Podcast FAQ

easiest way to start a podcast

by Mabel Feeney Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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How to Start a Podcast

  • 1: Choose a topic you love. Just like blogging, you need to select a niche for your podcast that provides information that is in high demand with listeners.
  • Step #2: Pick a podcast title. A podcast title can help the listener anticipate the content and purpose of your podcast. ...
  • Step #3: Write a sound description. You should write a descriptive paragraph about the contents of your show to entice listeners. ...
  • Step #4: Get your artwork created. The podcast will require some artwork or a square image that represents your show and the niche it belongs to.
  • Step #5: Pre-plan your episodes. Pre-planning is an essential part of podcasting since creating them can be a very stressful process.
  • Step #6: Pick your podcast hosting provider. To make your podcast visible in the digital space, you need to sign up with a hosting company. ...
  • Step #7: Prepare and make a recording. Recording high-quality podcasts require effort and preparation both for the content and to set up audio/video for a podcast.
  • Step #8: Publish an episode. Publishing episodes means uploading audio files after editing them and providing all the necessary details with them.
  • Step #9: Submit to directories. After you publish your podcast, you need to select a podcast directory that helps listeners discover, listen, and subscribe to your podcasts.

Table of Contents
  1. Choose a Podcast Topic You Can Commit To.
  2. Pick Your Podcast Name.
  3. Write a Compelling Podcast Description.
  4. Decide on Your Podcast Format.
  5. Get Your Podcast Artwork and Music Created.
  6. Purchase Your Podcast Equipment and Test Your Podcasting Software.
  7. Choose Your Podcast Hosting Service.

How to make a good podcast?

You can find podcasts related to your industry by searching any of the following platforms:

  • YouTube,
  • Apple podcasts,
  • Spotify,
  • Stitcher.

What is the best free podcast?

Rundown of the show:

  • Top 25 players that might work for the Steelers in free agency
  • First 25 players (out of 50 I’m keen to see) to watch at the Combine with 324 players invited.
  • Player profile - Chad Muma out of Wyoming

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.

What is the best app for creating podcasts?

What is the Best Podcast Software?

  1. Adobe Audition. Best for professionals and desktop users ($20.99 per month). ...
  2. Audacity. Free, Open-Source Podcasting Platform Suitable For Beginners (Free). ...
  3. GarageBand. Best music production and podcast software for Mac (Free). ...
  4. Apple Logic Pro X. A good option for users looking for full-featured podcasting and music production ($200/one-time purchase).

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How much money do you need 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.

How do you start a podcast with no money?

How to Start a Podcast With Almost No MoneyWhy do you want to start a podcast? ... The first step: Start talking! ... Listen to similar podcasts. ... Get (cheap) recording equipment. ... Download audio editing software and learn how to use it. ... Get a logo and a theme song. ... Name your podcast. ... Get a web site.More items...•

Is it impossible to start a podcast by yourself?

Podcasting alone - just you and the mic To host a podcast by yourself, the work will all fall on your shoulders in the beginning. That is unless you have a company backing your show from the outset. You'll need to come up with all the show ideas, create the content, and then market them.

What equipment do you need to start a podcast for beginners?

A Complete List of Podcast Equipment for BeginnersA computer.An XLR or USB microphone.Mixer.Pop filter or windscreen.Headphones.Microphone stand.Acoustic treatments.Recording and editing software.More items...•

Do you need a license for a podcast?

It's easy to think that because we hear music on the radio all the time, that it's ok to use music in a podcast.

What should my first podcast say?

Mention what inspired you to start your podcast In this section you should share your WHY. Don't be afraid to get close and personal - paint a picture, take us on a journey! The more specific you are the better, as this will help the audience connect with you through the details within the story.

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 long does it take for a podcast to make money?

Relying on the experience of Marc Clair, a podcast host, and producer, it may take as long as 18 months before you start seeing results. That's if you produce a show weekly. In his words, things can be faster than stated if you have luck, a marketing budget, and irresistible content.

