include:
- Will you be editing yourself?
- How complicated will your edits be?
- Will you be editing video as well?
5 – A website
While it’s not required, having a website for your podcast can be a great way to promote your show and build an audience. Your website can be as simple as a single page with your episode list and player, or you can use it to create a more comprehensive brand around your show.
Launching Your Independent Podcast
Now that you know what you need to start, it’s time to launch your podcast! It might seem like a lot of work, but with a bit of planning and some help from technology, you can be up and running in no time.
Spending time during your pre-launch phase will set you up for success.
So get out there and start recording. We’ll see (and hear) you on the charts!