Did you know that 32 percent of Americans listen to podcasts at least once a month?
If you want to pick up a lucrative hobby or gain more exposure for your business, then starting a podcast could be one of your greatest decisions yet. While it does take a lot of work, making podcasts is also fun and rewarding.
Do you need help figuring out how to start a podcast? Keep reading for 10 important steps you’ll need to take to ensure your success.
1. Find the Niche You’re Most Passionate About
Since there are many different types of podcasts out there, it can be challenging to narrow down your options to one niche. Take some time to think about your biggest passions and settle on a subject that you can talk about for hours with ease.
If you choose a topic based on popularity instead of joy, then you’ll notice that all the work you put into your show will feel like a chore.
2. Consider Bringing on a Co-Host
There are pros and cons that come with making a podcast by yourself and having a co-host. While perfectionists may thrive by taking on all the responsibilities themselves, lots of people prefer to invite a co-host onto their show to lighten the workload and create an interesting and natural dialogue.
If you are interested in working with someone else, make sure you can chat with them in an entertaining way. One simple solution to keep the dynamic fresh is to also consider the possibility of bringing on a new co-host or interviewee for each episode.
3. Figure Out How You’ll Prepare for Each Episode
Will your topics require lots of research and fact-checking or will you be able to talk off the cusp and share your own opinions? Are you going to come up with all of the topics or can you alternate with your co-host? You can get a good idea for the topic by researching and reading interesting stories from people around the world, which are available on The Doe.
During this development stage, you’ll also need to ask yourself how often you’d like to release a new episode. Lots of people enjoy tuning in on a weekly basis, but this shouldn’t pressure you into prioritizing quantity over quality.
4. Invest in High-Quality Podcast Equipment
Even if you’re a brilliant speaker, people won’t stick around to listen to your podcast if the quality isn’t great. Thanks to improvements in technology, it’s never been cheaper or easier to buy a wide range of equipment that can turn any space into a professional studio.
From headphones to microphones and sound-proofing materials, it’s worth researching all your options so you can create a dream setup. Make sure any other speakers on your show have good equipment as well so the quality can stay even.
5. Develop Your Unique Voice
It’s tempting to try to mimic popular podcasts if you want to gain success fast. However, one of the main reasons why people tune in to podcasts is to spend time with an endearing online personality.
People have a good ear for authenticity and they’ll pick up on any insincerity. This is why you should be confident that you’re entertaining enough as you are instead of trying to put on an act.
6. Never Underestimate the Power of Editing
Setting aside the time to record each episode can be tricky, so it’s understandable why you may want to skimp or forgo editing altogether. This is especially true for people who aren’t the most tech-savvy.
Editing is as crucial to your podcast as the original audio itself. Editing will allow you to correct mistakes, cut out awkward pauses, add in fun music or sound effects, and adjust uneven audio levels to create a polished masterpiece.
7. Cover All the Smaller Details
One of the most exciting parts about starting your own podcast is coming up with a memorable name. This detail will make the entire project feel real.
You also shouldn’t overlook other details like coming up with an intro, outro, and description for each episode. Your podcast will also look more legitimate by having intriguing cover art to entice new listeners.
8. Investigate Your Monetization Options
While plenty of people are happy to make their podcasts for the pure joy of it, you deserve to be compensated for all your hard work. It’s difficult to make money when you’re new to the podcast scene, but you shouldn’t lose hope that you can turn out impressive profits as your audience grows.
Two of the most common ways that podcasters earn money are by allowing ads on their episodes and by pursuing sponsorships. Researching monetization now will help you make the transition when you gain enough momentum.
9. Choose a Hosting Platform
Once you’re ready to go live, you’ll need to figure out where people will be able to access your podcast. Some of the most popular places that people listen to podcasts are Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Audible.
Since creators aren’t able to upload their episodes to these places themselves, they’ll need to sign up with a hosting platform that can distribute your content on your behalf.
10. Create a Killer Marketing Campaign
Lighthearted and business podcasts alike both require a killer marketing campaign to grow their audiences. From creating social media accounts to paying for advertisements, there are lots of ways to spread the word about your podcast.
The good news is that there are stellar Podcast Companies out there that can help you create the most successful podcast possible. Whether you need help coming up with marketing ideas, editing, scheduling, or more, it’s always a good idea to team up with professionals.
Starting a Podcast Could Be Your Smartest Decision Yet
As you can see, starting a podcast isn’t an impossible feat as long as you’re patient and learn how to prepare. While it takes almost every a while to grow their audience, the right listeners will come with time and you’ll have a blast producing each episode.
Was this guide on creating a podcast helpful to you? Since the tech and business worlds are always evolving, it’s essential to keep up with the latest developments. Bookmark our site and check our blog every week so you can make learning fun.
