advice for starting a podcast

What do you need to know before starting a podcast?

How to Start a Podcast in 20 Steps

• Why are you Doing a Podcast?
• Who is Your Podcast for?
• Why Should They Listen?
• Naming your Podcast
• How Long Should an Episode be?
• How Often Should I Release an Episode?
• Choosing Good Episode Titles
• Choosing a Podcast Format
• Recording Equipment
• Recording & Editing Software

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What are some best practices for starting a podcast?

The first impression – make each episode a statement about the quality of your show

1. Use welcome and send off phrases to build trust and relationship Address your listeners in a memorable way. ...
2. Create a memorable podcast name and cover Try to find a balance between creativity and simplicity. ...
3. Have a familiar intro for working as an awaited and friendly greeting This is the extension of the first impression. ...

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How do you start a podcast as a beginner?

• Set a definite date and time for publishing
• Have one evergreen recorded podcast (As a backup plan)
• Mention Website link at the start & end of Show notes
• Use an animated video overlay and publish your podcast on YouTube.
• Connect with best minds in your industry by inviting them to be a guest on your podcast show.

Should you really start a podcast?

Why you shouldn’t start a podcast show — Really?

1. If you are looking to get rich overnight without putting in the work to your show— which can take years then think again! ...
2. You shouldn’t start a podcast show if you are not sure of your audience! You need to do the work of locating your audience. ...
3. Don’t start a podcast show if you are not bringing anything of value to the table…. ...

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What are the top 5 things to know before starting a podcast?

Your checklist might include:Generate topic ideas.Reach out to interviewees.Research and write podcast outline/script.Schedule interview/recording session.Record sponsored content.Record the episode.Edit episode and prep for publication.Write a description and show notes.More items...•

What is a good way to start a podcast?

Table of ContentsChoose a Podcast Topic You Can Commit To.Pick Your Podcast Name.Write a Compelling Podcast Description.Decide on Your Podcast Format.Get Your Podcast Artwork and Music Created.Purchase Your Podcast Equipment and Test Your Podcasting Software.Choose Your Podcast Hosting Service.More items...

How long should a podcast be for beginners?

Although there are no rules regarding the episode length, it's worth keeping in mind that short episodes will make new listeners more likely to try out your podcast. We recommend keeping the length under 30 minutes when starting out.

Is it even worth it to start a podcast?

Not only is podcasting a new and exciting medium poised to take off exponentially, but podcasts themselves are great for producing or reproducing content. If you already have audio or video classes, you can quickly and easily turn them into podcast episodes.

Do podcasts make money?

Sponsorships are the most common way podcasters make money. This is when the podcast promotes the sponsor during the show. You probably hear your favorite shows plug their advertisers a few times in every episode. How much you earn from a sponsor depends on the number of downloads your episodes earn.

How much money do podcasts make?

Assume you're a podcaster and you do the following each month: 1.00% of your audience purchases through your link, earning you $15 for each sale. 0.05% of your audience buys an online course per month for $99. You release about four episodes of your podcast each month.

How often do podcasts fail?

Less than 20% of the podcasts that have launched this year will make it to next year. Most podcasts fail. If you've launched a podcast or are thinking about launching one, you don't want to put in all that work just to see your experiment get canned in a few months.

How do you know if your podcast is successful?

Here's a list of eight methods you might use to measure the success of your podcast:Number of listeners. ... Number of downloads per episode. ... Sponsors and advertisements. ... Audience and critic reviews. ... Website and social media traffic. ... Engagement with promotional materials. ... Networking and referrals. ... Recycled content.

What makes a good podcast?

The most engaging podcast content helps readers explore further and gives them ways to learn more. For each episode, think about relevant resources you can direct listeners to later. Examples include relevant articles, YouTube videos, or books that dive deeper into the topic.

Why you shouldn't make a podcast?

You think it needs little time. Many people think that podcasting needs a bit of reading and a little bit of speaking, and anyone can record an episode quickly. And such people shouldn't start a podcast, because it is going to demand a lot more of your time.

Is it too late to start a podcast 2021?

2021 is the year of the podcast.

Are podcasts still popular 2022?

Yes, podcasts are still popular in 2022. The number of active podcasts and podcast listeners is increasing daily. As of April 2021, there are a total number of 850,000 active podcasts with more than 48 million episodes in total.

How do I start a podcast for free?

