Podcast FAQ

doing a podcast

by Miss Daisha Mante Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Here are the 5 main steps required to make a podcast:

  • Planning your Podcast name, topic & aims
  • Planning your Podcast Episode format
  • Recording your Podcast with the right gear and software
  • Editing your Podcast with the right tools
  • Publishing to a Podcast Host & the best directories

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  1. Understand how podcasting works.
  2. Identify a podcast theme.
  3. Decide on a format.
  4. Create your podcast brand.
  5. Choose your podcasting equipment.
  6. Get recording software.
  7. Outline your first episode.
  8. Record your podcast.
Feb 21, 2022

Full Answer

What does it take to start a podcast?

A podcast owner will need to purchase a portable XLR recorder, which costs between $100 and $500. An audio interface, meanwhile, will cost between $30 and $300. A basic laptop will be needed, too, which will cost about $700. Good audio editing software can be purchased for as little as $300.

How to go about starting a podcast?

  • Choose a topic you’re passionate about and you’ll stick to
  • Research your target audience to come up with a plan for your show
  • Decide on your podcast title, description, and artwork
  • Buy and setup your equipment
  • Prepare for recording your first episode
  • Record your first episode
  • Edit and publish the episode
  • Launch and promote your podcast to the world!

What do you need to know about starting a podcast?

Step #7: Prepare and make a recording

  • Preparing a plan. The first thing that you need to do is to figure out a plan for your content. ...
  • Creating an episode script. Podcasters often do not agree on the process of writing a script for a podcast. ...
  • Recording equipment. To record a high-quality podcast, you require the best podcast recording equipment. ...
  • Recording and editing software. ...
  • Getting music. ...

How do you start a podcast?

Way before you ever get into the actual production and technical work, figure out what your podcast will be about. Also, choose an appropriate title, topic, and format right at the start. Each episode of your show will be a separate audio file that can be made available in various formats.

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How much do podcasters make?

Rates range from $18 to $50 CPM, though hugely popular podcasts can pull in a lot more. You can price your ads differently depending on where you place them within your episode. Pre-roll ads run at the beginning of the show, usually for about 15-30 seconds.

Can you make money with a podcast?

Podcasts make money when they have multiple income streams The most profitable independent podcasts use multiple revenue streams to create a steady flow of income as they focus their attention on growing their audience.

How does a beginner 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...

Is it worth doing 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.

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.

Do podcasts on Spotify make money?

According to AdvertiseCast, average 30-second CPM (cost per 1K listeners) rates are $18, while 60-second CPMs are $25. The Ringer had about 420 million downloads in 2018, earning $15 million in ad revenue (paywall). Amy Schumer got a $1 million payday just to create a show for Spotify.

What equipment is needed for a podcast?

For a conventional podcast, you need at a minimum a microphone, headphones, a computer, recording and mixing software, and internet access.

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.

How long should podcasts be?

The length of your podcast also depends on your subject, industry or genre. It could be that around 15-20 minutes perfect for your listeners. But maybe your specific audience wants more in-depth, exploratory information; in which case, 45-90 minutes would provide more value.

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.

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.

Should I start a podcast or YouTube channel?

YouTube attracts users looking for short content that fulfills their free time, whereas podcast platforms attract people looking for a series to spend hours enjoying. You can take advantage of YouTube's algorithm to make your videos more searchable, and then encourage users to click through to your website.

How to make a podcast sound professional?

Your best bet for a podcast that sounds organized and professional is to practice beforehand by figuring out what you’re going to say and coming up with an outline for your recording. You don’t have to go so far as to script things out. Just have a road map for where you’re headed and what you want to touch on.

How long is a podcast?

Average length of the past five podcasts: 48 minutes (Ferris sprinkles in short “audio essays” of 10 to 20 minutes alongside his longer podcasts of over an hour)

Why is podcasting better than blogging?

It has deeper engagement, as listeners tend to stay tuned in longer than with blog content. Podcasts work as multitasking options, too—you can listen to a podcast while you cook or while you drive. The same can’t be said for blog posts or any form of visual content.

How often do podcasts post?

Forty percent of the Top 25 podcasts with a regular posting schedule publish once per week. The next most common frequency is twice per week. Of the Top 25, only three podcasts did not have a discernible schedule to their posting. It seems that some publishing rhythm is preferred over no rhythm.

