How to start a podcast in 2024 (5 steps) |
If you're passionate about telling stories and sharing information, or getting to know your audience Podcasting can be a fantastic opportunity for creators to make your voice heard. However, getting your podcast in motion can be a bit daunting. Fortunately, it's much simpler than you might expect.
In this post We'll show you the five steps needed to start a podcast.
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Step 1. Concept and branding
The main thing is the concept. What's the concept for your presentation and who's the intended public? This is often the toughest first step in the beginning It's therefore a great idea to take some time and brainstorm several concepts, angles or ideas. After that, try to determine if you can break each potential idea out into episodes.
Find something you can discuss for a long time
Did you know that many podcasts cease after seven episodes? Find a topic which can support more than seven ideas, in order to make sure your podcast "has legs" and that you are able to continue broadcasting for as long as like!
This is going to be a mix of finding your ideal listener, finding out who you'd like to speak to and determining what it is you've got to say.
One famous question is: "What could you talk about without preparation? without notes and for just 15 minutes?"
It can be a great suggestion. However, it's not the only approach to think about an idea for a podcast. If you've got something you're keen on discussing and a vision to take the podcast past 7 episodes, this could be the right fit.
Choose an appropriate title
When you've come up with a plan you're happy with, the next step is to think of a title for your show. Great podcast titles are catchy and memorable. Think of that someone tells a friend about your show: is the title simple for them to remember and share?
Find some cover art
Also, you'll need a cover design for your show. This helps people choose whether to listen, so it's essential.
- Artwork for podcasts is generally 3000x3000 pixels, but is as easy or complex as you would like.
- You can use free tools for design such as Canva or paid alternatives like Adobe Photoshop, or even go further and employ professionals to design your work.
- It is possible to change your podcast artwork anytime So don't put yourself under excessive pressure to have it perfect right away.
It is possible to have different artworks for each episode, if you'd like!
Step 2. Plan
After your concepts and branding are solid The next step is to write down your concepts. Having a content plan will keep you organized and help you record your sessions more smoothly. Choose the best format of your show such as solo discussion or interviews, story telling or a mix of them all.
You can choose the presentation style you prefer. Certain podcasters employ scripts that are read word-for-word and others use an outline format that is bullet-point. There's no correct or incorrect and you should just choose what works best for you and your show.
There's plenty of software and apps to help you to organize your work, but a cloud-based app like Google Docs or Apple Notes that can sync between your devices is ideal because you can access your show ideas anytime and then add them to or modify them on several devices. Google Docs is great for collaboration if you're working with your cohost or a group of people.
Do not stress over proper formatting too much at this pointJust make sure that it's clear for the other people involved in the production.
If possible, write multiple episodes for the project to get it going in the right direction. Again, the more time you devote to your planning process it is, the simpler things will go.
Step 3: Production
This is the perfect moment to get started and record your performance!
It is at this point that you may feel a little overwhelmed by all of the choices available when it comes to equipment and software. Keep it basic!
If you prefer watching this instructional video to set up your audio for podcasting.
If the only device you've got is a smartphone, you can use a Voice Memo or recording app which basically creates an audio studio from the hands of your.
But if you want to take things further, there are some essential things to think about in relation to the equipment you use.
There is no need for a grand studio however, purchasing a high-quality headset, microphone and recording software can significantly improve your podcast's sound quality. You should ensure that you choose an area that is quiet for recording to reduce background noise.
Here are some possibilities for microphones:
USB Mics
USB microphones are the simplest method to improve your sound quality. They connect to your computer (or maybe a tablet or phone) and permit you to create audio recordings using the program you prefer.
There's a myriad of amazing USB microphone options available however, one of the best options can be Sennheiser Profile. Sennheiser Profile. It's affordable, sounds incredible and comes with all the features you'll need to alter your sound without needing to dive into the settings of your computer and menus. This is a fantastic choice for a solo podcast. There's an 3.5mm headphones output in the back of the unit for a monitor.