7:0413:07How to Start a Podcast for FREE (Using Your Phone) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApp i like this app because it does have good reviews. And not only can you record but you can alsoMoreApp i like this app because it does have good reviews. And not only can you record but you can also edit now i'm using the free version.

How much does it cost to start a podcast?

In fact, if you already have a computer and you're operating on a shoestring budget, you can record, edit, and launch a podcast for less than $200. On the other hand, if you want to use higher-end equipment, starting a podcast can cost a few thousand dollars.

What do you say in your first podcast episode?

How to structure your intro episodeAddress your audience, welcome them to the show.Introduce yourself as the host of the show. Include your name. ... Mention what inspired you to start your podcast. ... Talk about the release schedule. ... Explain the podcast's structure. ... Say goodbye and share where people can find more:

What is a podcast host?

The podcast host is the intermediary between your podcast and your audience. After providing the description and posting the relevant artwork, the podcast is published on the hosting service. You will receive your podcast’s RSS feed link from the host.

How much does BuzzSprout cost?

BuzzSprout possesses all of the features that you need to advertise your podcast content on the Internet. Its basic plan starts at $12 a month. BuzzSprout also offers a free option that hosts episodes for 90 days.

How long should a podcast be?

Determine the podcast length. You need to respect your audience’s time and set a reasonable episode length that is consistent throughout the series. Twenty minutes is generally the ideal episode length for a podcast, as most people listen to podcasts while commuting to and from work.

Why do podcasts need to be pre-planned?

Every podcast must be pre-planned with a tailored approach to make sure that the quality remains consistent throughout the entire show.

How to make your podcast visible?

To make your podcast visible in the digital space, you need to sign up with a hosting company. These are platforms that store your files and provide access to your listeners so that they can download and subscribe to your podcast.

What is a personal trainer's podcast called?

For example, a personal trainer’s podcast could be called ‘The Fitness Podcast, ’ which perfectly highlights the niche of the podcast. But you must avoid using long names because you will be saying the name quite often in your podcast.

What are the different types of podcasts?

The structure of your podcast is critical. Here are a few podcast formats to choose from: 1 Interview style – This is the most popular format these days as each episode introduces the listener to exciting and inspirational people from a specific niche. The format is generally unscripted and free-flowing and requires minimum editing. 2 News and current events show – This format focuses on sports, politics, technology, or any other hot topic that lets you provide non-stop fresh content to your listeners. 3 Multi-host show – A podcast with more than two people creates intrigue and can be highly entertaining with a conversational tone. There will be less pressure on you since the responsibility of presenting great content to your audience is divided among all hosts. 4 Solo style – In these podcasts, you can tell a story in each episode that is relevant to the topic of your podcast. It could be in any tone as long as the content is educational or motivational. By occasionally inviting a guest on the show, you can entice the audience and engage them in your podcast.

What is canva for podcasts?

Canva is a very popular tool that you can use to create logos, graphics, as well as a bunch of other marketing material your podcast might need.

What is the best microphone for podcasting?

In other words, good audio quality is everything. There’s plenty of options when it comes to audio equipment ranging from entry-level ones, such as the Samson Q2U (one of the most popular microphones for new podcasters) to high-quality professional ones like Blue Yeti.

What is a podcast host?

A podcast host is basically a place where you store and through which you distribute your files. Your host provides you with an RSS feed (a list of your podcast episodes) that you later submit to other platforms. The most popular podcast host is Transistor, and for a good reason.

Why are podcasts so popular?

Podcasts have become immensely popular over the last few years, and to no one’s surprise. They give people the ability to keep up with their interests in a casual way by listening (or watching) to people they like. It’s a new form of entertainment that only continues to grow as time goes on. The best part about podcasts is probably ...

What editing tools do podcasters use?

This is an extra important step that turns you from an amateur into a professional. One of the most popular editing tools used by many big podcasters is ProTools.

Can you get far without marketing your podcast?

No matter how good your content might be, you won’t get far without marketing it properly. There are hosts out there that will automatically share your podcast episodes on all your social media and send out a notification every time you publish a new one.

What should an outro include?

Most importantly, your outro should include a reminder to like, comment, share or subscribe to your content— these things are what will make your cast grow. 6.) Create Quality Thumbnails. Your podcast is entirely audio, so your show thumbnail is the one space where you can try to visually engage potential listeners.

What happens when your podcast lacks focus?

