Podcasts are as popular as they've ever been and creating one might seem like a great way to promote your brand, interests or ideas.

But how do you start one? 🧐

Just before we get into the how-to section of this article, it's important to note that we've slowly entered the rush hour of podcasts.

If you take a little walk down the memory lane, you'd find that in the 90s, most families had a TV viewing schedule that they stuck to like hot glue.

Image Source: MarketingProfs

However, all of that changed when digital streaming snuck into the scene, and today, we have podcasts, thankfully.

What's The Big Deal About Podcasts? 👨🏾‍💻

Let’s admit it: almost everyone you know is starting a podcast.

Now, here's the puzzling question: why? Why are podcasts so popular? Is it one of the weird millennial trends that no one can wrap their heads around?

Absolutely not.

For starters, podcasts are a great way for people to unwind, have fun and garner knowledge all in one scoop.

However, apart from the fact that they are fun and groovy, podcasts are also a great content marketing tool. As a brand owner, you can get your audience to fall in love with your brand by using the right podcasts.

Imagine if you had thousands of listeners who eventually converted to customers. Wouldn't that be awesome?

If you've ever wondered why it seems like everyone is going crazy over podcasts, here's the reason in a nutshell: podcasts are more than just noisy episodes you listen to just to pass time.

They are fun, educative and can double as marketing tools for your brand.

How to Start a Podcast: A Step-By-Step Guide 👏🏼

So, here it is. The header you've been waiting for. How on earth do you start a podcast, especially if it's your first time? We're here to help.

Whether you're a freelancer trying to wade into the murky waters of podcasting or a tech expert looking for ways to share your knowledge, this step-by-step guide will make the process easier for you.

Let's get into it 👏🏼

Stage 1: Designing Your Podcast

This is the first step you have to take when it comes to any podcast setup. Here, you have to handle all the nitty-gritty details of your podcast, including its name, episode structure and so on.

Choose a Podcast Name and Topic 💁🏻‍♀️

Before you hop right into creating a podcast, you have to select a topic. What will your episodes revolve around? Football? Lifestyle?

When selecting podcast topics, it's important to choose a topic you're really passionate about. This way, creating each new episode won't feel like you're being led to the slaughter.

Once you've chosen a topic that your audio brand will revolve around, you'd need to create a podcast name.

Even though this seems like the most basic thing to do, it can be as tricky as a spider's web. You have to be as creative and witty as possible. Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect name for your podcast episodes:

  • Watch out for duplicates: If you've already chosen a name for your podcast, there's a huge chance that it may have been taken already. Do a quick search online to make sure there's no podcast with the same name out there. If there isn't, you're one lucky chap. If there is, select a different name.
  • Think creatively: When it comes to finding the right name for your podcast, it's important to let your creative juices flow. Don't be scared to use puns or humor when crafting a name.
  • Be descriptive: Try to use descriptive names such as "Fashion Weekly". Names like this can be easily identified by your target audience and as such, can increase your streaming numbers.
  • Use your name (optional): If you're already popular or your name has a tiny slice of fame, you could include your name in the podcast's title. For instance, a name like "The James Buntley Show" has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?
  • Avoid the word "podcast" like the plague: Ever found a dried up, goo-covered ball of mucus on a desk? Treat the word "podcast" like that ball of mucus. Avoid it. Even though there's no capital punishment for using the word "podcast" in your title, it may come off as cliché and would not earn you any special recognition.

Plan and Structure the Episodes 🎬

So you've gotten the perfect podcast topic and name. What's next? Well, the next step would be to plan and structure your podcast.

For many podcasters, it's easier to just let the discussions on each episode flow without attempting to create a structured format. This way, the episode will seem more natural and less uptight.

However, this method doesn't necessarily work for everyone. Decide what works for you. If you prefer structured episodes, then by all means go for it.

What really matters is your audience's experience. Are they enjoying the episodes? Are there musical breaks to ease the strain of long periods of talking? You may want to look into that.

Handle the Artwork, Logo and Music Design 👩🏻‍🎨

Video Courtesy of BuzzSprout
What's a podcast without an accompanying artwork or logos?

An artwork will help to shape your listener's perception of your audio brand. For instance, when you see a giant "M" sign, what comes to your mind? Definitely McDonald's.

With the right artwork, you can make your podcast visually appealing and create the right brand perception in the minds of your listeners.

When it comes to creating a logo or artwork for your podcast, you can either hire a graphic designer or go the DIY path with apps like Canva.

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, it's time to go on to the second part: the music.

Your podcast needs a recognizable sound more than pizza needs cheese. You definitely want people to recognize your podcast once they hear the intro sound.

You can either record your own sound with free music making software or hire someone else to create music for you.

Choose a Release Schedule 📅

This is the final step of  the design phase. Here, you get to decide how often you want to release each episode. This mainly depends on your audience and the structure of your podcast.

You could either release it weekly, biweekly or monthly.

The most important thing to consider when crafting your release schedule is your audience's personal schedule.

Can it fit into the daily buzz of their lives? Once you've chosen the perfect release schedule, ensure you stick to it and stay consistent.

You don't want to let down your listeners.

