how to start a solo podcast

• Choose Your Category, Genre, or Niche. A solo podcast works best if you don’t stray from your base topic. ...
• Create Weekly Themes. Once you have your niche, create weekly or monthly themes – depending on your upload schedule. ...
• Write A Script. Some podcasts have talking points and then allow the panelists to discuss those points allowing real reactions and conversations.

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.

Can I start solo single podcast without guests?

Yes, you can launch a podcast without interviewing guests. How you structure your podcast depends on the information you are trying to provide. There are many different formats you could follow. Here are a few: Panel format podcasts are popular. In these podcasts you have a team of regular presenters who each contribute something to the show.

How difficult is it to start 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. ...

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 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...

How long is a solo podcast?

So you should keep the length on the shorter side. And it's an independent choice of whether you're solo or interviewing when you're thinking about episode length. But I do think that your style matters quite a bit. Like when I go solo, I try to keep it to like 10 to 20 minutes.

How do you create a one person podcast?

If you want to be an engaging solo podcaster, you need to develop the ability to imagine the flow of conversation between you and the listener, giving your podcast a more natural sound. You need to know when to pause for effect, when to ask questions, when to anticipate a common response, and so on.

How do you script a solo podcast?

Podcast Script Tips for BeginnersKeep it conversational. The biggest challenge of writing a podcast script is keeping it conversational. ... Use delivery notes. ... Allow for some riffing. ... Describe the scene. ... Maintain a reasonable pace. ... Be yourself. ... Show introduction. ... Guest introductions.More items...•

Do Solo podcasts do well?

Solo episodes are great backups for slow content seasons. Sometimes a guest will cancel suddenly or there's a blank spot in the queue — try a solo episode! Even if you have a solo episode recorded and produced doesn't mean that you need to publish it right away. Save it for a rainy day when the content's slow.

Can I do a podcast without guests?

Podcasting without Guests poses a challenge on hosts, as they are the center of interest. The host needs to be knowledgeable approachable, and entertaining. It requires crafting a perfect formula for a show, meeting listeners' expectations by continuously delivering an outstanding value.

What are the three types of podcast?

Panel. Nonfiction narrative story-telling. Fictional story-telling. Hybrid.

What types of podcasts are most popular?

In October 2020, it was found that the most popular podcast genre in the United States was comedy, with 22 percent of respondents to a survey stating that they were very interested in podcasts designed to make them laugh. News podcasts and those based on true crime were also popular choices, as well as sport and health ...

What is a mini podcast?

Short podcasts are shows with episode lengths that range anywhere from a minute to around 15 minutes. They've grown incredibly popular in the past few years – over 60 percent of podcasts hosted on Anchor are short podcasts.

Can one person do a podcast?

Podcasts can take many forms: one-man shows, cohosts, guests, call-in, etc. Metafilter founder Matt Haughey, who has put in hundreds of hours on podcasting, recommends that your show involve two or three hosts. I listen to a lot of podcasts and the most typical format is 2 or 3 hosts and sometimes one guest.

What should my first podcast say?

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:

How do you start a podcast with no audience?

20 step guide for starting a podcast with no existing audiencePick an idea (ideation)Create a listener persona (marketing)Pick an angle for your show (ideation)Define your brand idea (marketing)Choose your recording gear.Draft or script coherent c.a. 5 episodes.Record your episodes and cut your material.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.

Can one person run a podcast?

Podcasts can take many forms: one-man shows, cohosts, guests, call-in, etc. Metafilter founder Matt Haughey, who has put in hundreds of hours on podcasting, recommends that your show involve two or three hosts. I listen to a lot of podcasts and the most typical format is 2 or 3 hosts and sometimes one guest.

How long is a podcast episode?

Overall average length Considering these extreme outliers, I decided to look at the median average: Based on a sample of 10 million episodes, the median podcast duration is 38 minutes and 42 seconds. In other words, half of all currently published podcast episodes are longer than 38:42.

