Podcasting has become a popular way to share your ideas, opinions and stories with the world. Whether it’s interviews, music or comedy-based podcasts, there’s something for everyone. Starting your own podcast can be a great way to express yourself and connect with new listeners from around the globe!
Hosting a podcast is easier than you think.
The truth is that podcast hosting is a relatively easy process. You can get started today with little more than an internet connection and an idea for a show.
While starting a podcast doesn’t require any special equipment or training beyond knowing how to use software like GarageBand or Audacity, building an audience takes time and dedication from both the host(s) as well as from listeners who share their love of a particular show through social media posts or other means of promotion.
So how do you get started? The first step is to come up with a show idea and a format that can be replicated on a regular basis. Once you have that, you’ll want to find some equipment to record your podcast.
There are many different types of recording equipment, with prices ranging from free to several hundred dollars. The simplest way to start a podcast is by using your smartphone or tablet as a recording device. In order to do this, you’ll need an app that allows you to record audio and video like Voice Recorder Pro for iPad (free). This app has all the basic features you need including an option for saving recordings in MP3 format so they can be played back later on any computer or portable music player.
Why should you podcast?
Podcasting is a great way to share your knowledge, get feedback on what you’ve learned, connect with people who are interested in the same things as you and build a community. Many people start a podcast as a way to share their expertise or help others. Others start podcasting because they want to build their personal brand and become an authority in their field. Whatever your reason for starting a podcast, there are lots of benefits!
Start with a smaller goal.
One of the best things you can do as a beginner is to start small. The more you grow, the more complicated things will be. Once you’ve started with a smaller goal and worked up from there, you’ll have more experience under your belt—and the confidence to tackle bigger goals in the future.
The first step toward creating your podcast is getting started—but when it comes time for your first episode and plan of action, don’t get overwhelmed by all of the different steps and options available! The easiest way to approach podcasting is to break down everything into simple steps so that even someone with no podcasting experience can get started without feeling lost or overwhelmed by all there is left for them to do once they’ve chosen their topic or niche.”
Decide on your content
Once you’ve decided that starting a podcast is for you, the next step is to figure out what kind of content do you want to share with your audience? Do you have any experience or expertise in a specific field? What’s something interesting about yourself or something that has happened recently that would make for interesting listening?
A lot of people start their podcasts by asking themselves: “what’s my passion?” and then thinking about topics that back up those passions. If this sounds like something that resonates with you, then go ahead and take care of this first! Just remember that there are other ways of approaching this as well; don’t stress too much if it doesn’t click right away.
Once you’ve decided on the topic(s) of your podcast, move on to answering some more logistical questions: how many episodes will be produced per month/year? How often should they come out once they’re uploaded (daily/weekly)? What format will be used (audio only vs video)?
Find the right equipment
The first thing you’ll need to do is find the right equipment. The bare minimum for a podcast is a microphone, headphones, and a computer with editing software.
A good microphone can make or break your show—just like how clothing can make or break an outfit. You want something that will sound clear and professional without picking up too much background noise or interfering in any way with what you’re saying (like making it echo). The best way to determine if a mic works well is by listening to samples online before buying it—you’ll know what kind of quality you should be looking for!
Write a kickass introduction
If you want to give your podcast a great start, write a kickass introduction.
It should be short and sweet. It should introduce yourself and your podcast. It should be creative and unique (and hopefully not annoying). And it needs to do one more important thing: hook the listener!
The best way to hook listeners is by giving them an idea of what they’ll be listening to. Give them a brief overview of the topic or theme of your show so they know what to expect—and so that they don’t hit “unsubscribe” before the first episode ends!
Be yourself
You should be yourself, don’t try to be someone else’s podcast. Don’t try to be like other people’s podcasts, because you’ll never be as good as they are.
If you’re not comfortable in front of a camera or microphone, it’s okay! It takes time to get used to it. You just have to practice, practice, practice and that’s all there is too it!
Stay consistent
You will find that if you stay consistent and keep at it, you will begin to get results.
It’s okay if your podcast doesn’t take off right away. It can take time for people to find your show, but once they do, they are likely to come back because there is a relationship between them and the host or hosts of the show.
You needn’t be afraid when setting up a schedule for your podcast either. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself by trying to do too much in one episode or week; just focus on putting out an episode each week (or whatever schedule works best for you).
Start your podcast today, with these steps in mind
- Set a smaller goal.
- Decide on your content.
- Find the right equipment.
- Write a kickass introduction.
- Be yourself, but also stay consistent.
We hope these tips have helped you on your way to starting your own podcast! If you’re still feeling unsure, remember that podcasting is a skill—just like any other form of communication. You won’t get it right at first, but with practice and persistence, your work will get better and better. And if you’re looking for inspiration from some amazing podcasts out there in the world today? Well then sit back and listen up!
Looking to start your own podcast? Have questions about what equipment you will need, where to find a specialty host, connecting with your audience, or just where to start? Reach out to the Quiet Warrior, Tom Dutta by submitting a Critiq request and he will give you professional personalized feedback on your questions and plans.
Featured Expert
Tom Dutta
I help people become Thought Leaders. You have a story to tell. I transformed myself from CEO to Public Speaking, Author, Radio, Podcast, Film, Elite Educator
