How to start a podcast
Podcasting is a fantastic way to express yourself and share your ideas with the world. In this guide, we’ll explore all the different components of podcasting, from the equipment you’ll need to the different platforms and tools you can use to create and share your podcast. We’ll also look at ways to promote and monetize your podcast, so you can reach a wider audience and make your podcast a success.
What is your podcast about?
You can talk about virtually anything on your podcast but there are two main things to consider when deciding on a podcast topic: the subject matter and the style of delivery.
It’s important to pick a topic that is both interesting to you, and at the same time something that will engage your target audience. Topics that you’re already an expert in, or at least familiar with will usually make for the best content.
What is the format for your podcast?
There are a handful of tried and true podcast formats, but it’s really up to you and how you want to present your content. Consider these common formats:
- Narrative podcasts are usually solo shows that tell stories and are often told from the perspective of the host.
- Interview podcasts feature one-on-one conversations between the host and guests.
- Roundtable podcasts involve the host and a panel of guests discussing topics related to the show.
If your show doesn’t perfectly into one of these formats, that’s ok. You can structure your show however you’d like in order to meet your goals.
How long will your episodes be?
Episode length can vary depending on the type of content you plan to cover. Generally speaking, most podcast episodes range from 15 minutes to an hour. However, some podcasts are much shorter or much longer, depending on the format and content.
How often will you publish episodes?
You’ll want to decide on a publishing schedule that you can stick to. Consider how much content you can realistically create, and how often you want to release new episodes. Most podcast episodes are released on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule. However, some podcasts are daily, monthly, or even quarterly.
Name your podcast
Coming up with a podcast name can be daunting, and is a significant decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Memorable: Your podcast name should be memorable yet succinct, conveying the essence of your show in just a few words. It should capture the attention of your potential listeners and make them curious to find out what your podcast is about.
Recognizable: It should also be easy to pronounce and spell, so that it’s easily searchable and recognizable.
With this in mind, it’s essential to choose a podcast name that accurately reflects the content and themes of your show. Put some thought into it, and you’ll be sure to come up with a name that is both unique and attention-grabbing.
Write a Description For your podcast
Once you’ve settled on a name for your podcast, take the time to jot down an informative, engaging description. This should be between 500 and 600 characters in length, and should include the key topics, themes, or topics of discussion that listeners can expect to hear on your podcast. It should also include a brief overview of the host or hosts, and perhaps a few words about why listeners should tune in. Make sure the description is written in a way that appeals to potential listeners and helps to draw them in.
What equipment do you need?
Technically, you can start recording your podcast directly from your laptop or smartphone without any special equipment; however, this would not produce the best audio quality. Fortunately, you don’t need to break the bank to get a good sounding recording. With the right equipment and some basic knowledge, you can get professional-level audio quality for a fraction of the cost. Investing in a good microphone and other sound recording equipment can help you create stunning audio for your podcast. You can even add software like an audio equalizer to refine your sound further. With these tools and a bit of practice, you’ll be well on your way to making podcasts that sound great.
[TODO: Add best beginner recommendation]
We recommend this setup:
Setting up your podcast studio
Once you have the necessary equipment, it’s time to set up your podcast studio. Start by finding a quiet space that you can use for recording and editing. Avoid things like noisy windows and fans that could potentially disrupt your recording. If possible, try to find a room with big furniture and soft surfaces to help eliminate echoes and other distracting noises. You may also want to consider getting some sound dampening equipment such as acoustic foam to help achieve the best sound possible.
Recording and Editing Software
Just like equipment, there is a wide range of recording software that varies in terms of ease of use and features. Depending on your comfort level, you might try one of these apps:
- Audacity: Free/Mac or PC
- GarageBand: Free/Mac
- Descript: Paid/Web
If you’re recording interviews with remote guests, there are a few popular services that make this easy
- Riverside.fm
- Zencastr
- SquadCast
Episode Transcripts
It’s common to provide a text transcription alongside your audio file. Check out these transcription services:
- Rev
- Descript
Publish your podcast
Hosting
At the heart of a podcast is something called an RSS feed. An RSS feed is sort of like an index that describes your podcast, your episodes, and points to each of your audio files. While you can manually store your files and generate an RSS feed, this is a process better left handled to a podcast hosting company.
In addition to hosting your RSS feed, a good podcast host will also provide many other features to help start, grow, and monetize your podcast.
Artwork
Often times the only visual component of your podcast is your artwork. You’ll need an image file to represent your podcast. You can also add artwork for individual episodes, if desired. The ideal size for your image is 3000x3000.
Try out Canva
Distribution
In order for listeners to find your show, you’ll want to submit your RSS feed directly to podcast players like Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, and Spotify. Your podcast host may help you submit to some or all of these.
Website
A podcast website is an online presence for your podcast. It serves as a hub for your show, where listeners can find all the information they need about your podcast, including show notes, transcripts, and episodes. You can also use your website to promote your show, share resources, and interact with your audience. You can create a podcast website using a website builder, like Squarespace or Wix, or you can use WordPress but most podcast hosting companies will give you the ability to create a custom podcast website.
Launching
As you are coming up with your podcast launch plan, you should consider all of your options, including recording a teaser or trailer episode. This is an excellent way to give your listeners a preview of what’s to come, giving them a taste of the type of content they can expect.
However, some folks choose to take a different approach and release multiple episodes up front. This can be a great way to get people hooked on your show, as they will be able to experience more of your content right away. Additionally, by having multiple episodes out, you can build momentum and get people talking about your podcast.