Ah, how to start a podcast? Good questions! I have been active in the podcast world now for two and a half years. It is definitely something that from the outside looks more complicated than it truly is. If you really want to bootstrap it, you can probably get going with things you have in your home right now!
Do you have a smartphone, computer, internet connection, and something to discuss? If so, you are ready to get started. Yup, it’s that simple. That’s all it really takes to start a podcast. Here are a few things to consider when starting your award-winning show.
Do you have an idea for a podcast? If so, you might think you can start recording, but it’s best to have a plan of action. You should think about the following:
We have already touched on what equipment you minimally need to start your podcast. Let’s dive into that a bit:
At the most basic level, you can record your episodes with the voice recorder on your cellphone, and just upload them from there. that being said, investing in some audio equipment will increase the quality of your show. Around six months into my podcasting career when I realized that it was not just going to be a passing phase, I knew it was time to invest in some real equipment. The purchase of equipment for a new hobby or vocation can be overwhelming. I know it was for me. I’m surprised that my Amazon account did not get limited or suspended with all the purchasing and returning that I was doing. In the end, my research and trial by error brought me to a setup that I am thrilled with. You can click on the links below to find out more about each product that I use.
Some of the audio interface options allow you to record directly to your computer; others allow you to record to an SD card. If you use a phone, you can record directly to an app.
There are both free and paid recording and editing software options out there including Audacity, GarageBand, or Adobe Audition. Basically, you are going to plug your audio interface into the computer, and then plug your mics into the interface. Hit record, and then start talking!
If you make mistakes, don’t worry about it. You have to edit after you record no matter what. Some of the things to look for when editing include awkward silences, any weird background sounds, mistakes you have made, etc. When finished, you can then save your file and export it…but first, you must know about distribution.
Before publishing, it is best to have a few episodes in the hopper, as new listeners who like it will want to listen to the next episode immediately. On top of this, it gives you a little wiggle room to create unique content.
A distribution/hosting service hosts your files for listeners to download, and then it creates an RSS feed that a podcatcher, such as iTunes, can read. All distribution and hosting services pretty much do the same thing, but you might want to do some research to determine which best fits your needs. Here are some to consider:
If you have a WordPress website, you can use what we use; Seriously Simple Podcasting.
Once your files are hosted, you have to sign up and submit your RSS feed to podcatchers. These include:
Finally, you have to get the word out about your podcast. Just because it’s out there, that doesn’t mean that people are going to listen. You should make sure to promote your podcast on social media sites, for instance. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and blogs are all great options.
With this information, you now have all you need to start your first podcast. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions that you might have. Wishing you the best of luck!
