How to Start a Podcast
– How to Start a Podcast –
You are definitely at the right place if you’re looking for a tutorial on how to start a podcast. Although it’s simple to start a podcast, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to get it off the ground.
What is a Podcast?
This is a program that is made available online for download in digital form. For instance, a user could download an episodic collection of digital audio or video files to their own device and listen to them whenever they choose.
An easy and integrated solution to manage a personal consumption queue across numerous podcast sources and playback devices is provided by streaming applications and podcasting services.
Additionally, users can find and distribute audio episodes using podcast search engines.
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How to Start a Podcast
1. Understand how it Works
Comprehending the importance of producing content (such as blogging) for your company and brand will help you appreciate the worth of podcasting.
Making a podcast enables you to connect with a completely new target audience: those who would never discover or consume your long-form material otherwise because they prefer the audio format.
Other Things to Know
The number of podcast listeners has considerably increased in recent years. 57 percent of Americans over the age of 12 have listened to a podcast, and 78 percent of Americans are now familiar with podcasting.
The close relationship you have with your listeners is one of the best aspects of podcasting. At any one time, these listeners will talk to you for at least 30 minutes.
That kind of focus is fairly uncommon in today’s world of social media-shortened attention spans, allowing you to delve deeply into topics.
2. Identify a Podcast Theme
Finding a theme is the first step in starting your podcast. When you do this, it’s crucial to stress test your concept by outlining at least 20 episode subjects.
Then, include what you would talk about and who you would interview if you were doing an interview.
A stress test is essential since you’ll likely run out of ideas before your podcast ever gains traction if you can’t come up with 20 episodes.
More Things to Know
Make sure your concept has a solid base. Consider this while selecting the topic for your podcast. Will you still enjoy and be content producing new episodes on this subject in two years?
Pick a subject that you are enthusiastic about. Your biggest source of motivation to maintain discipline when times are tough will be your enthusiasm.
3. Decide on a Format
This is the following crucial element. How will your podcast be organized and what will it look like? Here are a few concepts:
Interviews: These podcasts have a lone host that conducts interviews with guests who meet a specific theme. The School of Greatness comes to mind.
Scripted non-fiction: Here, the podcast typically has a particular theme that runs across the entire season. Consider Serial.
News: You may get the news from these podcasts in a very palatable style. Consider Up First on NPR.
Other Things to Know
Educational: The main goal of these scripted non-fiction podcasts is to impart knowledge. Revisionist history comes to mind.
Scripted Fiction: These podcasts are frequently scripted and extremely well-produced, much like radio dramas. Consider Limetown.
Once you’ve decided on a format, consider:
- Participating in interviews?
- If a co-host will be present?
- Will you travel alone?
These are all excellent podcasting formats. A format must be decided upon because it affects the hardware and software you will need to purchase to produce your show.
4. Choose a Podcast Brand
Let’s go on to discuss building your podcast brand. Your branding should be carefully considered because it will be the first thing that new listeners will notice about your podcast.
Don’t undervalue a name’s influence. Your podcast’s title should appeal to both you and your listeners. From the podcast’s name alone, listeners ought to be able to guess what it’s all about.
Here are some pointers for selecting a great podcast name:
- Use no more than four words.
- Keep it brief and captivating.
- Stay away from using “The” and “Podcast.”
- Make it simple to speak and spell.
- Choose a name that sounds well when spoken aloud.
- Ensure that no other brand has already claimed it.
More About Product Brand
On many podcasting sites, in addition to the podcast name, there is also a “hook” or succinct description. Don’t focus on this too much, though.
Include keywords that will make it simpler for people to find your podcast, but refrain from filling your content with them or you risk being penalized.
News, the arts, culture, and many other topics are among the many podcast categories available.
It’s vital to choose a category that appropriately describes your podcast because listeners will search these categories based on interests while looking for news broadcasts.
5. Choose your Podcasting Equipment
Let’s talk about the resources you’ll need to start your podcast now that we’ve established its brand. The truth is that nobody will listen to your podcast for very long if it doesn’t sound amazing.
Most podcast listeners use headphones, so poor sound quality is uncomfortable in addition to irritating. Therefore, having the appropriate podcasting equipment is a need, not a nice one to have.
The proper podcasting tools are a must, not a nice one to have. Let’s start by discussing microphones. There are three main categories for microphones.
Other Things to Know
USB Mics: For beginners, these microphones are the easiest to use because all you need to do is plug them into your computer’s USB port, launch your recording program, and you can begin recording.
Dynamic Mics: Radio announcers, broadcasters, musicians, and podcasters frequently employ dynamic microphones.
Capacitor microphones: These are renowned for their superior sensitivity and audio quality.
6. Outline your First Episode
No matter how amazing your recording is, quality content and confident performance are indispensable. Your podcast must be compelling to listen to in addition to sounding terrific.
You don’t have to script the entire podcast unless it’s intended to be pre-written, of course. Simply develop an outline based on the change you want your audience to experience.
Consider the end when beginning. Why is this episode being produced? What do you want your listeners to remember after hearing you?
More Things on Outlining
Making an outline while visualizing your listener avatar might be quite beneficial.
An attention-grabbing hook, guest introductions, interview questions, talking points, transitions, and closings are all components of a strong plan.
These not only facilitate a smoother podcast but also demonstrate to your listeners that you were well-prepared.
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7. Record your Podcast
It appears much more difficult than it is to record a podcast. Try to pick a location with little noise. Think about any potential noise-makers in your surroundings.
Make sure that sound from your microphone enters the computer by adjusting system options. Make sure phantom power is on if you’re using a condenser microphone.
Decide on a reasonable recording volume. Never record too loud of a sound. If you record something too loud, you can always turn it up later, but your recording will sound distorted.
Finally, keep an eye on how close your mouth is to the microphone. Wide volume ranges are not what you want. To prevent the airbursts from hitting the diaphragm directly, try positioning your microphone slightly to the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Much does it Cost to Start a Podcast?
Less than $200.
2. Can I Start a Podcast for Free?
Typically, podcasts are free.
3. Do I Need an LLC to Start a Podcast?
If you’re concerned about your assets, you should probably create an LLC or company as quickly as possible.
4. How Much Money do Podcasts Make?
$500 to $900 for each episode.
5. Does Spotify Pay you for Podcasts?
Streaming services like Apple Podcasts and Spotify do offer a small compensation for each stream, though.
6. Do Podcasts Pay their Guests?
Typically, podcasts do not pay their guests.
7. Can Anyone Put a Podcast on Spotify?
The once-expensive distribution tools are now available for free.
8. Is Putting Podcasts on Spotify Free?
Podcasts are not hosted by Spotify.
9. Should I Charge to be on a Podcast?
It’s true that some podcasts charge guests to appear on their program, and some guests actually pay to do so.
10. How Much Work is a Podcast?
8 to 50+ hours per 30 minutes of the episode.
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