Some of the questions on everyone’s mind when they’re new to this podcasting game are:
“What do I need to start a podcast?”
“Do I need expensive equipment to get started?”
“Where will I publish my podcast?”
“Is podcasting even worth it?”
And “Is podcasting an effective way to build your brand?”
So I’ll make sure in this episode you’re gonna learn all about podcasting, We’re gonna go deep into it, we’re gonna talk about why podcasting, how to get started, what minimum equipment you’ll need and much more.
Podcasting is a really interesting medium it’s much different from the other mediums that are out there today you think about blogging you think about YouTube you think about social media these are great platforms that have been around for a while but guess what podcasting has been around for a while too.
But what’s really interesting about podcasting is that it’s an audio-only medium and because it’s audio-only certain things can happen…number one in my most favourite thing about podcasting is the connection you can make with the people who are listening.
It’s just a different content consumption experience because of where we are and what we’re doing when we’re listening to the podcast in moments like that we can’t consume video we can’t read blogs but we can consume audio actively.
Podcasting is booming right now, more and more people are listening in. It’s a cost-effective way to deliver content to an audience and develop brand awareness for yourself or your business.
Huge companies like Google, Apple and Spotify are coming up with new tools and enabling monetization for podcasters, companies are also spending lots of revenue advertising on shows and getting you in front of these audiences.
Even though Podcast is not a business platform it is a means by which you can build a business on. It is a platform to attract an audience it’s a platform to build super fans it’s a platform to have advertisers be attracted so that you can perhaps use that as a business model.
If done right, there are many advantages to starting your own podcast—
- You will reach new unexplored audiences from different parts of the world,
- Podcasting is less crowded and competitive when you compare it with blogging or being a YouTuber
- Podcasting helps you build an online community
- And greater intimacy and loyalty among them
I’ve been podcasting for some time now, and it has completely improved my presentation skills and also changed my business, and my life.
Now I can properly articulate my thoughts and it got easier for me to increase awareness and educate my clients and my audience. And it’s also an awesome way to create my personal brand.
So, podcasting has been great for me. With that said, I remember how difficult it was to get started. I made an announcement back in mid-2019 that I am about the start of my very first podcast. Unfortunately, I didn’t come out with my first episode until March 2021. That’s more than a year and a half later!
Why it took so much time to get started with my podcast: Two reasons
- Because I was sceptical, and
- I didn’t know where to start
Let’s talk about reason #1 a little bit.
The reason I was sceptical because change is scary and getting out of my comfort zone is even scarier.
I read somewhere that being scared and sceptical before starting something big is good. Self-doubt for artists and entrepreneurs is actually a sign that this is important to you, and it’s something you should push through to do.
So even though I thought I didn’t have a good voice, or I am not good enough or experienced enough or why would anyone listen to me when there are so many experts out there in every field, I started.
Yes, it’s new. Yes, it’s scary. But yes, when I started I believed podcasting will open up new opportunities for me and my business! And that’s exactly what happened.
So, the best time to start your podcast is now. Even when you think you are not ready even when you think you have no one to listen to your podcast. Just start. Just press record and I promise things to get pretty easy pretty fast and you will improve exponentially.
Now, reason #2 — I didn’t know where to start
Like I said I was not a big fan of the sound of my voice. I didn’t have a microphone. I have no idea what’s involved in getting audio recorded and edited. I didn’t know what to say and which topics I should focus on.
But eventually, I figured it out and in this episode; I will share my experience and give you a checklist that will outline all of the steps you need to do to get your podcast started.
After completely listening, this episode you find that surprisingly it takes less than you think to get started as a podcaster. So let’s start with the first thing on the list. Shall we?
Make a Commitment
The first thing you need is a commitment. Fix a date when you will publish your first podcast episode. But make sure the date is not too close or too far away.
Pick a Niche
To find your niche first find your core identity, you need to understand who you are and what you’re trying to achieve. Your vision, mission, and values should be kept in mind.
Pick a topic that you won’t get bored of in few months that’s why you should pick a niche where new developments occur every day. This will give regular topics to talk about on your podcast.
Think of a Name
Now think of a name for your podcast:
Brainstorm and come up with random names and create a list of brainstormed names. You need to do a free association of words about things in your Niche.
Check the availability of your best name ideas- Check if it’s not already being used by anyone. Do domain names search, check Facebook pages and other social media platforms, Google search the name.
Test it by asking people what they think about the names you have shortlisted, which one they like better.
The Name of your podcast is one of the first things people see, even before they listen to a single word of your show. So obviously, this is a really important decision.
For example, people generally use their brand name, and then words like “podcast,” “radio,” “show,” or another modifier to differentiate it a bit. Make sure it means something and not just some random words that have nothing to do with your podcast.