Does podcasting take a lot of time?

Just to begin, Podcasting can take as much time as you allow it. The range of podcasting styles, formats and production quality is as wide as the number of podcasts there are out there in the world. There are people out there who spend weeks producing just one 20 minute episode.

Can I start a podcast with my phone?

You absolutely can start podcasting with a smartphone. All you need is a simple recording app. You can even go with something podcast-specific such as Anchor or Spreaker which let you create episodes and upload right from your phone.

Which platform is best for podcast?

What are the Best Podcast Hosting Platforms?Fusebox. ... Blubrry Podcasting. ... Spreaker. ... PodcastWebsites. ... Audioboom. Best hosting platform for taking your podcast to the next level. ... Libsyn. The most reliable podcast hosting site. ... Soundcloud. Best platform for audio content creators. ... Podomatic. Best freemium podcast hosting platform.More items...•

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.

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 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:

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.

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 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 best microphone for podcasting?

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

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.

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 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.

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 many hosts should I have on a podcast?

I listen to a lot of podcasts and the most typical format is 2 or 3 hosts and sometimes one guest.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

Why do podcasts have titles?

A podcast title can help the listener anticipate the content and purpose of your podcast. We suggest you put some thought into choosing a title for your podcast. You are free to choose a title that best reflects your target audience. Here are a few things you should consider when brainstorming for the perfect title.

How to make a podcast?

1. Brainstorm a Theme. Think about what you want your podcast to be about and what it will cover. You can cover a wide variety of topics or focus on one idea. It can be a solo podcast or have a group of people. Stick to a few ideas in the beginning and let it evolve over time.

How to make a podcast better quality?

1. Get recording software . Recording software allows you to have more editing and production capabilities and can help make a sharper, higher quality podcast. You’ll be able to record directly onto the computer, add other audio files, and edit.

What is podcast editing?

Edit your podcast. Editing is a post production activity; listening to your podcast through an audio editing software and altering different aspects as you go. Ensure your podcast hits a certain time length, removing any slow or unnecessary parts or adding related audio from other sources.

Why do people start podcasts?

Lastly, starting a podcast allows you to position yourself as an authority on your topic. It helps build your audience and also makes it easier to sell your product or service since you're the credible source. Being seen as an authority can help influence potential customers to purchase your products.

What should a podcast name be?

Your podcast name should speak to you and your audience. Ideally, listeners should know what the podcast is all about from just the name alone. Having a very descriptive name can help. However, this isn’t entirely necessary, since most podcast platforms include a “hook” or short description along with the podcast name. This helps optimize your podcast’s searchability on platforms such as Apple Podcasts or Google Play. For example, “Grub Podcast: All about healthy eating and helping you cook better” or “Xtreme: Interviews with famous skateboarders, such as Tony Hawk, Chad Muska and Rick Howard.”

Why upload podcasts to Spotify?

Spotify is an up-and-coming directory for podcasts because of its popularity with music streaming and ability to make relevant music and podcast recommendations. The directory is growing quickly, so you want to get your podcast in its feed to improve visibility.

How many podcasts are there in 2019?

In 2019, US weekly podcast listeners averaged seven podcasts each week.

How many people listen to podcasts a month?

According to Edison Research, the number of Americans listening to podcasts every week increased 175% over the last five years, with roughly 90 million listening to a podcast each month.

What should the cover of a podcast be?

Your podcast cover art needs to be beautiful. Don’t neglect this aspect of your podcast, as Apple Podcasts in particular seems to only feature podcasts (more on this later) with professional-looking artwork. You may need to invest some money in hiring a professional to design your cover art. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a pro, use words and images that are large enough to be clearly legible at almost any size.

What is the best microphone for podcasting?

Blue Yeti ($129.99 USD). This podcast microphone is often recommended for podcasting beginners. The Blue Yeti is a great condenser microphone that produces studio-quality recordings for podcasts with ease.

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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…
See more on podcastinsights.com

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…
See more on podcastinsights.com

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:
See more on podcastinsights.com

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