Do you want to finally create your own podcast? But you don’t know where to start?
Creating your own podcast isn’t really that difficult anymore. In this step-by-step guide, I will explain everything in a simple and understandable way.
Starting from the concept to the equipment to the podcast hosting.
Let’s get started right away 🙂
What is a podcast?
A podcast is a word made up of the words “iPod” and “broadcast”. A podcast is usually a series of recorded audio broadcasts.
It can either be a regular show or a series of interviews. Podcast listeners have subscribed to their podcast in their podcast app and receive a notification when a new episode is released.
Why should you start a podcast?
Podcasts in the still strongly growing market. In the following graph, you can see that almost 20% of Indians listen to podcasts.
There are other reasons why podcasts are so successful:
Easy to consume
The great thing about a podcast is that they are easy to consume. Listeners can easily listen to a podcast while they are busy driving, cleaning, or on their way to work.
Simple and cheap to produce
Producing a podcast is very cheap and has a low barrier to entry. You can also create a podcast simply by taking your smartphone and recording with it.
However, if you want to podcast regularly, it is recommended that you have professional material.
Build community
A podcast is something very personal. A listener consciously chooses to listen to your content from you as a person. That’s why a podcast is a great way to show off your expertise in a certain area.
Either you have the expertise yourself or you invite a podcast guest to interview. By sharing your expertise, you can build a relationship of trust with your listeners. You can use that trust very well to build a community.
Generate leads
Podcasts are now also suitable for generating leads. If you offer products or services in the niche, you can offer them through your podcast.
The listeners can gain trust in you and you can in turn convert these listeners into potential customers.
How do I start my own podcast? The step-by-step guide
Next, I want to introduce you to how you can easily create your own podcast with this step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Create a podcast concept
You should have a clear idea of the genres of the podcasts you intend to create before we even get there.
Solo Podcast – Create a podcast where you are the only person in front of the mic talking about a specific topic. This indicates that you have superior knowledge in the subject matter and are able to present it in an engaging manner.
Co-host – In addition, you can of course create a response that fits two people. A podcast with two people is usually more dynamic and interesting. Plus, it always gives two different perspectives on a topic. This is also the listeners usually more interesting.
Interviews – If you want to launch your own podcast but don’t have a dedicated channel in the co-host role, you can still invite guests for an interview. Many of our interviewees are pleased whenever we secure a venue for them to expand their areas of expertise.
You get to hear from fascinating visitors on a wide range of topics, and you can always grow your own community using the insights of your guests.
Step 2: Find a niche for your podcast
If you know what kind of podcast you want to create, you probably already know the niche you want to occupy.
If I were you, I would still do quick research so that you can make sure that there is a demand for that topic.
You can do some initial research on iTunes, for example, and see if there are any podcasts in that area already.
You always have to keep in mind with a podcast that most of the time, a podcast is found by category in the podcast platforms. So only a few listeners will come across your podcast by chance.
If you’re doing a podcast show then you either need to have some expertise yourself or you invite an expert on the subject.
For this, of course, you should also learn how to create good interviews.
Step 3: Find a podcast name
Once you’ve decided what niche you want your podcast to be in, it’s time to come up with a name.
Either the podcast has your name or the podcast is a fancy name, using the niche. The name of your podcast is an important part of branding your podcast.
Step 4: Create a podcast artwork
The cover art you use for your podcasts is another part of your podcast’s identity. Your podcast’s logo (the artwork used to represent the show) is a key identifier. If you label your podcast art appropriately, listeners can easily locate it on podcast hosting sites.
To see this in action, check out the “Fiverr stir-up case study,” which demonstrates how easily and affordably a podcast’s artwork can be made on the site.
Step 5: Create Intro and Outro
Of course, you can also outsource the creation of an intro and outro for your podcast.
The intro should briefly explain what the listener can expect in your podcast. You can easily create intros and outros on Fiverr.
Step 6: Plan and structure your show
Once you’ve thought of a name and have artwork, you should plan the first shows. Think about what the theme of the episode will be, whether you will have a guest or do the episode alone.
You should also think about a guideline that you will follow. Otherwise, you may quickly stray from the topic and your listeners may get bored.
It’s also important that the topic you come up with sums up the content of the podcast well. This gives potential listeners a chance to understand what the podcast episode is about. If your episode is simply titled “Episode 1,2,3 etc.”, that title doesn’t add any value.
At the beginning of a podcast, it’s also helpful to let the listener know what to expect in the podcast.
