Podcast FAQ

how to stsrt a podcast

by Margot Dickinson Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

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.

How to Start a Podcast in 2022 (10 Steps & FAQ):
  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.

Full Answer

How do you set up a podcast?

How to Start a Podcast

  • Step #1: Choose a topic you love. ...
  • Step #2: Pick a podcast title. ...
  • Step #3: Write a sound description. ...
  • Step #4: Get your artwork created. ...
  • Step #5: Pre-plan your episodes. ...
  • Step #6: Pick your podcast hosting provider. ...
  • Step #7: Prepare and make a recording. ...
  • Step #8: Publish an episode. ...
  • Step #9: Submit to directories. ...

How to get started podcasting?

keep costs down In this episode of the Explore Oregon Podcast, Zach talks with Mount Hood Meadows lead ski instructor Tyler Barnes about the best ways to get kids started with downhill skiing and snowboarding. Between the equipment, lessons, lift tickets ...

How to create a simple podcast?

  • Install Seriously Simple Podcasting plugin to your WordPress site and link it to your podcast hosting provider.
  • From your WordPress dashboard, go to the “Podcast” plugin. ...
  • Inside the plugin’s “Settings” under “Feed Details”, include details about your podcast to finish creating the RSS feed. ...

More items...

How do I connect to a podcast?

To join the program:

  • Log in to Apple Podcasts Connect.
  • Click Account.
  • In the Details tab, click Sign Up.
  • Click Confirm.

image

What is needed to start a podcast?

Steps to Start a PodcastDecide why you want to start a podcast.Choose a podcast topic, theme, and name.Select a podcast format and structure.Create podcast branding.Set up your podcast equipment.Find the best podcast recording software.Prepare for your first few podcast episodes.More items...•

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 podcasters 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.

Can I start a podcast for free?

Most podcasts are free. They're free to create and free to listen to.

Can anybody 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.

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 Spotify pay you for podcasts?

Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts pay out for streams, but the payout tends to be very low. Podcast sponsorships are one way, but for new podcasts, the likelihood of finding a high-paying sponsorship is slim unless you're already a well-established figure.

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.

How do I pick a good podcast name?

How To Choose A Podcast NameMake it short and sweet. Sometimes being simple and direct is best. ... Use a play on words. ... Incorporate your brand name. ... Convey the tone. ... Consider the search-ability. ... Think about word-of-mouth discovery. ... Say your podcast's name out loud–a lot. ... Get feedback from your network.

How much money do podcasts make?

As an estimate, if your podcast has about 10,000 downloads per episode, you can expect to make between $500 – $900 per episode in affiliate sales.

Can I do a podcast from my phone?

0:314:33How to record a podcast with your phone - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYes the answer is yes you can absolutely just podcast. With your phone and a set of headphones. SoMoreYes the answer is yes you can absolutely just podcast. With your phone and a set of headphones. So first want to talk about the gear that you need to be able to record your podcast episodes.

What makes a successful podcast?

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.

Does a podcast cost money?

Music fans who are used to purchasing songs through iTunes may be accustomed to paying a dollar or more per song, but podcasts are almost always completely free.

How much money can you make from a podcast?

As an estimate, if your podcast has about 10,000 downloads per episode, you can expect to make between $500 – $900 per episode in affiliate sales.

How much does it cost to start a podcast on Spotify?

You can start using podcast hosting provider Buzzsprout for free, but you're better to opt for their $12 a month plan. That way, your episodes won't be deleted after 90 days, and you can upload more content, too.

How much does it cost to maintain a podcast?

Also, these total costs are assuming that you would buy every piece of equipment listed, which is unlikely necessary for you based on the equipment you already have as well as your personal needs. Total Recurring Costs: Low: $5/month. High: $100/month.

What is podcast host academy?

The Podcast Host Academy is our coaching and support community, which includes a huge collection of courses, resources and tools to help you get your show out there.

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 a podcast summary?

