How to start a podcast: Complete Step by Step Guide

Podcasting has become a popular medium for audio content. But the process of starting a podcast is not so straightforward. There are many things that you need to consider when taking the first steps toward starting your show.

You need to understand that podcasting is not just about recording yourself. It requires a certain degree of skill and knowledge to get started on the right foot. This guide provides an understanding of podcasting and its requirements. It does not assume any prior knowledge or experience in recording or editing audio files. However, we do assume a basic amount of computer knowledge and familiarity.

Steps to Start Successful Podcasting Today

Step 1: Pick Your Topic!

Once you have your topic picked out it is time to brainstorm what exactly you want your show to be about. Ask yourself and your family what their favorite things that entail your topic are. You can also check websites like Stitcher to see what podcasts others have created that have a similar genre or theme as yours. Sample topics could be How to create a webpage and How to build an email list from “nothing”.

Step 2: Choose Your Platform

Podcasting is not limited to just iTunes. You can use your favorite host of choice (Soundcloud, Stitcher, etc.) or you could even record directly to your computer. Whatever platform you choose, you must choose a platform that will best showcase your content and is also free of any distractions. Choose the platform that best suits you and your needs.

Step 3: Set a Schedule

You must let your listeners know when to expect the next episode of your podcast. This is especially important if this is your first time creating a podcast. Try to release your show at the same time every week if possible. Most people like to know what to expect and when. This will take some trial and error, but eventually, you will find a schedule that suits you and your audience.

Step 4: Create a Logo & Art

You do not have to have a logo for your podcast, but it is a nice touch to have one. If you are not very artistic or are extremely busy, we recommend outsourcing this process to someone else. Many freelance sites offer services such as this one. Pick what works well for you and go with it. You may also want to create some art that will become associated with your podcast show art. Your art content can be a photo, image, or graphic that you feel best explains your podcast.

Step 5: Create an Intro & Outro

The intro or outro is not necessary, but it is fun to have one. Preferably they should be edited in mp3 format with your voice and allow the listeners to know who you are and what the show is about. Additionally, if you have an outro, it could include information on what the next episode or show will be about as well.

Step 6: Get Your Equipment and Software Setup

The best way to get started is with a quality microphone, a recording device, and audio editing software. These three things will get you off the ground and allow you to start podcasting today. They should be good enough to get you started as long as you aren’t looking for top-quality audio just yet.

Step 7: Create Your First Episode

At this point, it is time to create your first episode. Put together the ideas that you have brainstormed and come up with an outline of what your show will look like. Try to think about what you want your show to be and how it will sound. At this point, you can also begin choosing music or sounds that will become the atmosphere for your podcast.

Conclusion

Podcasting is a very fun and enjoyable hobby and it can be more than that as well. It can also be a way to help you sell your products or services or even a way to get free advertising and exposure for your other business. Podcasting is ever-changing and evolving, which means podcasting has the potential to become bigger than it already is.