Podcast FAQ

everything you need to start a podcast

by Prof. Alda Glover Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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To start a podcast, at a bare minimum, you need to:

  • Come up with a concept (a topic, name, format, and target length for each episode).
  • Design artwork and write a description to “brand” your podcast.
  • Record and edit your audio files (such as MP3s). A microphone is recommended (more on podcast equipment later).
  • Find a place to host your files (such as a file host that specializes in podcasts, like Libsyn or Podbean ).
  • Syndicate these audio files into an RSS feed so they can be distributed through Apple Podcasts and downloaded or streamed on any device on-demand.

Steps to Start a Podcast
  1. Decide why you want to start a podcast.
  2. Choose a podcast topic, theme, and name.
  3. Select a podcast format and structure.
  4. Create podcast branding.
  5. Set up your podcast equipment.
  6. Find the best podcast recording software.
  7. Prepare for your first few podcast episodes.
Jun 23, 2022

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.

Why you should not start a podcast?

You are fascinated by the outcome, but don’t know the grind it involves.

  • Choosing an idea (it’s not as easy as it sounds),
  • Deciding the episode topics and duration,
  • Researching and writing a script,
  • Interviewing people to corroborate facts, or to be a part of your show,
  • Rehearsing for the recording,
  • Setting up quality podcast equipment (also, buying it!),
  • Sound editing,

More items...

What equipment do you need to start a podcast?

The 10 Technology Items You'll Need to Start a Podcast

  • 1. A good microphone Audio is one area that you won’t want to cut corners with. ...
  • 2. Headphones Your headphones don’t have to be top of the line, but you will want something that’s up to the job. ...
  • 3. A pop filter When talking directly into the microphone, your b’s and p’s will sound amplified. ...
  • 5. ...
  • 6. ...
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  • 10. ...

Why now is the right time to start a podcast?

There’s no time like the present to start a podcast, whether you want to use it to build your speaker profile, create relationships with influencers, or sell your products and services.

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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.

What should I do for my first podcast?

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:

Can just anyone start a podcast?

Anyone can start a podcast. You just have to record your episodes and publish them online. However, turning your podcast show into a successful business is altogether a different 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 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.

What makes a podcast successful?

Keep the topic simple. A podcast with focus is going to be much easier for potential listeners to understand. You might think a wide appeal will get a wider audience but more often a narrow appeal means there's less likelihood others are doing the same thing. And the listeners you get will be very excited to find you.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How many podcasts are there in 2019?

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

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 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 is a podcast on Stitcher?

Stitcher is the second largest podcast directory and another great way for people to discover your podcast. Basic Brewing Radio, for example, is a podcast on Stitcher that discusses homebrewing beer. Wine enthusiasts, on the other hand, can tune in to the Wine for Normal People podcast.

Why is podcasting important?

If you understand the value of creating content (e.g., blogging) for your business and brand, then you understand the value of podcasting. Creating a podcast allows you to reach a brand new audience: people who might otherwise never find or consume your long-form content because they prefer the audio format.

How much do podcasters make?

Popular podcasters can make $25 to $40 for every 1,000 listeners from advertisers. Advertise Cast reports the average podcast advertising rates in 2019 were $18 CPM (cost per 1,000 listeners) for a 30-second ad and $25 CPM for a 60-second ad.

How to go from an idea to a live podcast?

Planning is an essential step to go from an idea to a live podcast and making sure it lands on excited ears with a buzz that continues to spread beyond the initial launch. In this phase, you’ll map out the details of your podcast such as the name, format, description and understanding your target audience. Ok, grab a piece of paper or your computer and let’s get planning.

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

Podcast approvals vary for each directory. For example, Stitcher might approve your podcast within 24 hours while Apple Podcasts might approve your show within seven days. For this reason, setting a hard podcast launch date is unrealistic. Plan to submit your podcast with 2-3 weeks lead time before the launch date you have in mind.

What do I need to start a podcast?

So, here are the 9 things needed for a podcast: To make your life easier, I’m listing both equipment and Softwares you need to start with. 1. Microphone. This is obvious but let me explain it in detail. A podcast is an audio-focused space. So the microphone is something you don’t want to compromise with.

What equipment do I need to make a podcast?

The 2 basic things needed for podcasting are a computer/laptop and a microphone. Obviously!

What is the best mic for a beginner?

To begin with, you can go with USB Mics which will be really easy to connect with your Computer or a laptop. Here are the 2 best beginner mics out there: Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB. Blue Yeti. If you have more budget, you can go with XLR Microphones.

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Planning

  • 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…
See more on podcastinsights.com

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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