Podcasting 101: 5 Simple Steps To Start a Successful Podcast

Today’s world is going through a strange and vulnerable period. The economic downfall caused by the COVID-19 hit really gets on nerves. But despite all this, we still have plenty of opportunities in terms of careers. Since not so many of us were born with a silver spoon in mouth, we have to work hard to make our lives better. Lots of people make a decent income nowadays with Youtube blogs, Instagram accounts, online educational platforms, or while doing podcasts.

Is it worth it to start a podcast?

Let’s talk about what it takes to create successful podcasts and launch this business. Why did we decide to tell you about podcasts? Because this is one of the fast-growing industries that remains extremely popular. Edison Research stated that a volume of people who like podcasts grew by about 175% by 2020. Each month over 90 million people listen to podcasts regularly. And this is just a rough estimate only for the US.

Each month over 90 million people listen to podcasts regularly.

What do you need to start a podcast?

There is no need to be an experienced technician or invest tons of money. However, we suggest paying good attention to content marketing because it’s important for expanding a circle of dedicated followers. Okay, so let’s get down to the nitty-gritty on how to start a podcast and get paid. 

In this blog post, we’ll cover the actual process of building audio podcasting. Can anybody start a podcast? To get an answer to this question, look at an outline of some essentials that are good to know before you even start messing around with podcasts:

• Hating the sound of your own voice will make a wrong impression on people and definitely won’t help;
• Being uncertain about the level of tech knowledge you have for the moment and thinking that your skills are too far out of your wheelhouse is not good either. With time you’ll get a good hang of it and will be doing good recordings and easily manipulating with audio files;
• Every time you speak in public, you feel so nervous that your voice shakes? Do something about this problem and get rid of it with special training for overcoming fear of public speaking. Your voice needs to sound with confidence.

Step 1. What basics types of podcasts are out there

Let’s go over some info about the basic types of podcasts. A podcast is basically an audio recording created in a digital format. Experienced podcasters make such audio recordings regularly calling it “new episodes” and posting them on various online resources.

Are podcasts useful and help to grow business?

Podcasts provide an effective way of building and expanding an audience. It is also great for promoting a business website. After mentioning and referring to a website during a show, your chances of driving more visitors to your online store or online business become much greater. Statistics show clearly that over 60% of people would go on the site to make a purchase of something that they’ve just heard about while listening to a podcast.

However, despite new technology heavily involved in this process, podcasts are still just like its predecessors – radio shows or broadcasts. Today’s technology allows us to download and access podcasts on the Internet, as well as on mobile devices.

Three other types of podcasts:

• Video podcasts or “vidcasts“ – unlike regular podcasts, this type consists of visual components like slideshows or actual videos.
• Vlog – a type of blog offered in a video format on YouTube.
• Webcast – a video broadcast offered live on the Internet.

Step 2. Decide what format you want to use for podcasts

Why are people so attracted to podcasts?

There are 2 major reasons for that. First, this is a convenient informational source to get a hold of. Since people can listen to it almost anywhere anytime even on the go, it makes it easy to access and deal with. Now you can access content platforms and listen to podcasts on any gadget available nowadays. Smartphones, tablets, notebooks, computers – anything will work. A second good reason why people like podcasts is that this is something they can access and enjoy without paying money for it.

So, you want to start a podcast. Before diving into the process of creating podcasts, determine which particular format you want to use.

Some popular formats used by podcasters:

• Interview – used for featuring a host who interviews multiple guests and is one of the most common formats.
• Multiple hosts – usually have several different hosts or co-hosts.
• Monologue – most commonly built and centered around a single person and revolves around a single point of view with the commentary-style of a podcast.
• Narrative – mostly concentrates on how the content was delivered with a storytelling approach.
• Mixed or Hybrid – mixes various features of content types that we’ve already mentioned, in most cases takes content from radio or TV shows and uses it for repurposing.
• Scripted non-fiction – a series of podcasts that talk about one particular theme for the whole season.
• News recap – talks about specific industries summarizing news about them.
• Educational podcasts – teach and deliver lectures with scripted non-fiction podcasts.

Before deciding on a particular format to structure your podcast, make sure you have enough content. It doesn’t really matter how long in time your podcasts are going to be – either ten minutes or ten hours. However, the optimal length is  20 minutes to half an hour. The best way to select content is to talk about topics that are inspiring or about anything within the area of your expertise.

Step 3. What equipment and hardware are needed to start creating podcasts

How much does it cost to start a podcast?

What equipment do you need to start a podcast? These are important questions to ask. Before dipping the feet in the process, review some info on what equipment and hardware will be necessary to have. Here comes a surprising twist. Now, it is easy to create podcasts with just an iPhone on hand. Sounds great? Absolutely! How to start a podcast on iPhone? Just keep on reading the post and you’ll get some tips on that.

