How to start a Podcast

If you want to start a podcast, then you are at the right place. Here, you will get step-by-step guidance to start your podcast. Starting a podcast can be an exciting and rewarding way to share your knowledge, thoughts and ideas with the world. With the rise of podcasting, it’s easier than ever to start your own podcast. Whether you’re a business owner, a blogger, or just someone with a message to share, podcasting is a great way to connect with an audience and build a community.

Here are the key points to for starting a podcast-

1. Choose a topic that you are passionate about and that you think will interest your audience.
2. Plan your content and decide on the format of your podcast.
3. Record your audio using a quality microphone and recording software.
4. Edit your audio using audio editing software.
5. Choose a hosting platform for your podcast.
6. Create show notes and an RSS feed for your episodes.
7. Promote your podcast on social media and other platforms.
8. Keep creating consistent content and engage with your audience.

How to Select a Topic for your Podcast

When selecting a topic for your podcast, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Passion: Choose a topic that you are genuinely interested in and passionate about. This will make it easier to stay motivated and produce consistent content.
2. Audience: Consider your target audience and what they are interested in. You want to choose a topic that will resonate with your listeners and keep them engaged.
3. Unique angle: Try to find a unique angle or perspective on your chosen topic that sets your podcast apart from others in the same niche.
4. Relevance: Choose a topic that is relevant and timely. This will help to attract listeners who are interested in the topic and keep them engaged.
5. Suitability for podcasting: Consider if the topic is well-suited for podcasting. Some topics may rely heavily on visual elements and may not be as effective in the audio format.
6. Potential for growth: Consider if the topic has potential for growth and if there is a large enough audience interested in the topic.
7. Research and validate the topic: Research and validate your topic by talking to people in your niche, listening to other podcasts in the same niche and check the search volume and competition on the topic.

By keeping these key considerations in mind, you can select a topic that is both interesting to you and your target audience, and one that will allow you to stand out in the podcasting world.

Additionally, it’s important to consider if the topic you have chosen is well-suited for the medium of podcasting. For example, while a topic such as photography may not lend itself well to podcasting as it relies heavily on visual elements, a topic such as mental health, sexuality, or a guide for visually impaired individuals may be better suited as it allows for in-depth discussions and personal narratives to be shared.

When starting a podcast, it’s important to keep in mind that podcasting is a powerful method of communication. It allows for a personal connection to be made with listeners, and the audio format can be particularly effective in conveying emotions and personal stories.

Once you have finalized your topic, you can move on to the next step in starting a podcast, which includes planning your content, recording your audio, editing your audio, choosing a hosting platform, creating show notes and RSS feed, promoting your podcast and engage with your audience.

How to Choose an Effective Name for Your Podcast

When starting a podcast, choosing a name for your show is an important step in establishing your brand and building an audience. A good podcast name should be catchy, memorable, and reflective of the content of your show.

Name plays a vital and interesting role in making the communication effective. So, once you finalize the topic for your podcast, you have to set a name for it. Try to name it in such a way that people can relate it to the content, and it should be easy to remember. You can also do a check with Google for the name availability in the database, as it can help you in future to rank your podcast in different domain.

Do remember, your podcast name is the first contact towards your listener group, so it should be catchy as well as connecting. To make sure your podcast name is effective, consider the following:

1. Keep it simple and easy to remember: Avoid using complex or hard-to-spell words in your podcast name.
2. Reflect the content of your show: Your podcast name should be reflective of the topic and theme of your show.
3. Avoid using generic or overused words: Avoid using generic or overused words that are common in podcast names such as “the,” “podcast,” or “show.”
4. Make it unique: Try to come up with a unique name that sets your podcast apart from others in your niche.
5. Keep it short: A shorter name is easier to remember and more likely to be shared by listeners.
6. Consider SEO: The name of your podcast should be easily searchable on various platforms, so consider using keywords that are relevant to your niche.
7. Test it out: Once you have a few options, test them out by asking friends and family for feedback, and choose the one that resonates the most.