What day is the most common day to post podcasts on iTunes?

Sixty percent of podcasts with a regular schedule posted early in the week, before Wednesday. The most common single day was Tuesday (which just so happens to be the day when new music hits the iTunes store, presumably meaning more visits who might see a new podcast).

How long does it take to get approved for a podcast?

Apple will give you a confirmation message, letting you know that there may be a review process for your podcast. This is typically within 24 to 48 hours but can take up to five days. You will receive an email letting you know if you’re approved. Three to five days after that, people can begin searching and finding your podcast in the Apple Podcasts app.

How to sync podcast with blog?

Embedding audio is perhaps the best way to sync your podcast with your blog content. Many top blogs use their podcast as an additional blog post, adding the audio directly into the body of the post and providing either a full transcript of the podcast or a list of topics and resources covered in the podcast.

How to record an intro to a podcast?

If you’re just recording a solo episode or want to record an intro to an interview you did, simply select the track you want to record to (see the light gray Podcast Audio track selected above) and click the red Record button up top:

What is a podcast page?

Podcastpage is a website builder and hosting all-in-one made specifically for podcasts. Kind of like Wix but designed for the needs podcasters. No coding is necessary. You just choose one of their themes, customize to your liking, and optionally integrate email marketing or Google Analytics.

What is the first impression most people will see as they browse through Apple Podcasts or their favorite podcast app?

Your cover art is the first impression most people will see as they browse through Apple Podcasts or their favorite podcast app.

What is the best microphone for podcasting?

One of the most popular podcasting microphones is the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB (brand new version for 2020).

Why do you need a third party to introduce you to a podcast?

Having a third-party introduce you just takes your perceived value up a notch, which is a great way to stand out when first starting a podcast.

Can you reuse a podcast template?

Before you get started, it will be much easier if you create a template that you can reuse every time you record a podcast episode.

Is it easier to start a podcast with a co-host?

It can be much easier to start podcasting if you have a co-host. You will naturally have a more engaging conversation if you both share your points of view on a topic . It can also be helpful to have someone to keep things on track. Plus, you can split additional tasks of editing, promoting, and more.

What to ask when starting a podcast?

There’s one question to ask when you start a podcast: what’s your show about? You don’t necessarily need to be an expert on the subject you choose. But it should be something you’re genuinely interested in, and something you like talking about.

How to record podcasts?

3. Recording your first episode 1 Download the free Anchor mobile app for iOS or Android and create an account. 2 Tap any tool to add some audio to your episode. 3 Add a caption and publish the segment to your podcast. 4 Keep adding segments to finish your episode. When you’re done, just give it a name and share it with the world!

How do listeners feel about podcasts?

Listeners feel connected to the podcasts they listen to, and to the people on them.

What do you need to do with Anchor?

With Anchor, all you need to do is select the button that says “Distribute my podcast everywhere.” We’ll automatically submit your podcast to Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, Overcast, and Pocket Casts. That’s it! We’ll notify you as it becomes available in each of these places; this process usually takes between 24-48 hours.

How long does it take for Anchor to distribute?

That’s it! We’ll notify you as it becomes available on each platform; this process usually takes between 24-48 hours.

How long does it take to transcribe a video on Anchor?

Anchor automatically transcribes all short audio (anything under 3 minutes), so if you want to make a video, all you need to do is choose your colors, review the transcription, and share. You can export a video in square, portrait, or landscape formats, so it’ll look great on any platform!

How to get your footing?

The best way to get your footing is to just start recording, listen to what you’ve made, and iterate from there. Anchor removes all the technical complications, so the only hurdle will be just figuring out what you want to say!

How do podcasts grow?

So you must produce fresh material regularly to meet the expectations of your audience. You must also stick to a calendar that helps you to organize your content to meet the demands of your audience.

Why do people start podcasts?

There are so many reasons for starting a podcast! Some of those reasons are to grow your business, connect with people in your niche, create a relationship with your audience, and self-fulfillment. As of January 2020, there are over 1 million podcasts available, with over 30 million podcast episodes to listen to.

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 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.

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.

How to choose a topic for a podcast?