Let’s get down to our “how to start a podcast” checklist. Some basic equipment needed to start a podcast:

Microphones and special applications – turn an iPhone into the audio recorder that will sound professional by downloading special applications – Spreaker, iRig Recorder, Anchor. Get microphone attachments like Zoom iQ6/iQ7 for having even greater sound quality, which will let you control and monitor sound levels.

Microphones for your PC or notebook – a couple of nice models that worth to look into:

• Blue Yeti – reasonably priced and good for beginners. It is equipped with an excellent quality condenser mic, which makes recordings that are as good as studio-quality.
• Audio–Technica AT2020USB+ – not cheap but has built-in volume control for monitoring a signal coming from a microphone without a delay.
• Samson Go Mic –  this mic is supplied with a special clip that makes it attachable to any PC.

Software for making recordings – you’ll need to use special programs designed for converting completed recordings into MP3 files. Useful programs that we recommend:

• Audacity – easy to use and has premium quality. Find tutorials online and educate yourself on getting the best out of it.
• GarageBand – designed for MacBooks and will let you convert audio recording from a mic into MP3 files.
• Adobe Audition – considered the most powerful software out there.

Software for recording calls – think that there will be interviews included in podcasts? Then you’ll probably need to download a special software used for managing call recordings. Look at some programs that we recommend:

• Callnote – with this program you’ll be recording conversations held through GoToMeeting, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, WebEx, etc.
• UberConference – for joining calls from any desktop or even a phone.

Headphones and pop filters are needed – don’t get overwhelmed by the vast array of headphones and other gear out there offered on the market. Just take a peek at some models that we recommend:

• Sony ZX Series headphones – used while interviewing guests because their speech won’t go through speakers and won’t cause an echo that might occur during the process.
• Sony MDR–7506 – meets all standards and requirements set by the industry.
• Neewer Broadcast Studio Mic Boom Arm – levels a mic and keeps it straight in front of your face. With having this tool, you’ll be moving around easily while doing your podcasting show.
• Pop filter – if you sit too close to the mic and speak right into it, you can make some sort of clicking sounds with your mouth. This tool keeps these kinds of noises from being heard on recordings.
• Zoom H1 Handy Recorder – can keep all your data from disappearing after your computer broke. Since a device is portable, there is no need for a computer while traveling or being away from the studio.

When the time comes for making your recordings, just get all your equipment to start a podcast together, grab a mic and plug it in. Of course, go ahead and click on the “Record” to start your podcast adventure. After you’re finished, turn your recording into an MP3 file, because this format is widely used for playing on nearly all devices.

Step 4. How to start creating and editing podcasts

While recording your very first podcast, start it by sending a welcome message. This is the best way to start a podcast. Let everybody know about your channel. Make an overview of the topics you’re going to cover during your show. Also, don’t be nervous and try to speak naturally. Don’t read everything off the script. You don’t have to sound like an experienced broadcaster to catch the attention. However, try not to sound like an audiobook either.

Create an intro and outro (also called “bumpers”) for your podcast episodes. It will let you add a more distinct personality with some catchy music and nice slogans. Good music can work as a “hook”, so pick music that will establish your slogan. Find some good music online in such places as Incompetech, Audioblocks, and Music Radio Creative. Just remember that resources like such sometimes ask for monthly subscriptions and your music loops won’t be unique.

Good music can work as a “hook”, so pick music that will establish your slogan.

If you feel like your voice sounds weird, don’t freak out. Remember, it takes lots of practice before you get it all right. Rarely somebody likes an actual sound of their voice, so just be patient and remember – it will improve with time and practice. Besides, you can improve your recording with editing, so if something went wrong with having too many gaps or mistakes, it’s no big deal.

Use software for editing that will do the job for you – GarageBand, Audacity, Adobe Audition. These programs let you add intros and outros, get the volume stabilization right, get rid of gaps or dead air, or any mistakes that might’ve happened during the recording of the podcast. Don’t have enough time to mess around with editing? Go to Fiverr or Upwork platforms and search for a freelancer. Once you find an editor, be specific about your style and specify editing requirements.

Step 5. How to find hosting for audio recordings and right channels for promoting podcasts

Once a large number of audio recordings created, from now on start searching for the right host to store your MP3 files online. A web host provides safe storage for keeping MP3 files. Use such popular hosts like Libsyn, which has unlimited bandwidth or go to Blubrry.

Now, let’s say a couple of words in regards to promotion. To promote podcasts, go ahead and submit them to all popular channels, such as Stitcher, Google Play Store, SoundCloud, etc. These are the best places to start a podcast. Of course, don’t forget about such popular and widely used online platforms like YouTube and Spotify. Actually, you can consider as many channels and platforms as you possibly want and use them for distributing. Before contacting and submitting, make sure you got the podcast’s title (always a must), description for your show, all artwork you have created, and added to your channel, anything like that handy for the right promotion.

Go online to learn more about how to start a podcast on Youtube and other popular platforms. Take a look at some online courses offered on the educational platforms that will teach you all tips and hints on how to start a podcast business.