Stage 2: Getting Your Podcast Equipment Ready

This stage can be a little tricky for beginners who know next to nothing about podcast technology. How do you find the right podcast software? Which microphones or recording tools are the best?

Let's find out the answers to these questions.

Get A Podcasting Microphone 🎙

If you're an avid fan of podcasts, you can definitely tell the difference between episodes recorded with a phone's in-built microphone and the ones recorded with a professional mic.

It's just like putting a child's scribblings beside Michealangelo's paintings. The difference is so clear it's almost embarrassing.

If you're trying to dish out quality, professional sounding content, you have to start by getting a good podcasting microphone.

At this point, you may be thinking to yourself: "Why should I get a microphone when I can edit the podcast to make it sound better?"

Well, there's only so much you can do with an editing software. After all, it's a software, not a fairy godmother. Your microphone determines whether your podcast would sound professional or like a voice note recorded in a noisy toilet 🚽

Worried about how much it would cost to get a good microphone? Relax. A standard microphone is actually pretty affordable.

If you're looking for a good microphone that's pocket friendly, you could try out the Samson Q2u or the like.

Get A Pair of Headphones 🎧

So you've gotten a podcasting microphone. Unfortunately, it doesn't end there. You'd also need to get a decent pair of headphones.

Wearing headphones would help to improve your presenting skills and reduce the chances of any recording disasters.

For instance, if you'd be using hard plosives such as "p" or "b", there's a huge chance that it would result in a harsh, ear grating sound.

With headphones, you can easily identify when the sound quality is too harsh and then make necessary adjustments.

As a beginner, you can start off by using any regular headphones you currently have. However, as time goes on, you will need to invest in quality headphones suitable for studio productions. Here's a list of great headphones to get you started.

Record Your Podcast 💻

Now that you've gotten all you need for your podcast, it's time to actually record. To record your podcast effectively, you'd need to find and install a recording software.

Finding a recording software is actually pretty easy because app stores are filled with them. The only hitch is choosing one that meets your needs and requirements.

Most recording software or apps come with subscription plans that you'd need to pay for.

On the other hand, if you look hard enough, you'd find some free ones too. It's advisable to go for the paid ones as they are typically more efficient. After all, nothing good comes for free 🤷🏻‍♀️

However, if you're working on a really tight budget, you could go for free ones.

Edit Your Podcast Thoroughly 🙌🏽

Just before you push your podcast out there, it's important to edit it until it's as perfect as a diamond.

Editing your podcast isn't just about adding music and exciting sound effects. You'd also need to tidy up the audio and cut out any unsatisfactory parts.

Make sure you cut out any background noise, awkward long pauses and unnecessary fillers.

You may decide to use professional, paid editing software for this bit. When you're ready to edit, try out apps like Audacity or Alitu.

Stage 3: Adding Finishing Touches 👏🏼

Once you're done editing and making sure your podcast is ready to be pushed out, it's time to put everything together. Start by generating an RSS feed.

This will help you submit your episodes to podcast directories such:

Google Podcasts

Apple Podcasts  

Spotify

You can also use a podcast host to make the process easier for you. Most podcast hosts help you to generate an RSS feed.

This way, you won't have to sweat about the hassles of submitting podcast episodes to popular directories.

Stage 4: The Launching Stage 👀

This phase is so exciting you’re practically rubbing your hands in glee. At this stage, you get to finally launch your podcast and then wait for reviews. Here's what you need to do:

Record the Trailer 🎬

Video Courtesy of YouTube

If you've ever seen a movie trailer, you'd definitely understand why it's important to write and record a trailer for your podcast.

It sort of gives your audience a chance to try out your podcast before they actually download the episode. Whether you're creating a narrative podcast or a descriptive one, an interesting trailer is the icing on the cake.

This way, your listeners would get a glimpse of what each episode is about and anticipate it with glee.

Think of it as an appetizer before the main dish.

Once you've recorded the trailer, make sure you advertise it on all social media platforms.

Upload The Podcast 👨🏾‍💻

Now that you're done with the basics, it's time to upload your podcast to Spotify or to any other suitable directory. Upload the audio with the right subtitles and episode title.

This way, you can give your listeners the best experience possible.

Pro Tip: When it comes to podcasting, a great way to grow your audience is through guerrilla email marketing. This way, you can ensure that your content gets to as many people as possible.

Conclusion 💁🏻‍♂️

Creating a podcast in 2021 may not be the easiest thing to do, especially if it's your first time.

However, this guide will help you create the perfect podcast that your listeners would fall in love with.

As long as you have a clear goal in mind when creating your podcast, you'll to do just fine. In the same vein, try not to overthink the editing process.

It takes a while to achieve perfection, so if you don't get it right the first time, a few more tries would do the trick.

Closely monitor your podcast's success. From the number of active listeners to the streams on each episode, you'd be able to rate how well your podcast is doing.

If you find out that your numbers are dropping, you could carry out a survey to find out what your listeners prefer and love about your episodes.


This article was written by James Baxter. James is a professional ghostwriter, editor and blogger, who loves sharing his experience and knowledge with readers. He is especially interested in marketing, blogging and IT. James is always happy to visit different places and meet new people there.
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