By following these tips and best practices, you can choose a name for your podcast that will help to establish your brand and attract listeners.

How to Select a Format for your Podcast

When starting a podcast, one of the important decisions you’ll need to make is selecting the format of your show. The format you choose will depend on your goals for the podcast, the type of content you plan to share, and your target audience. It’s important to consider the ‘why’ behind your podcast, as well as the ‘whom‘ you are trying to reach with your content. Audience mapping is an important factor in selecting a format, as it will help you design the structure of your podcast to best serve your target audience.

What is Podcast Format

There are several different formats to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to consider your audience and the type of content you want to create when selecting a format.

Monologue

A monologue format is presented by a single person, typically in the form of storytelling. This format is popular for storytelling podcasts, where a single narrator narrates the story with voice modulation. Audiobook narrators also often use this format to create a deeper connection with their listeners. Poetry is another popular content type that often uses this format.

Talk Show

The talk show format is popular in radio and podcasting. It involves inviting experts on a topic to discuss it in an interview format. This format is popular among many top podcasts, such as the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, in which Joe Rogan interviews a guest in every episode.

Chat Show

A chat show format involves inviting a group of people to discuss a relevant topic. You can design questions to guide the discussion and create a call to action for your audience.

Drama

Drama is an older format that is still popular today. It is often used by storytellers to create engaging content. This format can be a monologue where a single narrator enacts all the characters, or it can involve multiple actors. It requires some supervision during the recording process to ensure intonation and dramatic nuances are captured correctly. After recording, it can be treated with sound design to create a dramatic aural experience.

Documentary

The documentary format is popular among broadcasters and requires extensive research. This format involves documenting a topic through audio, such as interviews and voxpops, and editing them in a structured way to create a call to action for the audience.

Magazine

An audio magazine is a podcast that has a variety of content types, such as talks, discussions, interviews, reviews, music, and drama. This format is popular among many podcasts, such as the “This American Life” podcast, which can be found here https://www.thisamericanlife.org/. It provides a way to keep the audience engaged by providing different type of content in each episode.

So, these are few formats which you can use for your podcast. Try to choose a format that will best suit your audience and the type of content you want to create. Remember to keep your focus keyword as starting a podcast while you write

Once you finalize your podcast format, the next step is designing a thumbnail for the podcast

How to design a Thumbnail for podcast

Once you have selected the format for your podcast, it’s time to move on to the next step – designing a thumbnail for your podcast. A thumbnail is the visual representation of your podcast, and it plays a crucial role in catching the attention of your potential listeners. A well-designed thumbnail can make a huge difference in the number of listeners you attract.

When designing a thumbnail, it’s essential to keep in mind that it should be visually appealing and should reflect the content of your podcast. If your podcast is about photography, then use an image related to photography. If it’s a talk show, then use an image of the host or the guests. The thumbnail should be easily recognizable and should be able to convey the essence of the podcast.

In addition to this, you should also ensure that the thumbnail is of high resolution and is optimized for different devices. This will make sure that the thumbnail looks good on different platforms and devices, and it won’t get distorted or pixelated.

When it comes to the size, most podcast hosting platforms recommend a size of 1400×1400 pixels, but it’s always best to check the specific requirements of your hosting platform.

Lastly, you can use free tools like Canva, Adobe Spark or GIMP to design your thumbnail.

Here’s a tutorial link for Canva:

Here’s a tutorial link for Adobe Spark:

Here’s a tutorial link for GIMP

When starting a podcast, a visually appealing thumbnail is crucial in attracting listeners and making a strong first impression. Designing a thumbnail may seem daunting, but it can be done in just a few minutes using a variety of free tools and software such as paint or Canva. Even if you have little to no design experience, these resources make it easy to create an effective thumbnail for your podcast.

Designing a thumbnail for your podcast is an important step in attracting potential listeners and making a strong first impression. One tool that can help you with this is Canva. It is an online graphic design tool that offers a wide range of templates and features that can assist you in creating visually appealing artwork for your podcast. To use Canva , you can sign up with your email and access it from your web browser or by downloading the Canva app from the app store. Canva also offers a Pro feature, which provides additional design options to help you take your thumbnail to the next level.