Your podcast's description (also known as a show summary) is THE most important thing potential new listeners will judge your show on? That's according to our 2020 Podcast Discovery Survey.

What are some good websites to host a podcast?

When you sign up for media hosting, you often get a free website with it too. Buzzsprout, Captivate, and Transistor all give you a simple but decent-looking site for your podcast. If you’re running a hobby show, this is a good option to keep things nice and easy. You might also fancy taking a look at Podpage which can build a great looking podcast website for you in minutes.

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.

What is Alitu recording?

Alitu records calls, solo segments, cleans up your audio, adds music & transitions, helps you edit & publishes right to your host.

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.

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.

Why are transcriptions important?

Transcriptions are an excellent way for search engines (like Google) to “read” your podcast episodes. They also give your audience another way to look something up quickly.

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).

What is an Alitu?

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 confusing technical parts, and practically builds your episode for you. It’s all based right inside your browser, so no software to download, and it works on any computer connected to the internet.

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 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 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 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.

What are the KPIs for podcasts?

Relevant to long-term goals and/or overall business objectives. Time-limited to a specific period of time. The KPIs for your podcast should make it easy to track its growth. However, depending on your organization’s broader business goals, you may also want to measure other factors.

Why do podcasts need scripts?

Recording a scripted podcast can give you better control over the content and flow of each podcast episode. If timing and production or editing need to be a tight fit, a detailed script may even be essential. But relying on a script can also hold you back. Here’s a look at some of the things to consider.

What happens when a podcast gains traction?

As your podcast gains traction, you’ll get the benefit of better data, broader feedback, and new opportunities to refine what you’re doing and expand your efforts in new ways.

What are the two groups of listeners?

There are two groups of listeners: The number of people who listen to individual episodes and the number of podcast followers or subscribers. Both numbers are important, but at the beginning focus more on your total listeners. For example:

What does tone mean in podcasts?

Tone refers to the overall character of your podcast and how it makes people feel. Some elements that can move the needle in one direction or another include:

Why do people listen to podcasts?

Many people rely on podcasts to keep them entertained during their daily routine: their commute, their workout at the gym, while they do chores. How do you think your podcast will fit into your audience’s day or week? You can rethink this as you collect more data about listener behavior.

How long is a podcast?

There is no standard length for a podcast—they can run from five minutes to an hour or more. Even the same podcast may vary the length from one episode to the next. However, routine can be important for earning repeat listeners and it’s helpful to set expectations by being consistent.

What is an anchor profile?

Your Anchor profile includes links to all the platforms where your podcast is available, so you don’t have to worry about which link to share with people. They can listen on Anchor, or in whatever podcast app they prefer!

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 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 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!

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 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.”

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.

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.

What is the NPR student podcast challenge?

NPR's Student Podcast Challenge is an annual competition for students in 5th grade through high school. If you're a teacher or a student interested, keep an eye on this page in the fall for more information about next year's contest.

What is NPR training?

NPR Training is full of helpful tips for storytelling and podcasting, made by NPR's Training Team. Transom.org is a go-to site for podcasters and audio pros. StoryCorps has a series of lessons on storytelling and interviewing.

What is the key to podcast writing?

The key here is to write a script using words and phrases that you would use in real life. Good podcast writing often includes short sentences, familiar words and lots of verbs.

What does a podcast host sound like?

The very best podcast hosts sound like actual humans — not robots or newscasters or someone reading aloud from a biology textbook. They sound like they could be a friend having a one-on-one conversation with you. The key here is to write a script using words and phrases that you would use in real life.

What to do if playback doesn't begin?

If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.

What is a good podcast?

Good podcast writing often includes short sentences, familiar words and lots of verbs. You also want to make sure you're using your ears to edit the story. And finally, when you're ready to lay down that sweet, sweet narration, here's how to sound natural. YouTube.

How to contact Lifekit NPR?

We'd love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email us at [email protected].

image

Planning

Image
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

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9