At the end of your podcast, you should let the listener know what to expect from your podcast in the next episodes. This way, most listeners are curious and will listen to your podcast the next time.
Step 7: Edit your podcast
After you’ve recorded your podcast, it’s time to edit the podcast. Cut out all the unnecessary parts and add your intro and outro. You can also add advertising if you have an advertising partner. Once you’ve created your podcast, it’s time to edit.
Step 8: Shownotes
Make a transcript of your podcast, or ShowNotes. The Shownotes contain everything of importance regarding the show’s topic or guest. That way, it will be immediately clear what has been discussed and what has not.
In addition, if you have more than one website, it’s a great method to direct your audience to additional material.
Step 9: Hosting
Once you’ve made the edit, you can publish your podcast episode to your podcast hosting. Remember to upload the show notes to your podcast hosting platform so your viewers can find all the links and information they need.
Step 9: Hosting
Once you’ve made the edit, you can publish your podcast episode to your podcast hosting. Remember to upload the show notes to your podcast hosting platform so your viewers can find all the links and information they need.
Step 10: Offer your podcast on all platforms
Try to offer your podcast on as many platforms as possible. Everybody is looking for their podcast on different platforms Spotify, Google Podcast, iTunes etc.
Be present on all platforms. Especially if you use podcast hosting, you can easily have this uploaded automatically.
Step 11: Transcribe your podcast
You should definitely transcribe your podcast as well. This means that your podcast, which you have recorded audio, is transcribed in text font.
This gives you the possibility that search engines like Google can recognize the content of your podcast as text. So you have the possibility to find potential readers via Google.
Step 13: Advertising
A podcast also needs to be promoted. Either you have a website where you advertise your podcast. Also, if you’re brand new to podcasting it’s always good to do collaborations with other podcasters.
Become a guest on other podcasts yourself and then share the link to your website. This way you can also tap into the reach of other podcasters.
What do you need for the podcast?
If you don’t see your podcast as just a hobby, but would like to pursue it a bit more professionally, you should invest in good equipment.
You can certainly start recording with a smartphone if you’re not quite sure if a podcast is right for you.
This is the hardware you need:
Microphone
To ensure that the sound quality of your podcast is good and looks professional, you should use a professional microphone. I can recommend the Rode Procaster if you really want to use a professional microphone.
If you want a more affordable solution, the Blue Microphones Yeti USB microphone is recommended.
Microphone stand and holder
So that you don’t have to hold the microphone and can move it flexibly in front of you, you should use a microphone table mount. This way it won’t stand around on your table and you can use it whenever you need it.
As a holder, I can recommend the Røde PSA1 articulated arm stand. You also need a microphone holder, here I can recommend the Røde elastic microphone holder.
Pop screen
A pop screen is a filter that you place in front of your microphone so that air surges are not transmitted to your microphone when you speak. As a pop screen, the microphone pop filter pop screen is recommended.
Mixer
If you are using a professional microphone such as the Rode Procaster, you will need a mixer. The mixer is the control unit for the sound between your microphone and your computer. I can recommend the Focusrite Scarlett Solo as a mixer.
If you use a USB microphone like the Blue Microphones Yeti USB microphone, you don’t need an additional mixer,
This is the software you need:
Podcast hoster
In order to create a professional podcast, you need a podcast host. The podcast hosting provider stores the audio file for you and is like a homepage for your podcast.
I can recommend the podcast hosting provider Buzzsprout or Podbean.
This platform also gives you the ability to easily upload your podcast to various podcast platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcast.
You also have the ability to use these platforms to analyze and optimize your podcast episodes.
Editing software
With the editing software, you can edit the recorded podcast episode. So you can cut out parts where you have said unnecessary words 🙂 Also, in your editing software, you can insert the intro and outro of your podcast.
How can you make money with your podcast?
Making money just from podcasting is not really easy. There are very few exceptions like Joe Rogan who is very successful with podcasting. You basically have two ways to make money directly with the podcast.
Either you have an ad that you get paid for. Or you have links to products that you recommend via affiliate marketing. If listener makes a product purchase through that link gets his commission.
The easier way to make money with a podcast is to build a community through your podcast. This way you can prove your expertise and then in a second step you can either offer physical products, digital products, or even coaching.
Conclusion
A podcast is a great way to share your knowledge with others and build a community. If you use a podcast correctly, it can be a great way to generate new customers and retain existing ones.
I hope I could explain to you in this blog post what steps you need to take to create a successful podcast.