Once your design art is ready for your podcast. The next is –

How to record your Podcast

To record your podcast, you will need a few basic tools such as a microphone, headphones, and a computer or a smartphone with a recording software.

For the microphone, you can start with a USB microphone or a headset with a built-in microphone. These are affordable options that work well for beginners. It is important to have a good quality microphone to ensure the audio quality of your podcast is clear and crisp.

Next, you will need a pair of headphones to monitor the audio while recording. This will help you to hear any background noise or echo that may occur during recording.

Lastly, you will need a recording software. There are many free recording software options available such as Audacity, Garageband, and even the voice memo app on your smartphone. These software’s provide editing features, such as cutting and pasting, volume adjustments, and noise reduction, which can help to improve the overall quality of your podcast.

Once you have all your tools and software set up, you can start recording your podcast. Make sure to test your equipment before recording and to record in a quiet space to avoid background noise. Also, do a few test recordings to get familiar with your equipment and software. Remember to speak clearly and at a moderate pace, and make sure to edit your podcast before publishing.

Best Microphones for Podcasting

When it comes to recording a podcast, the microphone you use is an important factor in determining the quality of your audio. A microphone is a device that converts sound waves into electrical signals, which can then be recorded or transmitted. There are various types of microphones available, each with their own unique features and characteristics. In this article, we will discuss the best microphones for podcasting and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Choosing the right type of microphone for your recordings is crucial. Two types of microphones are normally used:

1. Dynamic Microphone: This type of microphone captures less room echo, and ideal for home setup with minimum acoustic treatment and good for podcasting.

2. Condenser Microphone: These microphones are very sensitive mic, majorly used by studios to record voice over artists, captures room reverb & outside noises very easily. It gives high end saturated sound quality, should only be used in proper and partially treated & less noisy conditions.

Suggesting Some Microphones

Maono AU-A04

The Maono AU-A04 is a professional, large-diaphragm condenser microphone that offers exceptional audio quality. It features a cardioid pickup pattern, which provides superior sound source separation and feedback rejection. The microphone also boasts ultra-low noise and a transformer-less FET input, which eliminates low-frequency distortion. This makes the Maono AU-A04 an ideal choice for podcasting and other audio recording applications.

Behringer C-1

The Behringer C-1 is a professional, large-diaphragm condenser microphone that is known for its outstanding audio quality. It features a cardioid pickup pattern, which helps to provide excellent sound source separation and feedback rejection. Additionally, it has an ultra-low noise, transformerless FET input that eliminates low-frequency distortion. This microphone is often used for podcasting, recording music, and live performances. It is considered as one of the best budget-friendly option for podcasting and recording purpose.

Samson Technologies C01

The Samson Technologies C01 is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone that is designed to provide high-quality audio recording for a variety of applications, including podcasting. It features a cardioid pickup pattern that helps to isolate the sound source and reduce feedback, as well as ultra-low noise and distortion for clear, accurate sound reproduction. Additionally, the C01 is easy to use and comes with a variety of accessories, making it a great choice for podcasting beginners and professionals alike.

JBL Commercial CSUM10

The JBL Commercial CSUM10 is a high-performance, unidirectional boundary microphone designed for professional sound reinforcement and recording applications. Its condenser capsule provides clear and accurate audio capture, while its cardioid polar pattern reduces background noise and feedback. Additionally, it has a built-in preamp for easy connection to a mixer or other audio device, and a switchable low-cut filter to reduce unwanted low-frequency noise. It is a durable and reliable choice for any podcast recording setup.

Samson Q2U

The Samson Q2U is a dynamic USB/XLR microphone designed for podcasting, streaming, and home recording. It features a cardioid polar pattern for capturing sound in front of the microphone while minimizing background noise, and a built-in headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring. The Q2U is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers, and can be used with a variety of software programs for recording and streaming.

