How to Start a Podcast

If you are familiar with podcasts, you probably understand the joy of listening to someone speak about something they are truly passionate about. The enthusiasm is contagious! 

Podcasting today caters to practically all interests and topics. Think of something — and there are probably five different shows that go into the more miniscule detail about it. Now, if there is something you really want to talk about, then why not try your own podcast? 

Step 1: Pick Your Topic and Voice

The first thing you should do when you decide to make the jump and join the podcasting world is to pick a topic. Now, you don’t need to find a niche nobody has explored before (like we’ve said, it would be difficult to do so). However, there is one thing everybody needs when they start investigating how to start a podcast, and that’s finding your unique voice. 

So, what do we mean by this? Simple. Your point, your view; that something that ignited your interest in the first place and that makes you… well, you. For example, say you want to talk about gardening. You could explore sustainable gardening practices, feature interviews with eco-conscious horticulturists, or discuss topics like permaculture, zero-waste gardening, and organic urban farming.

Step 2: Assemble Your Recording Gear

Luckily, you don’t need much in terms of equipment to start your own podcast. In fact, a microphone might be enough to get started. Although, of course, it helps to get a few more accessories to make sure your podcast quality is up to the task.

Start by researching mics. They come in three types: dynamic, condenser, and USB.  Then, explore headphones, audio interfaces, and recording software. The best way to do this is by defining a budget. 

It’s also essential to prepare your recording space. Ideally, you should look for a quiet and well-ventilated area that has minimum background noise. If possible, you should consider using foam, panels, or even blankets to improve your sound quality.

Step 3: Create Your Content

Once you’ve got your equipment and space set up (and you’ve done a few practice tests) it’s time to record your podcast! 

Begin by planning the format, structure, and frequency of your episodes, and create your first outline or script. The goal, remember, is to make your content engaging, informative, or entertaining (or all of those!). 

When you click record, don’t forget to keep track of your pacing, energy, and tone. You can always edit your podcast to remove mistakes, so don’t be scared to do multiple takes. 

Once you’ve got your main content, it’s time to create an intro and outro. You can use music or sound effects to make your episode stand out. 

Step 4: Fine-Tune Your Episodes

This is where your recording software will come into play. Practice makes perfect, and chances are it will take you some time to find your perfect tone. So, as we said, it’s a good idea to record things more than once and see what works and what doesn’t. 

This is also the time to play with your audio levels. Good-quality podcasts stand out, so you will want to make sure yours sounds as professional as possible. 

After editing, make sure you listen to the entire episode. It can be hard, sometimes, to notice whether there are any issues with the flow if you only edit bits by bits. 

When everything is ready, save your episode in the appropriate format (like MP3), and export it at your desired audio quality setting. Don’t forget to also add the metadata and ID3 tags so podcast directories can identify your content more easily. 

Step 5: Promote and Share Your Podcast

We’re almost there! The final step is to promote and share your episodes using a hosting or live streaming platform. Upload your podcast, enter the necessary information (you will also need some covert art) and submit!

It’s also important to add your episodes to popular directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and others. Each of these will have its own guidelines for submission, so make sure you read the instructions carefully. 

In terms of promotion, it can be a good idea to create a website or social media accounts dedicated to your podcast. Within them, you’ll be able to share episode updates, engage with your audience, and build a community around your content.

Oh! And don’t forget to connect with other podcasters and engage with your niche’s online communities. You can even collaborate with guests and participate in cross-promotions to expand your reach and keep everyone engaged. Remember: Consistency can lead to better listener retention and growth. So, prepare your schedule… and don’t be scared to share your voice!