To choose a topic that you want to talk about, you should have a general idea of what you plan to discuss. The more you know about that topic, the better the results will be of the podcast. You can research other podcasts by listening to as many as possible and learn about a particular niche, the tone most podcasters choose to adopt, and the sound quality to aim for. You should also consider trending topics and aim to work around them to deliver exactly what your audience wants .

How to make a good podcast?

This is one of the keys to a great podcast—you want each listener to feel like you’re speaking directly to them. Script, sketch, and perform your podcast with an image of your ideal listener in your mind. Imagining your target listener will help you shape the terminology you use and the overall tone of your podcast.

What to do if you're interested in making a podcast?

If you’re interested in making a podcast, you probably already like listening to them. Look for common factors in the podcasts you like listening to, and use them to help you brainstorm the format and focus for your own podcast.

What does "mixed" mean in podcasts?

Mixed, which simply means that the format of the podcast can vary by episode.

How to promote your podcast?

Promote your podcast as many different ways as possible. In addition to having a strong social media presence, rely on things like old fashioned word-of-mouth. Don’t be shy about telling everyone you know to give your podcast a listen. And ask them to tell their friends!

How to build a dedicated audience for a podcast?

Let your audience know that you want to engage with them. If you want to build a dedicated audience, don’t let your podcast be a one-way street. Give your audience numerous ways to get in touch with you. This will help them feel like they have a real connection to your podcast, and it gives you valuable audience feedback.

What is a monologue in podcasts?

Monologue, in which a single host speaks on a given topic. Multiple host, in which two or more hosts banter back and forth. Narrative, which is similar to a monologue but focuses on a particular story. Mixed, which simply means that the format of the podcast can vary by episode.

What do you need to know when analyzing a story?

If you’re relating a story or analyzing a topic, you need to research the issue in detail. Listeners must be able to hear and feel your mastery of the topic.

What happens when you run a podcast?

When you run a podcast, things don't always go to plan. Life can get in the way, hardware and software can break, files can vanish, and there's really no shortage of things that'll test your patience in the long run. When things go wrong, you really need to have a solid core reason for wanting to podcast. One that's big enough that it'll ...

What is a successful podcast?

1 – Define a Successful Podcast. First thing's first: success means many different things to many different people. For some, it's about the big download numbers. Others dream of earning a full-time living from their shows. Many business podcasters see success as getting regular sales enquiries because of their content.

How long does it take to build an audience for a podcast?

One podcast tip that many aspiring podcasters don't like to hear is that it can take years to build an audience. And in order to make a successful podcast you need to be prepared to turn up consistently and regularly over the next few years. That doesn't mean that you can't have short-term goals though.

What is the common mistake that podcasters make?

A common mistake many new podcasters make is to build their shows around an audience that doesn't yet exist. If your episodes are built around answering listener questions, or doing live shows, then I'd recommend going back to the planning stages. In the early days it falls on you and you alone to create your content.

When things go wrong, do you really need to have a solid core reason for wanting to podcast?

When things go wrong, you really need to have a solid core reason for wanting to podcast. One that's big enough that it'll never be overshadowed by any of the above.

Is it a good idea to run a podcast?

It's definitely a good idea to break down your main ambitions into smaller achievable aims. This can help give you a sense of progression. But hopefully you just enjoy the process of running a podcast. If you do, then you'll stand the best chance of sticking at it and growing an audience.

Can you quit a podcast?

But a huge amount of podcasters give up after just a handful of episodes, and that's a by-product of how easy it is to launch. If something is created without much thought or genuine purpose, then it's also easy to quit.

How to make a podcast?

Brainstorm Podcast Topics: Make a list of subjects that you’re both passionate and knowledgeable about, take a look at what’s already out there, and determine how your podcast will function as an extension of your content strategy. 2.

What is a podcast script?

Podcast Script (Template) 1. Opening: A quick musical jingle or your brand’s sonic logo. 2. Introduction: A monologue-style intro outlining your guests and what you plan to talk about on your show. 3.

How long should the intro be for a podcast?

In other words, your listeners will hear it a lot, so it’s likely best to keep it short, say 10 or 15 seconds. That way, the podcast intro won’t get skipped over with the +30 skip setting on most podcast players.

What to say in an outro for a podcast?

In the outro of your podcast script, you will want to make sure you thank all of the guests that were on your show and recap a bit about what was discussed.

What is a topic break in podcasts?