I named my podcast Outcome theory Podcast because I want to talk about things that bring outcomes to my listener’s in business or life in general.
Describe your podcast
Now, in this step write a descriptive paragraph about your show to your audience.
After they make their way to your public site, this will be the description they read to decide whether or not they want to listen to you
This is where you have mention important keywords. Whatever keywords and key phrases your target audience may use to find content like yours, include those words in your description.
Let’s talk about Your Podcast Format
This step is important to answer few crucial questions about your podcast format.
Is it going to be an interview-style podcast or just you sharing your thoughts with your audience?
How often will you publish your podcast?
How long your episodes will be?
Get your podcast artwork created
A podcast artwork is a square image that represents your show. It is probably the first thing a new audience will see on the podcast directories before reading your podcast description or listening to your podcast.
So make sure it’s creative and appealing to your audience. You can get it created by a graphic designer or you can create it yourself in Canva by using its free templates for podcast covers.
So, just to recap quickly.
First, commit then pick a niche and a name for your podcast. After that write a description of what you want to talk about in your podcast. Next, decide on a suitable podcast format and get your podcast artwork created.
So, we have talked about all the important things that you need to do before launching your podcast.
Now let’s talk about recording, editing and publishing your show
First, you need necessary Podcasting Equipment
Remember, you don’t need expensive studio equipment to start a podcast!
For Microphone I recommend the Samson Q2U or Audio-Technica ATR2100x both are USB Dynamic Microphone.
Personally, I like dynamic microphone because they are front-firing with good rejection, meaning it picks up your voice clearly without the unwanted sounds in the atmosphere. They are great for noise cancellation if you don’t have a soundproof room.
Blue Yeti and Rode PODMIC both are also very popular I haven’t used them but you can check them out as well. If you don’t want to invest much you can go for Maono AU-A04 or Boya BYM1 to get started.
Next, you will need a microphone stand, a Shock mount to reduce vibrations being picked up on the mic, and a Pop filter or windscreen to reduce B & P sounds from blowing air into the mic
Recording and editing your podcast
Install your microphone in your shock mount and on stand or boom arm. Install your windscreen. Connect your microphone to your pc or laptop with a USB cable.
Install your editing software (Garageband or Audacity will work—both free!)
After Installing open the editing software and set up your new microphone as an input device.
Now you are ready to record your first episode.
Remember, content is and always will be the most crucial aspect of a podcast. Without content, there is no podcast. So spend time on creating better content.
And don’t think you just have to hit record and get it all done in one seamless take. You’re going to mess up. You’re going to have to re-say lots of things. You’re going to have awkward pauses.
So, you must learn basic audio editing. Don’t worry you can easily learn it from Youtube in a couple of hours.
Record and Save your episode with your file name. Make sure from your audio editor, you export your podcast episode as an MP3 file.
Now finally we will talk about publishing your podcast
This is where it gets a little tricky.
Most people think you just record and upload this MP3 file directly to podcast directories like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify, in the same way, you’d upload a new video file to YouTube.
But nope, that’s not how it works.
To get your podcast posted on various podcast directories you will need a podcast hosting platform, like Anchor.fm, Podbean and Buzzsprout.
Anchor.fm is a free podcasting host and I use the same for this podcast.
Paid podcasting platforms provide better features like advanced podcast statistics to track your progress, Automatic episode optimization, they also make your podcast more accessible with transcriptions and other important features.
When you upload your first episode on the Podcast hosts they automatically submit your podcast to podcast directories like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon music, etc.
Your podcast host creates a feed for you automatically, which adds all the necessary code around all of your episodes.
So when you check your podcast on these directories, you will see all the proper titles and descriptions, and hear the right audio file to go along with them.
These directories automatically update themselves when you post a new episode on your podcast host.
It may all sound very technical but is simple. You publish your podcast on your podcast hosting let’s say anchor and then anchor will connect your podcast with a directory like Apple podcast with an RSS feed and it automatically updates itself from thereon.
Getting your podcast up and running is a job half done. Once it’s up, how do we get people to find it?
Utilize your network and share your podcast with your audience (via your email list, social media) and ask them to subscribe.
Some final tips I have for you after you launch your podcast
- Be consistent
- Pick a day of the week for recording.
- Ask your audience for what they want to hear
- Read a lot and learn new things to better your content and speaking skills
Podcasts can help your brand reach an entirely new audience,
And starting one may seem difficult on the surface but if you follow these tips that I have mentioned today you may be well on your way to become a successful podcaster.
I post a NEW EPISODE EVERY MONDAY – So make sure you subscribe to my podcast.
Visit – Divyanshuchaturvedi.com to know more.
For any queries reach me through:
—
Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/outcometheorypodcast/message