Audio Technica AT2020

The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a condenser microphone designed for home recording, podcasting, and streaming applications. It has a cardioid polar pattern that captures sound in front of the microphone while minimizing background noise, and has a wide frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz. The AT2020 has a fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized condenser transducer, which provides a high SPL handling capability. The microphone has a durable metal construction and is designed to stand up to the rigors of everyday use. It is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers and can be used with a variety of software programs for recording and streaming.

Shure SM58

The Shure SM58 is a dynamic microphone that is widely used for live vocals, speaking engagements and podcasting. It features a unidirectional (cardioid) polar pattern which helps to minimize background noise and feedback. The SM58 is known for its durability and reliability in live performance settings and it has a built-in shock mount to reduce handling noise. It has a tailored frequency response that is optimized for vocals and its internal pneumatic shock mount system that minimizes handling noise. It is a classic microphone for live performance and it’s a popular choice among singers and performers, as well as for podcasting and other spoken-word applications

Blue Yeti USB Mic

The Blue Yeti USB microphone is a popular choice for podcasting, streaming, and home recording. It features four different polar patterns (cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo) that allow for versatile recording options. The cardioid mode is best for vocals and podcasting, the bidirectional mode is ideal for interviews and duets, the omnidirectional mode is great for group recordings and ambient sound, and the stereo mode captures a wide and realistic soundstage. The Yeti also has a built-in headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring and a mute button for easy control. It’s compatible with both Mac and Windows computers and can be used with a variety of software programs for recording and streaming. The Blue Yeti also has a unique design and a variety of colors to choose from.

Shure SM7B

The Shure SM7B is a versatile dynamic microphone that is widely used for a variety of applications, including vocals, podcasting, and broadcasting. It features a unidirectional (cardioid) polar pattern which helps to minimize background noise and feedback, and is known for its ability to handle high SPL (Sound Pressure Level) and its smooth frequency response. The SM7B has an internal shock mount system to reduce handling noise and a built-in pop filter to reduce plosives. It also has a switchable bass roll-off and mid-range boost for fine-tuning the sound, making it ideal for voiceover work and spoken-word applications. The SM7B is a popular choice among radio and podcast hosts, singers, and other performers, as well as for home recording and streaming.

What is An Audio Interface

An audio interface is a device that connects a microphone, instrument, or other audio source to a computer or other digital device. It allows you to record, process, and play back high-quality audio, and typically includes inputs for microphone or instrument cables, as well as outputs for speakers or headphones.

An audio interface typically includes one or more analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and digital-to-analog converters (DACs) to convert the analog audio signals from a microphone or instrument into digital data that can be recorded and processed by a computer. It also provides phantom power to condenser microphones, and may include preamps and other processing tools.

Some audio interfaces also have MIDI inputs and outputs, which allow for the connection of MIDI-compatible instruments such as synthesizers and drum machines, and also allow for the connection of external control surfaces such as mixing boards.

In summary, an audio interface is a necessary device for anyone looking to record, edit or produce audio content in a professional manner, it enables the connection of professional audio equipment to a computer and allows for high quality audio recording and playback. Suggesting some best audio interface which can be used in podcasting.

Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22

The Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 is a 2-in/2-out USB audio interface designed for home recording and podcasting. It features a microphone preamp with 48V phantom power, which allows you to connect a condenser microphone and record high-quality vocals or other sources. It also has a 1/4-inch instrument input for connecting a guitar or bass, and a stereo RCA output for connecting to speakers or an external recorder. The interface includes a built-in headphone amplifier for monitoring your recordings and a mix control for blending the input and output signals.

The UMC22 is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers, and can be used with a variety of software programs for recording and streaming. It also comes with a copy of the Tracktion T7 DAW software.

In summary, the Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 is an affordable audio interface that provides basic features for home recording and podcasting, it includes a microphone preamp and an instrument input, and it is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers.

M-Audio M-Track Solo

The M-Audio M-Track Solo is a compact, USB audio interface designed for home recording and podcasting. It is equipped with a single XLR/TRS combo input and a stereo RCA output, which allows you to connect a microphone or instrument, and monitor your recordings. It features a high-performance, 24-bit/192kHz audio resolution that provides professional-grade audio quality. Furthermore, it also includes a built-in headphone amplifier for monitoring your recordings and a mix control for blending the input and output signals.

