Anyone can start a podcast and this guide, “Podcasting for beginners,” is here to help you on the journey. A podcast is a collection of audio files broadcast online via an RSS feed. The proportion of Americans who listen to podcasts every week has more than doubled over the past five years and now makes up about 28% of the population. The podcasts are growing remarkably, so there is no better time to start a podcast than now.
You can quickly launch your podcast with the help of this Podcasting 101 instruction. This content is the solution to all your concerns if you have been wondering how to start your podcast and how you should launch it. You will find the answers to your questions.
Podcasting For Beginners: 9 Steps Involved
For creating a podcast, the first important thing is a “desire” to start a podcast, followed by these steps:
1. Come up with an idea:
A successful podcast comes with an idea. You have to find out why you need to create a podcast. Understanding “why” will help you establish your objectives and make the necessary plans, whether your goal is to inform, educate, or entertain.
2. Discover your potential audience:
Now you have discovered the purpose and selected a niche for your podcast. The next step is to identify the target market for it. Knowing your target audience will also help you promote your podcast when the right time comes.
3. Select a name for your podcast:
Your potential listeners can tell what the podcast is about by its name, which should be descriptive. Additionally, it should be brief and straightforward to remember. You have three options here:
- Personal name: This option is ideal when you want to establish your unique brand and present your show.
- Creative name: If you consider yourself to be an innovative type of person, let it show in the name you select.
- Detailed name: This could give you a significant advantage when targeting a niche or category.
Make sure there isn’t already a podcast with the same (or a similar name) before settling on one. Also, remember to check your URL and social media!
4. Create a cover design for the podcast:
The design is crucial to the development of your podcast. Making a design for your podcast will assist you in maintaining a consistent brand in the long run.
You will require graphics for the following when you start your podcast:
- Channel Cover art
- Episode cover art
5. Select a format for the podcast:
There are many different podcast styles. Your format should reflect your theme. Whatever format you choose, it must be convenient for you.
Later, you’ll be able to structure and arrange your podcast episodes better if you’ve decided on the podcast’s format. Additionally, it will improve your podcast’s professionalism and consistency across all its episodes.
Some of the podcast formats are:
- Monologue/solo podcasts: a single host shares their knowledge or experience.
- Co-hosted podcasts: Two or more hosts discuss their knowledge or experiences in conversation.
- Panel podcasts: This podcast is a discussion amongst a group of people about a single subject that the host moderates
- Interview-based podcasts: involves guests and direct the conversation toward a particular subject
- Storytelling podcasts: here, the host reads a passage of text—fiction or nonfiction—and frequently incorporates sound effects and audio from the actual world.
6. Make theme music for the podcast:
The music theme of your podcast shall be impressive to attract the audience and connect them throughout the episode. Your podcast gains something from having music for the start and the outro. This will be a significant component of your podcast program.
Always select copyright music for your podcast music theme. Using music for which permission is not granted can bring you into hot waters. Download Free Music Pack For Creators by Kabgig Music, which consists of royalty-free music for pro podcast creators. You can add a variety of music in the background of your podcasts.
7. Select the right gear for podcasting:
Creating a podcast does not require a high budget. Go to a quiet room and start recording with your Smartphone. However, for high-quality podcasts, you need the right gear. Some of them are:
- Microphone- An excellent audio recording will significantly impact your audience whether you are producing audio-only or video podcasts. You can either select a USB mic or an XLR mic.
- Headphones- If you use headphones while recording, you’ll have more control over the sound and be able to hear any changes in your voice level as the recording progresses.
- Webcams (only for video podcasts)- The upward-leaning angle built-in cameras provide while recording from a laptop can be improved by mounting a webcam on your monitor. A decent webcam enhances the video’s sharpness and provides a wider field of view.
7. Record the first episode:
When you finish the steps mentioned above, it’s time to push the record button. You can either start randomly or start with a written script. The choice is yours. However, confidence is the must thing for recording a great podcast.
Also, read
8. Edit the podcast:
The next step is to edit the recording and create a podcast after you’ve finished recording your tracks. It varies from podcaster to podcaster how they edit their work. While some people may spend hours editing it all together, others may essentially leave it alone. Also, there’s an option to avoid editing if you’re not good with DAW.
Alitu is an online tool, that allows creating podcasts and exclude technical work (almost). You can try it for free. (affiliated)
Also read: 4 Production Tips For Beginner Podcasters
8. Select a hosting platform:
It would be best if you have located a place to host your podcast once you’ve finished recording, editing, and producing it.
The three hosting platforms are Libsyn, Captivate, and Buzzsprout. Depending on the storage and additional amenities, each offers a somewhat distinct set of plans.
9. Promote the podcast and select monetization:
Do not forget to promote your podcast. Making your podcast simple to locate and share is the best approach to promote it. Social media platforms are the best place to promote podcasts for beginners. Also, monetize your podcast.
Fortunately, there are several methods to make money from your podcast. Start podcasting today!
