Creating a Successful Podcast | Easy Steps for Beginners

Podcasts are becoming increasingly popular as tools for getting news or staying entertained. Podcast audiences keep growing and are estimated to have increased by more than 175% over the past five years. There are presently more than 90 million people paying attention to podcasts each month. Starting a podcast is an effective way to reach this growing audience. 

Are you interested in initiating a podcast but don’t have a clue how to begin? You shouldn’t have to be a technical expert or have tons of money to create your podcast. This guide offers a step-by-step walkthrough on how to establish a flourishing podcast. Additionally, if you’re looking for a full-service podcasting solution then we recommend you check out Podcast Rocket.

• Plan Well and Find Your Niche 

Have you decided on your theme and who your intended hearers are? A critical stage in preparation for your podcast is to determine your niche. This will be contingent on why you are creating the podcast. You could be a blogger, a business person, or a marketer. Whatever your area, podcasting is a great way to generate authority and offer target addressees enjoyable and appreciated content. 

Already, there are loads of podcasts in existence, meaning that they cover almost every topic. This should not discourage you because there is still room for creativity. You just need to find a topic and spin it according to your taste. 

Ask yourself the kind of audience you intend to reach and narrow your topic appropriately. Remember to choose an angle for your content that is engaging and interesting. 

• Choose a Good Name 

The next important step is to find a name with which your audience can identify. The first naming option is to pick something clever. However, while considering this alternative, consider that your audience will still need to search and find your content. 

Even if your topic is clever or catchy, you may need to describe part of the title. There is no use putting content out there if no one can find it. 

The second option for labeling your show is picking a descriptive name. This alternative is searchable but may seem boring to some. From the name, audiences can quickly determine what the content is about. You could run a few options on a rephrase website to see what exciting ideas come up. 

You could also use your name for the podcast. However, this can only be successful if you already have ready hearers and your name is the brand. Even then, remember to incorporate some details into the name. Something like — Swimming Insights with Jane Blue — could suffice. 

• Organize the Gear You Will Need 

Before you start creating your podcast, consider whether you are prepared to commit to the project. Successful podcasts require considerable effort and investment. Since they are primarily audio, most people assume that podcasts are easy to produce. 

However, in truth, producing podcasts is time-consuming, especially when you are just getting started. Also, podcasts tend to be more successful when released regularly. They may be fun but still demand a considerable effort.

Before you start working on your podcast, record the materials you will need. A good microphone will be a worthy investment. Listeners can tell when you use a low-quality microphone. You could also purchase a portable XLR recorder, especially if you are using an analog microphone. Other things you may require include an audio interface, a computer or laptop, software for editing audio, and pop filters. 

• Start Recording and Uploading 

The layout you decide on for the podcast is a personal decision and will depend on who you involve. Podcasts can take many formats, including call-ins, guests, one-person shows, and cohosts. 

The best way to organize your show by rehearsing beforehand, deciding what you intend to say, and creating an outline. There may be no need to create a script as long as you have a general outline that defines your direction and the topics you intend to touch. 

Once you have finished planning and have decided on the basics, it will be time to commence recording your chapters. Assuming that you have already gathered your equipment and software, get started as soon as you are ready. In terms of software, you can choose between Audacity, Adobe Audition, and Alitu. 

Once you have recorded your session, edit and revise it to make sure that it is ready for the audience. If you are ready to spend some cash to perfect your content, it is always advised to have a professional edit the recordings for you. After that, find a place to host the MP3 files you create. Options include Podbean, Soundcloud, Podomatic, Fireside, Libsyn, and Amazon S3. 

Here, we have offered a few tips on how to produce a thriving podcast. As excited as you may be about wanting everyone to hear what you have to say, make sure to perform thorough editing. Also, consider recording several episodes before submitting them to your audience.