The M-Track Solo is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers and can be used with a variety of software programs for recording and streaming. It also comes with a copy of the Waveform OEM software.

In summary, the M-Audio M-Track Solo is a compact audio interface that provides basic features for home recording and podcasting, it includes a single XLR/TRS combo input and a stereo RCA output, and it is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers.

Focusrite Scarlett Solo

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo is a compact, USB audio interface designed for home recording and podcasting. It is equipped with a single XLR/TRS combo input and a stereo RCA output, which allows you to connect a microphone or instrument, and monitor your recordings. It features a high-performance, 24-bit/192kHz audio resolution that provides professional-grade audio quality. It also includes a built-in headphone amplifier for monitoring your recordings and a mix control for blending the input and output signals.

The Scarlett Solo is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers and can be used with a variety of software programs for recording and streaming. It also comes with a copy of the Ableton Live Lite, the Pro Tools First Focusrite Creative Pack and the Softube Time and Tone Bundle.

In summary, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo is a compact audio interface that provides basic features for home recording and podcasting, it includes a single XLR/TRS combo input and a stereo RCA output, and it is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers. It also comes with a bundle of software that can be used to enhance the recording experience.

PreSonus Studio  24c

The PreSonus Studio 24c is a 2-in/2-out USB-C audio interface that is designed for home recording and podcasting. It features two combination XLR-1/4″ inputs for connecting microphones or instruments and two balanced 1/4″ line outputs for connecting speakers or an external recorder. The interface also includes a built-in headphone amplifier for monitoring your recordings and a mix control for blending the input and output signals.

The Studio 24c is equipped with high-performance, 24-bit/192kHz audio resolution which provides professional-grade audio quality. It also includes a class-compliant mode for iOS devices and a USB-C bus-powered design which means it requires no external power supply.

The Studio 24c is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers and can be used with a variety of software programs for recording and streaming. It also comes with a copy of the Studio One Artist DAW software and the PreSonus Sphere membership service which offers access to the PreSonus’ Studio Magic Plug-in Suite.

In summary, the PreSonus Studio 24c is a compact audio interface that provides basic features for home recording and podcasting, it includes two combination XLR-1/4″ inputs and two balanced 1/4″ line outputs, and it is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers. It also comes with a bundle of software that can be used to enhance the recording experience.

Record your podcast with your mobile phone

Recording a podcast with your mobile phone is a simple process that can be done in a few steps:

1. Choose a recording app: There are many apps available for both iOS and Android that allow you to record audio on your mobile phone. Some popular options include Voice Recorder, Easy Voice Recorder, and Audio Recorder.
2. Set up your recording environment: Make sure you are in a quiet room with minimal background noise. You may also want to use a microphone that connects to your mobile phone to improve the audio quality.
3. Start recording: Open the recording app and press the record button to start capturing your audio. Speak clearly and at a consistent volume to ensure the best quality recording.
4. Edit your recording: After you have finished recording, you can use the editing features of your app to trim out any unwanted parts of the recording.
5. Export your recording: Once you are happy with the final recording, you can export it as an audio file to your phone’s internal storage or upload it to a cloud storage service such as Google Drive or Dropbox.
6. Publish your podcast: You can use a podcast hosting service like Soundcloud, Spotify, or Anchor to host your podcast episode. Then you can share the link to your podcast episode with your listeners.

It’s worth noting that the audio quality of the recording will depend on the microphone of your phone and the ambient noise of the environment you are recording in. To get better audio quality, you can use an external microphone to your phone via a TRRS jack or use a USB-C or Lightning to USB audio interface.

How to edit your podcast

Recording in a clean environment and minimizing interruptions during recording can save a lot of time during editing. Additionally, using a good quality microphone can also help to improve the audio quality and make editing easier.

