Tips for Starting a Podcast

ByBeth Floyd

There are many benefits to podcasting such as advertising and establishing credibility on a particular subject. Podcasting allows you to speak to people that you wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to do so. Podcasting allows you to increase your knowledge and will generate leads for your business.

However, podcasting takes a lot of work and preparation. It requires equipment, tech skills, and engagement with your audience. It’s critical for the podcaster to stick to a consistent schedule so that their listeners can schedule their routine around the podcast.

Following are some steps and links to software and equipment to help you get started in publishing your podcast.

Plan Your Podcast

  • Decide on a Name for your podcast
  • Podcast Format (Idea and Outline). Following is a sample of a podcast outline:
    • Introduction
    • Tell your listeners “what’s in it for them”
    • Announce Prizes or Giveaways (stick around for details)
    • Sponsor Message
    • Introduce Guest
    • Interview
    • Sponsor Message
    • Subscribe to Podcast
    • Guest for next episode
    • Sign off

Length of each episode – Try to be consistent with each podcast.

Publishing Schedule – Plan a schedule and stick to it so that your listeners will know when to expect it. It’s a good idea to start out with at least 5 episodes.

Podcast Artwork – It’s the first thing your listeners will see. Make sure it’s legible and recognizable at a small scale. Here’s a link to get you started on the artwork for your podcast.  https://www.canva.com

Guest List
Write a list of who you would like to interview. List top influencers and make it a goal to make contact and schedule an interview with them. Schedule the interview and send the guest an overview of the questions.

Web Site for your Podcast
Be sure to include a transcript, episode summary, sponsors and links related to each episode.

Technical Details for your Podcast

 

Basics

If you’re on a tight budget, you can start your podcast with only a cell phone with an app such as Anchor.

Microphones:

There are several options available for podcasting microphones depending on your budget. Here’s a list of a few popular mics.

  • Samsung Meteor Mic (budget):
  • Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone
  • Blue Yeti
  • Rhode Podcaster – (professional)
Software
  • Call Recorder for Skype (Mac)
  • Pamela for Skype (PC)
  • Audacity (it’s free and open-source)
  • Garage Band (Mac)
    If you’re a Mac user, you probably already have Garage Band installed. It doesn’t have all of the editing features that Audacity has though.
Upload and Publish Your Podcast
  • BuzzSprout – list your podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and others.
  • iTunes
  • Stitcher
  • Soundcloud
Podcast Promotion

Once you’ve published your podcast, it’s important to share so that new listeners can find you.

  • Add blogs to your website with a link and transcripts for your podcasts.
  • Ask your guests to share each episode with their audience.
  • Finally, share your podcast via social media and content marketing.