All headphones perform, but a great set of headphones is the RODE NTH-100's as they're extremely comfortable and give a very accurate sound that helps me dial in audio that is a good fit on many different speakers and devices.
XLR Mics
If you're working alongside a host or guests, or you just want to take your audio production to the next level and that's when XLR microphones can be found. These are microphones designed for professional use which require mixers or an interface to work. It is the Shure SM7B is a renowned broadcasting and podcast microphone however other choices like the Lewitt LCT240 and Rode Procaster also sound incredible and are a bit more cost-effective.
A basic interface, such as the Focusrite Vocaster Two will permit you to connect two or one XLR microphones directly to your computer, while more advanced mixers like the Rodecaster Pro will let you connect multiple microphones, create effects, or even record internally without the requirement of an additional computer.
Recording apps
There are quite a few recordings apps for free, like GarageBand and Audacity which can more than suffice for creating top-quality podcasts. Paid programs such as Logic Pro or Adobe Audition allows you to take your podcast to the next level if you'd like, but don't have to be.
As you record, try your best to speak clearly and confidently. Don't hesitate to display your individuality. Pause if you have to! After recording, you'll use editing software to cut any mistakes or pauses, therefore don't get too harsh to yourself if you're making errors. Remember, even a few natural hiccups can create a more authentic podcast. real.
Step 4 editing
Once you've filmed your performance, it's now time to make changes!
Editing is a technique that you'll develop over time, but it's pretty basic It's basically cutting out any egregious mistakes and adding interesting components such as sound or music clips or even making a few modifications to the audio to help things sound their most appealing.
How much you tweak your show is entirely dependent on you. Some people do little to any editing, whereas other create layers upon layers of edited audio. There's no correct or incorrect way to do it in any case, however, if you're just beginning out, it's recommended to stay simple.
If you're adding music, be sure that it's legal for you to utilize the music. The subscription of the royalty-free music services could be a worthwhile investment. Artlist or Epidemic Sound are two options however there are a lot of choices available.
Once you're finished editing the show, save it to the .wav or .mp3 file. You can choose either, but .wav files tend to be a little higher quality and .mp3s take up less space.
Now that you've got your show recorded and edited, it's time to share your show all over everyone around the globe!
Step 5: Hosting & Distribution
Sharing your podcast requires a podcast hosting service. Once again, there are numerous options on the market, both free and some paid.
A podcast host allows you to upload the file of your show and be able to send it out to all of the various podcast directories, including iTunes Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and more.
Each podcast host can help with the submission process to various directories. The process is very simple however, it can vary little depending on the host.
- Platforms for hosting that offer free hosting such as Spotify for Podcasters let the sharing of your podcast, view analytics, and even make money through advertisements for no cost!
- Paid hosting platforms offer all that along with a an additional premium customer service as well as analytic tools.
It's always a good suggestion to explore the various podcast hosts to find out which one offers the best features to meet your requirements. I've been using Buzzsprout for many years and cannot recommend them highly enough However, the Spotify for podcasters is a great option for anyone searching for a no-cost host.
You can change the podcast host at any time and you can choose whatever you think is the best option for you at this moment.
When you've picked your preferred podcast provider, it's time to upload your episode(s), add description and art work, then upload your podcast! The episodes can be published immediately or plan them ahead. Some people record and schedule entire batches of episodes all in one go.
Wrap up
It's that! You're now officially a podcaster! Make sure to share your podcast with the world, and engage with your listeners and as you grow consider monetizing your show as well.
The key elements of a good podcast include passion, determination, and a willingness to improve and learn along the way. Thus, get started and be the voice you are the world.
If you're looking to turn your podcast into an online community try giving Mighty an opportunity. You can mix communities and content by combining courses as well as live events and commerce- it's the perfect platform to connect podcasters to one another.
Test it for without cost in 14 days!