GarageBand and Audacity are both popular, free audio editing software options for Mac and Windows, respectively. Both offer a variety of editing tools, such as trimming, cutting, normalizing, and adding effects.

Here are some basic steps to follow when editing your podcast:

1. Import your audio: Open your audio editing software and import the audio file of your podcast episode.
2. Trim the beginning and end: Remove any unwanted silence or noise at the beginning and end of your recording.
3. Cut out mistakes: Use the editing tools to remove any mistakes or unwanted sections in your recording.
4. Normalize the audio: Use the normalize function to make sure the audio levels are consistent throughout the episode.
5. Add music and sound effects: Add background music or sound effects to enhance the listening experience and make your podcast more engaging.
6. Export the final version: Once you are happy with the final edit, export the audio file in a format that is suitable for podcasting, such as MP3 or AAC.
7. Add ID3 tags: ID3 tags are metadata embedded in the audio file that contain information about the episode, such as the episode title, artist name, and cover art. These tags help listeners identify your podcast episode when they are browsing through their podcast library.
8. Add chapters marks: If you want to make your podcast more interactive, you can add chapter marks that allow listeners to navigate directly to specific parts of your episode

After editing your podcast, it’s important to export it in an appropriate format for podcasting, such as MP3. Be sure to name the file properly, and include relevant information such as the episode title and your podcast name.

Hosting your podcast is the next step, you can use a hosting service such as Soundcloud, Spotify, or Anchor to host your podcast episode. These services provide you with a RSS feed that can be submitted to popular podcast directories such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. This will make it easier for listeners to find and subscribe to your podcast.

It’s also a good idea to have a website for your podcast, where you can provide more information about your podcast, such as show notes, episode transcripts, and a way for listeners to contact you.

How to host your Podcast for free

You can host your podcast in many ways. Just like the website hosting – you can host your podcast by setting up a website through a website hosting provider, but it may cost you few grants, There are several ways to host your podcast for free. Some popular options include:

Anchor

Anchor is one of the free podcasting hosting platform where you can create your podcast easily. It gives a feature to record your podcast directly in to it. Once you have your podcast file ready, you can upload it in anchor episode wise. Anchor also helps in podcast distribution and monetization too. Al though the monetization is limited to few countries.

Hubhopper

Hubhopper is also one of the hosting platform where you can host your podcast free. It also has option to record and edit your podcast directly . Once you host your podcast over hubhopper you can distribute your podcast with rss feed.

Podomatic

Podomatic is one of the popular hosting platform in podcasting hosting. It gives option for free hosting, but it has storage limit. If you want to expand your podcasting journey, you may need to opt for the paid plan.

SoundCloud

SoundCloud is one of the oldest hosting platform for music hosting. Later as podcast started booming, podcaster started hosting podcast too. In SoundCloud you can host up to hours.

Podbean

Podbean is one of best hosting provider and been in the leader in the podcasting journey. They also support in designing a theme page for podcast. In free hosting you will get a limitation in storage space but as a beginner you can begin your podcasting with podbean.

BuzzSprout

BuzzSprout is one of the top podcasting hosting platform. The best part is their ease interface which helps your hosting seamless. As a free plan, it provides hosting for 90 days.

YouTube

YouTube as we all know it is one of the leading OTT platform in the world. You can use YouTube as podcast hosting too. Many famous podcaster use YouTube as hosting as it supports them in free storage and monetization too.

Instagram

Instagram started as an image centric social platform. But according to time, it significantly modified its interface for the users. If you are beginning your podcast then you also start it from Instagram as it will help you standout differently

Once you host your podcast, you are almost at the final stage of STARTING YOUR PODCASTING JOURNEY!

Do make sure once you start podcasting, make it regularly as it will help you to create and trust and better relation with the audience which will help you to grow in long run. Most top podcaster used to stream their podcast weekly.

If you are beginning your podcast journey, this free guide is sufficient and resolve your searching question ” How to start a podcast free”. If you need any additional help and support, you write to us at info@thepodcasting.org (Our team will help you with your podcasting journey)

HAPPY PODCASTING!!!