These topic breaks are typically described as bumpers or sweepers, giving your listeners the time they might need to digest the content you just presented. Since each podcast is inherently different, each show should have its own themes, topics, and lengths to set episodes apart from each other.

How to write a good show?

Your writing style should be conversational and friendly, limiting the use of jargon or industry-specific words in order to accommodate your listeners (you can use our sample scripts for inspiration).

What should the first segment of a podcast be?

The first segment should be the most interesting in order to sustain listeners’ attention. This segment should appeal to the entire audience. Broad content is encouraged to serve the majority. News and current events related to your podcast subject matter are often of interest to an entire audience.

How much will podcast ad revenue grow in 2020?

Podcast ad revenue is projected to grow more than 110% by 2020, to $659 million. Here are a few expert ideas to help you hit the numbers you want and reach your podcast goals. Deron Triff, co-founder of WaitWhat, on marketing your podcast:

How to grow your audience?

Focus on your listeners. If your content does not quickly and frequently address what your audience wants in terms of solving problems, or inspiring and teaching them how to be successful, you will struggle to grow your audience.

How to build a loyal audience?

You need to nurture your relationship with your audience and let them know they can depend on when you’re going to give them new episodes. Nothing can beat trust when it comes to creating a loyal audience .

What is a podcast host?

A podcast host is a platform that stores your podcast and distributes it to publishing platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Here’s how it works: You first upload your audio file to your hosting platform, then they create an RSS feed and send your episodes to various directories (AKA publishers).

How many people listen to podcasts?

Once a fringe platform, podcasts are now surprisingly mainstream. According to Nielsen, six out of 10 people understand what they are, and 112 million Americans -- 40 percent of the nation’s population -- have listened to at least one. Though podcast listeners lean male, it isn’t by much: 56 percent are men, while 44 percent are women.

What equipment is needed for a podcast?

One of the best things about starting a podcast is that it doesn’t take much to get started. All you need are these high-quality items:

Can your target personas find your podcast?

Your target personas won’t find your podcast without a little help, so promote it like your life depends on it. I utilized our company’s email list, my personal social channels, and myriad other platforms. In addition, I requested that each guest promote his or her episode.

Can you head off issues before a podcast?

Until you do it, you have no idea what to expect. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t head off issues before you go live . Expect a certain amount of learning as you go, but be ready to explore the technology before fully launching your podcast.

Is podcasting worth it?

Sound like hard work? It is , but it’s totally worth it if you strategize. Two years after unveiling my first episode, we have 110 five-star reviews, and episodes are downloaded in more than 125 countries. I’m pleased to say we’ve also earned a presenting sponsorship from HubSpot. Podcasting hasn’t just been a feeder for the business, but a phenomenal marketing opportunity as well.

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Planning

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This is the initial (often overlooked) stage to make a podcast. You’ll want to spend a good amount of time here before you move on. Feel free to get out a notebook or a whiteboard so you can start planning your podcast like a pro.
See more on podcastinsights.com

Preparation

  • Now that you’ve written down your topic, format(s), and secured a domain name, we’ll need to get a few things prepared ahead of launch…
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Recording & Editing

  • Alitu
    If you haven’t used editing software before, even simple actions in GarageBand or Audacity can be quite intimidating. It’s understandable: audio production is completely full of jargon! If that’s the case, then Alitu might be the way to go. It’s a ‘podcast making’ tool that automates a lot of the c…
  • GarageBand
    I’m going to show you how to use GarageBand for recording and editing. Other audio editing software is similar but most have more advanced features that you don’t need when getting started. Popular options are Adobe Audition & Audacity(both work with Mac & PC). You can als…
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Launch!

  • Get A Podcast Host
    I use and highly recommend Buzzsprout podcast hostingafter trying many different companies over the years. Plus you’ll get a free $20 Amazon gift card after you sign up for a paid plan! Feel free to check out our complete podcast hosting guide if you want to see other options, but anoth…
  • Upload Your First Episode
    If you use Buzzsprout, this process is super simple. If not, it’s possible you need to mess with things like embedding ID3 tags into your MP3. Sounds confusing and unnecessary – let’s not do that. You’ll just need to click the “Upload” button: and they’ll apply some magic processing to you…
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Recommended Steps

  • Your job isn’t done once you start a podcast. Here are my recommendations to help make your show more appealing and easier to grow:
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