When your content lacks focus, your audience won’t know what to expect from your podcasts and, in turn, won’t know what to come to you for. While it can be hard to avoid talking about anything and everything you want, maintaining a focus for your show is integral to its potential success.

Can a podcast be larger than a postage stamp?

While it may never appear larger than a postage stamp online, it’s what can make your podcast recognizable. Considering that podcast thumbnails are often posted small, don’t try to include tiny copy or symbols— it’ll be illegible and just take up space. 7.) Get The Right Gear.

How to make a podcast?

Make sure that every podcast topic and episode is laser-focused on bringing value and entertainment to your audience. Think about what they want to learn in your industry and don't be afraid to talk about things that you don't offer. Focus on their interests and they will stick around to hear the rest. - A. Lee Judge, Content Monsta

What is a good podcast?

A good podcast tells a story audibly but makes you visualize the situation, personal story or character of the narrator or interviewee. When starting a podcast, strive for that personal connection by sharing relatable stories with human flaws that people sympathize with. The audience will feel they truly "know" the person and continue following their story in subsequent podcasts. - Jessica Hawthorne-Castro, Hawthorne LLC

Why do brands create podcasts?

When brands create podcasts, content typically tends to be focused on what’s important for the business. This approach results in each episode having a different target market, which prevents it from building community. Treat podcast episodes like serialized storytelling rather than a single public relations opportunity and you’ll find greater success, increased consumption and engaged listeners. - Carey Kirkpatrick, CKP

Why do you need background music for podcasts?

Adding some background music for the intro can improve the listening experience and will make the podcast sound more professional. Just remember that you can’t use any song (due to copyright rules ), so make sure to search for royalty-free music or Creative Commons content.

How to get a podcast to your audience?

The following steps will guide you through the process of getting the podcast to your audience: (1) First, you’ll need to choose a podcast hosting platform. A hosting site is a website where you will store your podcast episodes as MP3 files.

Why do you need headphones when recording?

Wearing headphones during the recording will give you greater control over the sound , and will enable you to notice any changes in the volume of your voice throughout the recording. Furthermore, if recording with several people, headphones will isolate voices and minimize overlapping sounds.

How long should an intro be for a podcast?

If you are considering making many episodes, you may want to create standard intros and outros for each episode. Intros and outros should be only a couple of seconds long, but they are an opportunity to remind your audience of your name, the name of the podcast, and the theme of your show.

What is the best mic for recording?

USB mic – the easiest (and cheapest) option, it plugs directly into the computer. It will do the job if you are recording from home. XLR mic – for more professional setups, it delivers better audio quality. It comes with a connector that needs to be plugged into an audio interface.

Why is consistency important in publishing?

Being consistent is key here. Consistency will make it easier for your audience to follow you and listen to the new content you release. This is not so much about publishing weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, but rather about being clear on how often you are publishing.

How to get rid of hard plosive sounds?

Looking to improve the sound quality with some additional gadgets? Try adding a pop filter or a foam ball to get rid of hard plosive sounds (“p’s” and “b’s”) and harsh “s’s”. A reflection filter will help you minimize echoes.

Our process, in brief

In total, we estimate that an average episode currently takes about 20 combined hours to make, from conception to sharing. Here’s how that breaks down for us.

General advice

In this section, we’ll try to give some generally applicable advice about each step of this process.

Technical advice and details

In this section, we’ll give some more particular details on how we make episodes. Equipment, software, etc.

Podcast Trends in 2021

While podcasts have been around for a while, but the content format has only begun to rise to its popularity in more recent years.

1. Choose a topic you are passionate about

Choosing a topic or niche is one of the most important decisions you have to make when you start your podcast.

2. Know your audience

It’s easy to get paralyzed in the decision-making process when there are so many creative ways you can go about your podcast. However, if there is one north star that should be guiding the direction of your podcast, that should always be your audience.

3. Make your podcast SEO-friendly

According to Podcast Insights, there are now over 43 million podcast episodes as of January 2021, and the numbers are continuing to climb daily.

4. Plan your content ahead of time

C onsistency is key if you are looking to build a successful podcast. To achieve that, you need to have your podcasting duties scheduled into your content calendar .

5. Go after reasonable interview guests

The highlight of a podcast is often the interview guest featured. It can make for healthy interaction and often is a valuable factor in the success of podcasting.

6. Practice your interview skills

But before you get all excited and invite a guest for a podcast interview, here are a few important pointers.