Podcasting is all the rage right now, and everyone is jumping on this train to listen to everything from true crime, comedy, and even self-help shows. Because of its popularity, it is a great time to start a Podcast if it is something that's been on your mind. Let's get started! Something about listening to someone else's conversation but not having to put any energy into it is intriguing.
Before you start recording, make sure you have the basics to launch your podcast.
Podcast Theme & Name
All podcasts have a theme to help form conversations and make it easier for someone to choose to listen to yours. As mentioned above, you can talk about a wide variety of topics and themes. Be creative and try and think outside the box, but make sure you're picking something you care about and have a passion for. It can be increasingly challenging to continue to talk about something you aren't that interested in or have little knowledge of. Most of all, you want your listeners to be engaged. Here's a list of some popular themes:
- True Crime
- Podcasts based on TV shows with a huge following.
- Interviews with interesting people.
- Fitness
- Parenting
- Relationships
- Book Clubs
- Seriously, this list could keep going.
Once you've chosen a theme, have fun and pick a name! Although you want to be creative and catchy, you also want to make sure your podcast name isn't too long.
- You can keep it simple and have it just be your name. Example: The Vanessa Show
- Use something that describes what exactly is you're discussing on your podcast. The Pop Culture Hour
- Or, try something creative. POP!hour
After you've chosen a podcast name, another good thing is to think about a tagline. Example: POP!hour - Where pop culture comes alive!
After you've established your brand, it's a good idea to ask friends and family for their opinions. My suggestion, stick to asking 3-5 people. Any more than five could result in way too many ideas that will cloud your brain. You want thoughtful input but, you also don't want to get confused. However, you still need a handful of opinions. Sometimes one isn't enough.
Logos & Photos
Hire a graphic designer to create a logo for you after a name and niche are picked. Not only will you need a logo but, you'll want channel and episode cover art to look professional. An excellent place to start is choosing a color template you like best and taking it from there. If you are hiring this job out, your designer should know all of the art specs. If you decide to create all of this on your own, then here is a guide:
• iTunes requires a minimum size of 1400x1400 pixels and a maximum of 3000x3000, 72 dpi, in JPEG or PNG in RGB colors.
Take this opportunity to take headshots and photos of all the people involved in the podcast. Many listeners like to put a face to a name; it is good to promote yourself with pictures.
Into & Outro Music
Another fun part of launching is picking out intro and outro music. You can easily find royalty-free music through a quick Google search or use Fiverr to have work done.
Purchase the Right Equipment
Investing in the best equipment and software will help your podcast show go a long way.
Create Your Studio
Make sure you have a quiet space free of any outside noise. Something as small as a faint beeping noise will get picked up by your microphone. You want to be able to record your episodes crystal clear. If you have money to spend, you can even think about noise cancellation pads for your walls.
Start Recording!
Well, almost started recording! Before recording, it's best to have an outline. You don't want to write what you plan to say verbatim. An overview of your episode will help keep you on track. If you write word for word what you want to talk about, you risk not having your conversation sounding organic. After you have fully prepped, hit record and have fun!
Make sure to record an introduction to briefly discuss who you are and what you'll be talking about.
Podcast Hosting
Now that the fun part is over, you'll need a host. Podcast hosting services will help get your episodes on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Sticher, and more. Here are a few hosting services, some free and others are not.
- Podbean
- Buzzsprout
- Audioboom
- Soundcloud
Publish Your First Episode
Once you're comfortable and happy with your episode, you will need to submit it to iTunes, Google Podcasts and, Stitcher. The best part, you'll only need to do this part one time, and then your episodes will automatically be added.
Marketing
Now get ready to invite everyone you know to listen to your podcast! Create social media pages to promote your podcast:
Don't get discouraged if your podcast doesn't get many hits at first. Time this time to promote, promote and promote. Invest money into some advertising to help spread your podcast to a directed audience.
This guide should help you better prepare to start your podcast. Take your time, and don't rush things. Make sure you're happy with your brand and feel confident in it. Now go and hit record!