How many hours does it take to make a podcast?

When it's all said and done, the total time to create the podcast is between nine and 14 hours. So, yeah, each episode of The Weekly Wrap takes a little more than a full workday to produce.

1. Become an expert in the topic

If you’re going to pull a solo podcast off, you need to know what you’re talking about. Without a co-host to fill in any gaps or kick ideas around with, it’s down to you to ensure that what you’re talking about is informed and is put across compellingly and authoritatively.

2. Research the questions people are asking

To make sure you cover a topic comprehensively, try to pre-empt the questions that your listeners might have about it.

3. Find ways to engage with your audience

When you have a solo podcast, the connection really is between you and your listeners so where you can, try to involve them in the show.

4. Work on your delivery

With 100% of the focus on you and your voice, it’s key that you come across very polished.

5. Become an entertainer

Where you can, inject some personality into your show. Allow your listeners to get to know you and what makes you tick. Where appropriate, tell stories, and even jokes. People want to be entertained and they’re tuning into your podcast for that very reason.

6. Mix up the format

Although familiarity is important as is finding a winning formula and doubling down, you don’t want to get too repetitive and predictable.

7. Make it easy for people to listen

This one is so important. The fact that you’re flying solo means that you’ll need to work extra hard to keep your audience engaged so don’t let yourself down when it comes to production quality.

How to make a solo podcast?

1. Come up with a list of solo episode topics. If thinking up solo podcast ideas doesn’t come naturally to you, never fear. There are numerous ways to brainstorm a list of episode topics.

What is a solo episode?

Solo episodes are great backups for slow content seasons. Sometimes a guest will cancel suddenly or there’s a blank spot in the queue — try a solo episode! Even if you have a solo episode recorded and produced doesn’t mean that you need to publish it right away. Save it for a rainy day when the content’s slow. 2.

Why are solo episodes shorter than interviews?

However, just because they’re not as long doesn’t mean solo episodes can’t have equal amounts of rich, thoughtful content. [ RELATED: Why & How to Do Solo Episodes for Your Podcast]

What is a solo episode outline?

A solo episode outline is for your eyes only — you’re the only one who needs to understand it. The episode outline also doesn’t need to be a full script. In fact, it’d be better if it wasn’t. Solo episodes sound more natural and authentic when the host isn’t reading from a script.

Is it bad to go solo on Sweet Fish?

Going solo isn’t so bad. Especially when you have an important message to get across. That’s why the Sweet Fish team recommends sneaking a solo podcast episode into your regular queue of interviews. Don’t dive into your monologue just yet. Let’s answer the big question first:

What is a podcast host?

Media or Podcast hosts are services that store your audio and allow your listeners to listen, download, and subscribe to your podcast. One common misconception when learning how to start a podcast is that you upload your podcast to places like iTunes. This actually isn’t the case.

What is the point of a podcast?

The whole point of a podcast is that people listen to it, so give them a reason to click on one of your episodes. Make it clear to people what they will get from listening to your show. If you look on any podcast directory you will see shows with titles like “How To…”, “Five Tips For…” etc.

How long is Zoom free?

A popular option is Zoom.us, which is a video conferencing tool that's free to use for 2 people, and free for up to 40 minutes for a group of people. Read the pros and cons of Zoom in podcasting here. A much better option is to opt for a dedicated ‘double-ender' call recorder.

How many episodes of a season of podcast?

When you start a seasonal podcast, each season will usually have a theme. You might create episodes based on that theme or topic for 6-12 episodes, then have a break. After a month or two, you’ll launch a new season (with another theme/topic) and repeat the process.

Episode transcript

NOTE: This podcast was transcribed by a free AI tool called Otter. Please forgive any typos or errors. Melissa Guller 0:03 Welcome to Wit & Wire, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes to learn how to start and grow a successful podcast that makes an impact. I’m your host, Melissa Guller.

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