5 Steps to Starting a Financial Podcast in Your Spare Time

Maybe you work in the finance world, maybe you don’t, but you have gained a great deal of. knowledge and experience when it comes to finances. People have told you before that you have a voice for radio and that you should start a podcast on the side. 

The idea is not a bad one. A podcast is a form of teaching that can help you learn as well but it can also turn into a little cash on the side if you start to get a wide audience and get some sponsors for your podcast. Of course, the key is that you have to broadcast regularly and provide quality content, including guest appearances and more. 

How do you get started podcasting about finance in your spare time? Here are five steps.

Choose your Software

There are all kinds of podcasting software and sound editing software out there, from professional programs to those that are free and open source. Of course, there are a few that are commonly used and stand out from the rest. 

  • Audacity: This is a free and open source sound editor that is probably one of the best on the market in that category. Editing tools are powerful, and with a little coding knowledge you can customize the program to fit your exact needs. There are also plugins available that make this software work better, and it is hard to go wrong with this simple program.
  • Hindenburg Journalist Pro: Rather than being designed to record music and adapted to do voice, this program is designed for radio and Does exactly what podcasters need it to do best. One of the most prominent features is the auto-leveler, which keeps vocal levels consistent, and the Voice Profiler, which auto sets the equalizer for each voice in the podcast.
  • Adobe Audition: A part of the Adobe creative suite, this is a full featured audio mixing program that is used by many podcasters and radio journalists alike. There is a learning curve, but with a little effort you can develop a quick system for podcast editing, and you have all the features you could hope for at your disposal if you need them. 
  • Pro Tools: Another full-service audio program, Pro Tools comes in three versions, free, a pro, and an HD version that is supposed to be one of the best audio programs out there. Like Adobe, there is a small learning curve, but many features make this one of the most desirable software packages out there. 

From free to full on pro, there is software out there that will help you get your podcast going. 

Set Up Your Studio

You will need a place to record, and while you can use a second bedroom or your office, you will probably need to make some modifications to it in order to make it work best for you. This means everything from a good microphone to sound proofing panels. 

You don’t have to do everything at once, but high-quality sound matters, and while you can cut out annoying background noises using software, keeping them to a minimum will benefit you the most when it comes to the time and effort you spend editing. 

There are different quality microphones too, from simple USB plug in mics to full on audio interface microphones. The better mic you have, the better your initial sounds will be. If you have guests, they each need their own mic, or you need one that is omni-directional and high quality. 

Of course, this and setting up sound reflecting and soundproofing will cost money, but in the long run it will be worth it when your podcast takes off. 

Practice Makes Perfect

Practice your podcast a few times before you start. Especially at the beginning. It is good to be able to “wing it” but a general script and questions along with time limits for answers will really help each broadcast be the best it can be. 

The other thing you can practice is audio editing. The more you edit, the better quality sound you will have, and practice sessions help you hear common background noises, audio habits you can edit out, if a chair is squeaking and needs oiled, or if there are other sounds that can’t be prevented. 

The practice is what will set your podcast apart from the rest, letting you start with a much more professional and polished broadcast. 

Do Your Research

Your podcast is only as good as your information and the education you provide. While you may be well versed in some financial areas, others may be vaguer for you. For example, you might know a lot about the credit card industry but have a limited understanding of the value of personal loans and what they might do to an individual’s credit score. It is easy, however, to do research and find out. 

If you do not know a topic as well, consult an expert. Consider even having them as a guest on your show. Finances are a delicate and vital area in most people’s lives, so take it as seriously as you can, and understand the impact your advice can have on their lives. 

Market

Lastly, if you want your podcast to take off and really reach others, you will have to market it even in your spare time. This means time spend on social media, setting up paid ads, boosting posts, and more. You will need to develop a marketing strategy that works for you. 

Remember, you have to invest money to make money, and the same is true with podcast marketing. Some of the financial advice you give you will have to take to heart yourself in order to save the money you need to invest in this venture. 

This is also a good topic for your podcast. Many people struggle with business financing, and it is a popular topic among entrepreneurs. 

You can start a financial podcast in your spare time. You will just need to take some key steps to get started. Use this guide as a place to jump off from, and happy broadcasting to the world!

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Scroll to Top